South African Tourism has successfully engaged over 60 travel trade partners in Kolkata as part of the 11th edition of its multi-city ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop series, which commenced in the city on January 16, 2026. The initiative, aimed at strengthening engagement with India’s travel trade, will conclude with its final leg in Lucknow on February 27, 2026. The workshop focused on showcasing South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings beyond traditional hubs such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. Travel partners were introduced to lesser-explored regions, cultural routes, wildlife experiences, scenic landscapes, and soft adventure options, enabling them to design more customised and immersive itineraries for Indian travellers. The programme is aligned with growing demand from tier-2 cities, where travellers are increasingly seeking experience-led international holidays.
Kolkata is emerging as a significant outbound market for South Africa, supported by a strong base of legacy corporates, MSMEs, and a steadily growing leisure travel segment. Travel agents in the city are witnessing rising interest in curated holidays that blend culture, heritage, wildlife, cuisine, and relaxed luxury, along with incentive and MICE travel. The workshop helped equip Kolkata-based partners with deeper destination knowledge to better address these evolving preferences.
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 and experience-rich holidays, making South Africa’s diverse offerings highly relevant. He added that continued collaboration with travel agents in key markets like Kolkata remains central to promoting South Africa as a preferred leisure and MICE destination.
South Africa continues to gain traction among Indian travellers, supported by a favourable exchange rate, with one South African Rand valued at approximately ₹5.21, making long-haul travel more accessible.