With over 24 years in the travel and tourism industry, my journey has been deeply intertwined with Africa. From my time with South African Airways and South African Tourism to my work now with Ace Connect, I have seen firsthand how Africa has adapted and opened its arms to Indian travellers.
Today, I represent clients from multiple African nations, such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Morocco, and am proud to witness the continent’s evolution into a prime destination for Indian tourists, balancing tradition with modernity to cater to Indian travellers’ preferences, especially in food, family travel, language and culture.
Culinary evolution: A taste of home
For Indians, food is not just sustenance, it is an experience that defines a holiday. Fifteen years ago, finding vegetarian or Jain-friendly options in African countries was challenging. At most, one could hope to find a margarita pizza or a basic tomato-and-cheese sandwich. Today, the culinary scene in Africa has evolved significantly. African restaurants and hotels now offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, catering not only to dietary needs but to cultural preferences, including Jain diets. Some hotels, like the Neptune properties in Zanzibar and Diani Beach, have even introduced Indian restaurants on-site, making it easier for Indian travellers to feel at home in a beach destination, thousands of km away from home.
Language and cultural sensitivities
One of the most endearing aspects of Africa’s transformation for Indian travellers has been the focus on language and cultural sensitivities. In countries like South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius hospitality staff, tour guides, and activity providers have wholeheartedly embraced the Indian culture.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2024-utgaven av India Outbound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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La Mamounia is an oasis for travellers
In order to cement its foothold in the Indian market, Moroccan luxury resort La Mamounia, located in the picturesque town of Marrakech, recently organised a visit to Mumbai and Delhi, engaging with top-tier travel industry partners from India. General Manager Pierre Jochem tells India Outbound that the resort, which recently completed 100 years, is targetting the Indian visitors seeking to explore Morrocan art, culture and heritage, besides its captivating beauty.
Africa has come a long way as travel destination for Indians
The perception of Africa as a tourism destination has come a long way in India as travellers from India have gone beyond safaris to discover other elements that make travel to Africa attractive. The change is not just amongst Indian tourists, but destinations have also learnt more about their Indian clients and are taking steps to customise their offer to the Indian visitors, writes Alpa Jani, Founder, Ace Connect, a tourism marketing company.
ASCENIC RAIL TRIP ACROSS BALKANS
A rail journey through the Western Balkans, from Serbia's vibrant capital Belgrade to the culturally rich Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a more tranquil, scenic way to explore the region's breathtaking mountains, lakes and historical towns at a leisurely pace.
Shahnaz Husain's cool tips for skincare during travel
Celebrity beautician and hair care expert Shahnaz Husain tells India Outbound on her secrets for skin-care and hair-care while travelling.
Plovdiv: Timeless jewel in Bulgarian crown
With a history spanning over two millennia, Plovdiv is not only one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, but also a vibrant conduit linking Bulgaria's past and its present.
Navigating Natural Wonders of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
For us city dwellers, even the sound of a cuckoo might seem exotic. So now imagine discovering a vastness filled with shifting dunes and interlaced emerald lagoons.
Explore the Jewel of Southern Spain, Seville
Home to one of the largest historic centres of Europe and three world heritage sites, the stunning city of Seville, located by the picturesque Guadalquivir River in southern Spain, offers tourists an experience rich in history, culture, art, gastronomy and much more.
UPI IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A GAME CHANGER FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS
Having revolutionised digital transactions in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now expanding globally. After tepid beginnings in the immediate neighbourhood, UPI is gaining acceptance in many countries making a win-win for Indian tourists and businesses overseas that are increasingly eager to tap the burgeoning Indian outbound travel market.
Debuting at COP29, can tourism lead march towards curbing carbon emissions?
Tourism will make its debut in global climate change negotiations in the next round of discussions, COP29, that opens in Baku later this month. So far, the discussions have spectacularly failed to produce any notable outcome, besides platitudes and numerous missed commitments. The global tourism industry has a golden opportunity to lead the way and show the world the true path to curbing carbon emissions. But the sector's own record in this aspect is hardly blemishless.
Bintan Island: SEESE
A haven of nature, with thriving flora and fauna, the Indonesian island of Bintan, that is barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry and comes with easy visa regimes, is an ideal extension for any Indian visitor to Singapore, looking to add a touch of wilderness to the experience.
