South African Tourism has continued the fifth edition of its flagship corporate engagement initiative, ‘Corporate Think Tank’, with Chennai serving as the second stop of this leg. Held in early November 2025, the event brought together over 20 corporate leaders, offering a platform to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration between South African Tourism and India’s corporate sector.
As part of a four-city series, the initiative aims to highlight South Africa’s growing prominence as a destination for business events, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and leisure travel. The program features destination showcases, interactive discussions, and networking sessions to provide strategic insights into South Africa’s business and leisure offerings.
Chennai has been identified as a key focus market due to its robust industrial base, thriving automobile and manufacturing sectors, and a rapidly expanding corporate travel segment. Supported by a well-developed MICE infrastructure, the city is seen as a high-potential source market for both corporate events and leisure travel to South Africa.
The session was led by Deepika Nair, Acting Trade Manager of South African Tourism, who highlighted South Africa’s strong positioning as a leading MICE destination. The discussion emphasized improved connectivity through upcoming direct flights from India, simplified visa procedures with approvals in just five working days, and initiatives like the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme, making travel smoother for Indian corporate groups.
Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager – Asia, Australia, and Middle East, said, “The Corporate Think Tank allows us to engage directly with India’s corporate leaders and understand their evolving travel priorities. Chennai’s industrial strength and entrepreneurial spirit make it a key driver of South Africa’s MICE growth story. We remain committed to welcoming an increasing number of corporate groups and business events from this region.”
South Africa has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian MICE travel, offering over 3,000 adventure activities, wildlife safaris, scenic road trips, and natural attractions that can be explored within a week. The Corporate Think Tank initiative is a part of South African Tourism’s strategic effort to strengthen bilateral business travel and showcase the country’s comprehensive corporate and leisure offerings.
