Bangalore: Last year, 35,000 Indians visited South Africa for business or leisure.

"We expect arrivals from India to pick up this year with more flights to destinations in the country," says Lance B. Littlefield, Country Manager, South African Tourism, based in Mumbai.

Visiting Bangalore on the last leg of a series of interactions with local tour operators, he believes South Africa has a lot to offer to the new breed of Indian tourists, mostly family groups looking for something different.

"We have snowcapped mountains, deserts, the national parks filled with wildlife, vibrant cities and beaches."

Though there are no direct flights yet from Bangalore, flights are possible daily from Delhi and Gulf Air operates a flight to Bahrain from where a direct connection is possible.

When summer peaks in India, it is winter in South Africa but the days are mostly a balmy 20 degrees Celsius and cold only in the higher altitudes, he says. Within the country, more than five airlines operate with airfields being located close to game sanctuaries. A seven to 10 days package is recommended so that a number of cities and the national parks and perhaps a seaside vacation can all be combined.

Durban and Cape Town offer facilities for water sports and the first city on the Indian Ocean has decidedly warmer waters for surfing, Mr. Littlefield says.

Language is not a problem in South Africa, and they drive on the left side of the road as Indians. Many Indians rent cars and drive themselves, and an Indian Union driving licence is valid there. Or one can travel partly by air and partly on road; the highways are among the best in the world.

The cities have a vibrant nightlife. South African vineyards produce good wine that is now getting known all over the world and is found in some Indian supermarkets. There are Indian restaurants in the bigger cities.

South African Tourism is even preparing a "food map" for Indian tourists. If, for example, you want Jain food, the places to go will be clearly indicated. Of course, South Africans of Indian origin are among those running local businesses.

"After these roadshows we expect Indian tour operators to start offering holiday packages for several categories of Indian travellers, and we know they will be coming," says Medha Sampat, Trade Relations Manager from Mumbai.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail