Indian outbound travel is projected to experience phenomenal growth, with global travel technology company Travelport projecting that the country’s outbound travel market will reach 39 million people by 2028 – a massive surge from the 28.2 million international Indian travellers in 2023.
Furthermore, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Economic Impact 2024 report forecasts that Indian travellers’ outbound spend is projected to more than double to $76.8 billion (more than R1.4 trillion) by 2034, which would make them the seventh-largest travel spenders in the world by country.
City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos said, “Bearing in mind that South Africa only received 79 774 of those 28.2 million travellers from India in 2023, South Africa and particularly Cape Town, named TimeOut Magazine’s ‘Best City in the World’ for 2025, is perfectly positioned to tap into this market with our unique mix of culture, adventure, and world-class infrastructure.”
Alderman Vos will lead a high-level delegation of City officials, Cape Town Tourism, and CapeBPO representatives to cities in India in March.
The team will meet tourism and business leaders to position Cape Town as a premier destination for visitors and investors.
The announcement comes on the back of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) implemented by the Home Affairs Department.
The TTOS simplifies the visa process for travel groups by enabling vetted tour operators to expedite visa applications.
The scheme is currently available for tour operators in India and China.
A major focus of the visit is expanding tourism opportunities and flight connectivity.
The delegation will meet with tour operators and airline executives to push for a direct India-Cape Town route, which would significantly boost trade, tourism, and business relations between the regions.
In Mumbai, the delegation will participate in SA Tourism’s roadshow, launching the ‘Choose Cape Town’ campaign.
As part of this initiative, the City delegation will unveil billboards in high-traffic locations across Mumbai, all featuring QR codes directing users to the This is Cape Town platform, showcasing exclusive travel deals and insights into the Mother City’s attractions.
The City’s Place Marketing and Tourism Branch will also run digital marketing campaigns targeting online users in India.
The campaigns will spotlight Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage, cuisine, communities, and investment opportunities.
Beyond tourism, the delegation will meet with top business process outsourcing (BPO) and technology firms in the city of Bengaluru.
The team will highlight the City’s Special Purpose Vehicles and investment-ready sectors to attract more Indian companies.
“India’s travel and investment market presents a massive opportunity for Cape Town. By securing more flights, more visitors, and more business partnerships, we can drive economic growth that directly benefits our local communities and industries,” said Alderman Vos.
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