Panaji: South African tourism's training programme 'learn South Africa' for tours operators kick-started on Monday.
The training programme will be conducted in 15 cities until August 4 targeting 1,600 travel agents in India. Around 1.26 lakh Indian tourists visit South Africa every year, included 4.7 % tourists from Goa, with interest in marine activities.
After training commenced, Hanneli Slabber, country manager, South African tourism, said that this year they have offered a lucky draw for participants and one travel agent from each city will get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to South Africa.
With 'learn South Africa' for travel agents, South African tourism expects an increased footfall starting 2016. Slabber said it is a unique classroom-style training introduced to enable travel agents to market South Africa better. Taking into consideration recent changes in the profile of tourists, she said they have invested a lot of time in educating the trade partners on how they can maximize what's on offer. "We have been receiving an encouraging response each year which shows that it is a perfect platform to enhance trade partners' knowledge on South Africa.
Commenting on Indian tourists, she said female visitors from India show more interest in adventure activities than their male counterparts. "Based on our research, we notice that the behaviour of the Indian traveler is changing; they look for more experience-based and memorable holidays than simple itineraries," she added.
She added that it is not difficult to change their tour packages to suit Indian needs. They can include Indian food, demands for late meals for the benefit of tourists.
She said there are around 300 restaurants alone in South Africa that serve Indian food, and recently chefs have also introduced Jain food and it is a big hit.
The tourist destination plans to introduce visa-on-arrival facility for Indians soon which will add to the travel experience.
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Source: Goan tour operators learn about South Africa
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