South African Tourism Launches New Corporate Think Tank Initiative in India Boosts MICE Tourism, Expanding Business Travel and Cultural Exchange

Published on November 10, 2025

South African Tourism continues to forge ahead in its corporate engagement with India’s growing MICE tourism. The Corporate Think Tank initiative has grown in stature over the years, with this edition being the fifth, aiming at establishing connections between South Africa and an emerging corporate travel market of India.

Held in Chennai, a major economic hub in India, this year’s event provided a great opportunity for over 20 corporate leaders to exchange ideas and find new avenues for collaboration. The move underlines the continued efforts of South African Tourism in its relationship-building initiatives with India’s corporate sector and solidifying the bilateral ties in the tourism industry.

Chennai as a Key Hub for South Africa’s MICE Strategy

Chennai, known for its industrial strength, entrepreneurial spirit, and rapidly expanding corporate ecosystem, is the perfect location to further the goals of South African Tourism. By focusing on key Indian cities like Chennai, the country is strategically positioning itself to tap into the growing demand for business tourism in India.

Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager for Asia, Australia, and the Middle East at South African Tourism, emphasized the growing importance of cities like Chennai in driving India’s tourism growth. “We are delighted to bring this initiative to Chennai, which plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s MICE growth story,” Mancotywa said. His remarks underscore Chennai’s importance as a key market for South Africa, with the city acting as a launchpad for new tourism products targeting high-value business travelers.

Tailoring MICE Tourism to Indian Corporate Needs

One of the central objectives of the Corporate Think Tank is to understand the evolving needs of India’s corporate leaders in terms of business travel and MICE tourism. Deepika Nair, Acting Trade Manager at South African Tourism, noted that the launch of direct flights and improvements in visa processes are essential to making South Africa an increasingly attractive destination for Indian businesses.

South Africa is well-positioned to support Indian business growth with modern infrastructure, high-end conference facilities, and luxury accommodations that cater to the specific needs of corporate travelers. As India’s MICE market continues to evolve, the strategic focus on business tourism will allow South Africa to provide a comprehensive offering of convention services, luxury hotels, and cultural excursions, making it a prime destination for business events.

Promoting Sustainable MICE Travel: A Green Approach

As South Africa and India continue to collaborate on MICE tourism, sustainability is increasingly becoming a focal point. The future of MICE tourism will depend on the adoption of eco-friendly practices in conference management, transportation, and accommodation services. South African Tourism is committed to supporting sustainable tourism initiatives that align with global eco-tourism trends.

This involves encouraging corporate clients to host green meetings, implement sustainable travel practices, and opt for carbon-neutral events. As business travelers and event organizers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly venues and sustainable tourism options will continue to rise. South Africa is positioning itself to offer such sustainable solutions while maintaining its reputation as a high-quality MICE destination.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Tourism

Tourism, especially MICE tourism, is rapidly becoming a key element of India-South Africa relations. Business travel between the two countries has been steadily increasing, thanks to initiatives like the Corporate Think Tank and direct flight connections. South Africa’s focus on tailored tourism products for Indian corporates helps create stronger business ties, which in turn facilitate investment opportunities and trade partnerships.

As tourism relations between the two countries continue to grow, South African Tourism is fostering meaningful partnerships with Indian tour operators, airlines, and corporate clients, creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both nations. The tourism industry becomes a critical avenue for fostering diplomatic relations and enhancing the economic cooperation that supports the development of both economies.

Targeting the Luxury Market: Golf and High-End Business Tourism

The rise of luxury tourism in India, especially within the MICE sector, provides further opportunities for South African Tourism to attract high-value visitors. By targeting affluent corporate clients from India—particularly those interested in luxury safaris, golf tourism, and wellness retreats—South Africa is positioning itself as the go-to destination for premium business travel experiences. Luxury golf courses and exclusive resorts are growing sectors within the MICE tourism market, and South African Tourism is leveraging its world-class infrastructure to draw in these high-spending visitors.

Tourism Growth and Economic Benefits for Both Countries

The growing focus on MICE tourism between India and South Africa is set to bring substantial economic benefits to both countries. Increased tourism arrivals will not only boost tourism revenue but also contribute to the growth of local businesses and the hospitality industry. The influx of business travelers will provide a positive economic impact, generating jobs and fostering local investment in both countries.

Additionally, the collaboration between tourism boards, corporate entities, and government stakeholders will ensure that tourism growth is sustainable and that both countries can benefit from the mutual advantages that cross-border tourism brings.

A Promising Future for India-South Africa Tourism Cooperation

These two areas form a strong foundation for a broader and deeper tourism relationship between India and South Africa through the Corporate Think Tank series and strategic initiatives driven by South African Tourism. Both countries are thus likely to witness sustained growth in tourist arrivals, economic collaboration, and sustainable tourism development through business tourism and MICE events, and cultural exchange.

In addition, the development of tourism in the luxury category, sustainable tourism practices, and an improving connectivity platform will enable both countries to become among the leading countries catering to MICE tourism demand. With international partnerships, expanding tourism infrastructure, and integrating green tourism solutions, South Africa and India will continue to build a thriving tourism ecosystem for the benefit not only of the tourism sector but also of broader economic development for both countries.