As outbound demand from India continues to mature beyond traditional leisure travel, destination management companies are recalibrating their on-ground strategies to stay closer to the trade. Southern Africa 360’s latest representation appointments underline how focused sales, MICE specialisation and faster response times are becoming critical differentiators in a competitive long-haul market.
Southern Africa 360 has expanded its presence in India with the appointment of two strategic representation partners for 2026, strengthening its engagement with the country’s outbound travel trade across both MICE and leisure segments. The appointments, announced on 19 December 2025, cover MICE 360 as well as Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays and Southern Africa 360 Exclusive Tours.
Commenting on the development, Nikki Thaver, CEO of Southern Africa 360, said, “Benchmark’s professionalism and market insight make them the ideal partner for our leisure and group travel divisions. With Savio leading the sales strategy and Madhuri heading our in-country operations, we are perfectly positioned to deliver exceptional service to the Indian trade.”
Footprints Worldwide to represent MICE 360
As part of the expansion, Footprints Worldwide Travel Representations has been appointed as the exclusive India representative for MICE 360, the group’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events division. The mandate will be led by Mamta Pall, who will oversee national sales outreach, trade presentations, participation in key industry events and coordination with the MICE 360 operations team in Southern Africa.
MICE 360 focuses on customised incentive programmes, corporate meetings, conferences and group travel solutions across Southern Africa, supported by an established supplier network across the region.
Collin Thaver, Founder and Managing Director of MICE 360, said, “India is one of our most important growth markets. Footprints Worldwide brings the relationships, professionalism and energy needed to elevate MICE 360’s presence across the country.”
Mamta Pall added, “Southern Africa is a world-class incentive destination. We look forward to championing MICE 360 with passion and purpose.”
Benchmark Travel to drive leisure and exclusive tours
Southern Africa 360 has also appointed Benchmark Travel Representations as its exclusive India representative for Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays and Southern Africa 360 Exclusive Tours. The representation will be led by Savio Pereira, who will drive national sales, trade engagement and business development for both divisions.
To strengthen operational efficiency and ensure faster turnaround for the Indian trade, Madhuri Tandlekar has been promoted to Country Head – Southern Africa 360 Luxury Holidays and Exclusive Tours. In her expanded role, she will manage the in-country operations team, overseeing itinerary support, product training, agent servicing and day-to-day coordination, working closely with Benchmark’s sales force.
Savio Pereira said, “Southern Africa 360 is a world-class DMC with a powerful product offering. We are excited to represent the brand and expand its footprint across India.”
Madhuri Tandlekar added, “I look forward to supporting the trade with fast responses, strong product knowledge and seamless coordination alongside the Benchmark team.”
The unified structure aims to provide Indian travel agents and MICE planners with stronger sales support, quicker operational assistance and deeper destination expertise as Southern Africa 360 looks to scale its India business in 2026.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
