Cape Town Launches Bold Investment and Tourism Drive in India

City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, Leads High-Impact Trade Mission

The City of Cape Town has officially launched its ambitious place marketing, tourism, and investment campaign in India, with the City’s trade mission aimed at securing new business opportunities, boosting tourism, and driving job creation by strengthening ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“This mission is about positioning Cape Town as the ideal African gateway for investment and tourism,” said Vos. “We are here to attract investment, create economic opportunities, and build long-term partnerships that benefit both Cape Town and India.”

Accompanied by senior officials from his department and key partners from CapeBPO and Cape Town Tourism, Vos kicked off the campaign with a series of high-impact meetings with Indian technology leaders, BPO companies, and call centre operators. These engagements focus on expanding Cape Town’s thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, a key employer in the city.

An exciting moment of the campaign was the unveiling of Choose Cape Town billboards in prime locations, showcasing the city’s world-class offerings to a massive audience in India’s bustling metros.

As part of the mission, the Cape Town delegation also joined the South African Tourism roadshow in Mumbai, where they collaborated with fellow South African tourism businesses to showcase Cape Town’s tourism readiness and create new partnerships. “The roadshow was a fantastic platform to highlight our vibrant tourism offerings and strengthen relationships with key players in the Indian travel industry,” said Vos.

Securing Direct Flights for Trade and Tourism Growth

A major highlight of the mission is the City’s meeting with Air India executives, where Vos is making the case for direct flights between Cape Town and India. “Improved air connectivity will unlock immense opportunities for trade and tourism,” Vos explained. “A direct route will make it easier for Indian businesses and travellers to access Cape Town’s dynamic market.”

The delegation is also engaging with leading Indian tourism operators to promote the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, a programme that streamlines visa processing for accredited agents. “This initiative makes it easier for Indian travellers to visit Cape Town, which in turn supports our tourism sector and creates more jobs,” said Vos.

Powerful Digital Marketing Campaign Yields Strong Results

A major component of Cape Town’s investment and travel drive in India is a digital marketing campaign rolled out across social media platforms. According to Vos, the campaign has already seen remarkable engagement. “The response has been phenomenal, with millions engaging with our content, proving that Cape Town is top of mind for Indian investors and travellers alike,” he noted.

Further strengthening this effort, the delegation held a high-level meeting with Thomas Cook India’s top executives to explore potential marketing and conversion strategies. “I firmly believe in the power of bookings to drive demand and supply to our city,” said Vos. “By working closely with Thomas Cook India, we can position Cape Town as a premier destination in their travel offerings, ensuring that more Indian travellers choose our city for their next adventure.”

A Strategic Market with High Growth Potential

India was selected as a key focus for the City’s trade mission due to its booming economy and rapidly expanding outbound tourism sector. “By 2030, India is expected to be the fourth-largest outbound tourism market globally,” said Vos. “Indian tourists are also among the highest spenders internationally, making this a crucial market for Cape Town’s visitor economy.”

During a meeting in Bengaluru with Indian IT Minister Priyank Kharge, the delegation explored collaboration opportunities in BPO, technology, and tourism. Vos emphasized the alignment between Cape Town’s economic strengths and India’s thriving industries. “By working together, we can drive investment, create jobs, and foster innovation that benefits both regions,” he said.

“Our delegation has witnessed India’s innovation prowess firsthand through MoveInSync, a company that enhances safe and efficient office commutes for many of our city’s BPO firms. Our engagement with the Government of Karnataka stems from MoveInSync’s valuable contribution to Cape Town’s business ecosystem,” said Vos.

Moar Advisory is collaborating with CapeBPO to develop a Global Capability Center (GCC) framework in Cape Town. This initiative aims to help companies seamlessly establish and scale operations by leveraging local talent and industry expertise, driving global business expansion and innovation.

Cape Town: A Gateway for Business in Africa

Vos used the trade mission to highlight Cape Town’s reputation as the best place to do business in South Africa, citing the Ease of Doing Business Index and the City’s extensive business support services. “We are a pro-business city, with a strong focus on investment facilitation, infrastructure development, and workforce training,” he stated.

The City’s economic strategy includes municipal capital investment in energy security, water infrastructure, mobility, and safety—ensuring a stable and efficient environment for investors and businesses. Additionally, Cape Town’s industry-led training programmes are equipping locals with skills for high-growth sectors such as BPO and technology.

Strengthening Historic Ties

Beyond business, the delegation also emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between South Africa and India. “This is more than just a trade mission; it’s about strengthening a long-standing partnership,” said Vos. “Our connection with India is built on shared values and mutual aspirations, and we are committed to growing this relationship for years to come.”

The campaign launch in Bengaluru has already generated a wave of positive momentum, with strong interest from Indian businesses and tourism stakeholders. Vos credited the success of the mission to the support of partners including Akash, Preety, and Deepesh from MoveInSync, and Mohith and his team from MOAR, who helped orchestrate key meetings and events.

As Cape Town’s India trade mission continues, Vos remains confident about the future: “This is just the beginning. By building these connections now, we are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth, job creation, and investment in Cape Town.”