South African Tourism has successfully engaged more than 60 travel trade partners in Kolkata through the 11th edition of its multi-city ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop series, marking a key step in its strategy to deepen engagement across India’s tier-2 markets. The workshop, held on January 16, 2026, marked the start of the latest leg of the programme, which will conclude in Lucknow on February 27, 2026.
Designed to go beyond well-known hubs such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, the initiative highlighted South Africa’s lesser-explored regions, cultural routes, adventure offerings and emerging experiences. The workshops aim to equip travel partners with deeper destination knowledge and practical insights, enabling them to curate personalised and immersive itineraries in response to rising demand for customised international travel from non-metro cities.
Kolkata is increasingly emerging as a strong source market for South Africa, supported by a base of legacy corporates, MSMEs and a growing pool of outbound leisure travellers. Travel demand from the city is shifting towards experience-led holidays that combine culture, heritage, wildlife, scenic landscapes, cuisine, soft adventure and premium leisure, along with incentive-led and MICE travel. The workshop addressed these evolving preferences by helping local agents design tailored offerings aligned with Kolkata’s travel aspirations.
Commenting on the engagement, Mr Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australasia and the Middle East at South African Tourism, said Kolkata travellers are increasingly inclined towards meaningful, experience-rich holidays, making South Africa’s diverse landscape and city offerings a strong fit.
India continues to be a vital source market for South African Tourism, with a favourable exchange rate—approximately ₹5.21 to one South African Rand—further enhancing the destination’s appeal for Indian travellers.
