At South African Tourism’s 2026 roadshow, marketing and communications manager Mitalee Karmarkar shared that Indian arrivals reached 69,680 between January and December 2025 and are expected to exceed 100,000 in 2026. Indians currently stay an average of 14 days, with 45.6 percent from MICE and corporate segments. Karmarkar noted that Indian travellers increasingly use AI tools to customise trips and are exploring destinations beyond the traditional Big Five.
Faster 24–48 hour visa processing and progress toward a direct flight will further boost demand. Agents can leverage this momentum by promoting wildlife, adventure and niche experiences that appeal to Indian travellers.
