South African Tourism has partnered with Thomas Cook to offer travel packages and deals for Indian travellers. Tourists eager to enjoy their Diwali and Christmas holidays in South Africa, now have the opportunity to take advantage of the special, fun-filled, activity and experience rich holiday itineraries from Thomas Cook in association with South African Tourism.
Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism said, “We constantly endeavour to create exciting and innovative experiences for our visitors. We would love for more Indians to come and witness the wonder that is South Africa – to truly experience and know the country like the locals. In close partnership with a leading travel trade partner like Thomas Cook, we hope to ensure that our Indian visitors have the best and most memorable experience from the minute they begin planning their trip. With a favourable exchange rate, Indian travellers going to South Africa will get an exceptional value on the ground as they can partake in so many more activities and experiences in their desired budget.”
Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head– Leisure Travel & MICE, Thomas Cook (India) said, “For our Teams at Thomas Cook India, our partnership with South Africa Tourism has had a significant positive impact- South Africa has now emerged as one of our fastest growth long haul destinations for Indian outbound travellers. Our upcoming campaign is strategic and focused on a three pronged delivery: strong growth of over 15 per cent; inspire demand not only for popular choices across individual and group travellers (Cape Town, Garden Route, Johannesburg, Sun City), but equally showcase newer regions like Kruger, Franschhoek, etc., and thirdly, catalyse uptake for fresh new opportunities like self-drives and winter-travel.”
Kale added, “Our marcom approach of print and digital intends to showcase South Africa’s exotic locales and engaging experiences to capture three key segments- the family, India’s Gen Y and honeymooners.”
As part of their special packages, Thomas Cook showcases the vibrant and fresher aspects of South Africa to the Indian travellers. These specially created packages also incorporate newer regions such as Knysna, Sun City and Kruger under the group package – South African Royale with Kruger, and Cape Town, Knysna, Suncity, Shamwari Game Reserve, Franschhoek under the customised package – South Africa Honeymoon Special.
According to the recent tourist arrival figures, an increasing number of Indian tourists have been travelling to South Africa. As per the latest arrival figures for July 2016, 58,876 Indian tourists have visited South Africa between Jan 2016 to July 2016 which is an increase of 28.1 per cent vis-à-vis the same period last year.
