The annual India roadshow has become a key platform for connecting South African tourism businesses with the Indian travel trade, helping to boost awareness and drive travel from India in 2026 and beyond
South African Tourism kicked off 22nd edition of its India Roadshow, reaffirming its strong focus on the growing Indian outbound travel market.
The multi-city programme, running from 9 to 12 February 2026, visited Bengaluru and Ahmedabad before moving to Kolkata and Delhi, bringing together tourism partners from both countries to strengthen business ties and promote South Africa as a preferred long-haul destination for Indian travellers.
The roadshow comes after another robust year of interest from Indian tourists, with rising demand for leisure travel, wildlife safaris, luxury stays and adventure experiences.
The programme is led by Mitalee Karmarkar, head of marketing and communications for South African Tourism in the region.
More than 40 exhibitors from South Africa, including tour operators, hotels and destination management companies, are participating in the event
Exhibitors are engaging with Indian travel agents and industry stakeholders to showcase their offerings and share plans for the 2026 travel season
The programme is led by Mitalee Karmarkar, head of marketing and communications for South African Tourism in the region.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Karmarkar shared her perspective about roadshow and said, “India continues to be a priority growth market for South African Tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel. Indian travellers today are also planning differently, using AI-powered tools to research and customise their trips, travelling more occasionally, and showing a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. This shift in traveller behaviour reflects a more confident and curious audience, and it opens up new opportunities to highlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa.”
Commenting on India market, she said, “Delhi remains one of South Africa’s most important source markets in India, with travellers from the city showing strong intent for diverse, premium, and experience-led travel. These travellers are well-informed, globally exposed, and increasingly confident in exploring long-haul destinations that offer a mix of culture, wildlife, and leisure. Through the roadshow, we aim to further strengthen our engagement with Delhi’s travel trade and reinforce South Africa’s visibility and relevance in this key market.”
She emphasised India’s importance as a priority market and said the roadshow aims to deepen partnerships, provide updates on new travel products and inspire more Indian travellers to explore South Africa.
A press note released during the roadshow stated that South Africa has a lot to offer to the Indian tourists. “Travellers from Delhi are increasingly seeking curated journeys that go beyond the classics, combining iconic attractions with exclusive, immersive experiences. By strengthening partnerships with the travel trade, South African Tourism aims to unlock new itineraries, drive higher-quality conversions, and sustain long-term growth from this influential market.”
“South Africa is targeting a return to pre-Covid Indian traveller volumes in 2026 and remains committed to fostering lasting partnerships with Indian trade partners, delivering tailored experiences for a range of. traveller profiles, and positioning South Africa as a must-visit destination. The roadshow demonstrates the country’s dedication to strengthening ties with the Indian market and inspiring more travellers to explore the Rainbow Nation in the years ahead,” the note said.
The country is also set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism attractions and attract visitors from around the globe. Through ongoing trade engagement, targeted consumer outreach, and innovative marketing initiatives, the tourism board remains dedicated to expanding its presence in India.
The roadshow comes after another robust year of interest from Indian tourists, with rising demand for leisure travel, wildlife safaris, luxury stays and adventure experiences.
