South African Tourism has continued the fifth edition of its flagship corporate engagement initiative, Corporate Think Tank, with Kolkata marking the fourth and final city of the current four-city series. The programme brought together over 25 senior corporate leaders, offering a platform for strategic discussions on evolving business travel needs and collaboration opportunities. The initiative is aimed at strengthening ties with India’s corporate sector while positioning South Africa as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), along with leisure travel. Through destination showcases, thought-leadership sessions and networking interactions, South African Tourism highlighted its expanding MICE infrastructure and value-driven offerings for Indian companies.
Speaking at the event, Gcobani Mancotywa, Regional General Manager – Asia, Australia and Middle East, said the initiative enables direct engagement with corporate decision-makers and helps the tourism body better understand India’s changing travel priorities. He noted that discussions in Kolkata underlined the city’s rising importance as a source market for South Africa’s MICE segment, especially as India continues to be among its fastest-growing outbound markets.
Kolkata has emerged as a strategic focus market due to its strong presence in IT, BFSI, manufacturing, trading and education, coupled with a growing base of young professionals and corporate travellers. With outbound travel aspirations rising and increasing interest in incentive travel and overseas conferences, the city is seen as a high-potential contributor to South Africa’s MICE and leisure travel growth. India’s booming outbound travel market driven by a young population, rising disposable incomes and expanding global connectivity further strengthens South Africa’s position as a cost-effective and compelling partner for Indian corporates seeking impactful overseas events.
