Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos launches Cape Town’s India campaign

The City of Cape Town is making a bold push into India’s booming travel and investment market with a new marketing campaign aimed at attracting more visitors and business from the country.

Unlocking a high-growth travel market

India’s outbound travel is set for significant growth, with Travelport forecasting 39 million international travelers by 2028—up from 28.2 million in 2023. The World Travel & Tourism Council also predicts that Indian travelers’ international spending will more than double to $76.8 billion by 2034, making them the seventh-largest travel spenders globally.

Yet, South Africa welcomed only 79,774 of those travelers in 2023. With Cape Town recently named Best City in the World for 2025 by TimeOut Magazine, the city is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this market with its world-class attractions, diverse cultures, and adventure-filled experiences.

Strengthening tourism and business ties

In March, Vos will lead a high-level delegation of City officials, Cape Town Tourism, and CapeBPO representatives to India to showcase Cape Town as a premier destination for tourism and investment, strengthening ties with key industry leaders and unlocking new economic opportunities.

A key focus of the visit is expanding tourism opportunities and improving flight connectivity. Meetings with tour operators and airline executives will push for a direct flight route between India and Cape Town, which would significantly boost trade, tourism, and business relations between the two regions.

The delegation will also engage with trade representatives on the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), recently implemented by the Home Affairs Department. The TTOS simplifies the visa process for travel groups by allowing vetted tour operators to expedite visa applications, making it easier for Indian travelers to visit South Africa.

Cape Town’s visibility in India

As part of the campaign, Vos will unveil the Choose Cape Town initiative at SA Tourism’s roadshow in Mumbai. The campaign includes billboards in high-traffic locations across the city, featuring QR codes linking directly to the This is Cape Town platform, where travelers can explore exclusive deals and attractions.

Additionally, the City’s Place Marketing and Tourism Branch will roll out a digital marketing campaign targeting Indian travelers online. These campaigns will highlight Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, diverse cuisine, and investment opportunities.

Beyond tourism: attracting investment

The visit will also include engagements with leading business process outsourcing (BPO) and technology firms in Bengaluru. The City will showcase Cape Town’s investment-ready sectors and Special Purpose Vehicles to attract Indian companies looking to expand.

“India presents an incredible opportunity for Cape Town,” said Vos. “By securing more flights, attracting more visitors, and forging stronger business partnerships, we can drive economic growth that creates jobs and benefits local industries.”

Ms. Ruby Jaspreet, the Indian Consul General, was present at the event where Vos made the launch announcement, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties between the two regions.

This campaign forms part of the City’s ongoing efforts to position Cape Town as Africa’s leading business and travel destination, ensuring that the city remains top of mind for global investors and travelers alike.