South African Tourism has announced the launch of the fifth edition of its flagship Corporate Think Tank series, reaffirming its commitment to the growing Indian MICE market. The 2025 edition will be hosted across four key hubs — Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata — on 19th September 2025, 7th November 2025, 12th December 2025, and 30th January 2026, respectively. The initiative aims to position South Africa, also known as the Rainbow Nation, as a leading global destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). It will unite industry leaders and decision-makers to explore business growth, evolving travel demands, and innovative event strategies.

Led by  Deepika Nair, Acting Trade Manager for South African Tourism, the Corporate Think Tank will engage with corporates from diverse sectors such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Expanding beyond traditional metros, the program seeks to tap into emerging hubs like Chennai and Kolkata while reinforcing presence in established markets. The approach emphasises inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring South Africa’s MICE offerings reach a broader range of corporate travellers.

The event will highlight South Africa’s evolution into a modern, experiential destination that blends cutting-edge business infrastructure with unique leisure opportunities. Discussions will focus on market trends, including digital transformation, sustainability in events, and family-inclusive corporate travel. The agenda also includes strategies for hosting large-scale conferences, incentivef programs, and team-building retreats, catering to the changing expectations of corporate clients.

Speaking on the initiative, Nair emphasised India’s role as one of the top contributors to MICE arrivals in South Africa. She expressed enthusiasm for engaging corporate leaders directly, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities, cost-effective packages, and memorable experiences. This edition reinforces South Africa’s goal of setting new benchmarks in MICE tourism by strengthening ties with India’s corporate community.

In 2024, India emerged as one of the fastest-growing source markets for South Africa’s MICE sector, contributing 20.2% of total MICE arrivals. Nearly half (49.6%) of Indian arrivals to South Africa were business and MICE travellers, reflecting the segment’s importance to the tourism industry. Building on the success of earlier editions, the 2025 Corporate Think Tank is designed to drive further growth and collaboration.

With a strategic mix of networking, market insights, and destination showcasing, South African Tourism aims to inspire Indian corporates to choose the Rainbow Nation for their future events. The 2025 Corporate Think Tank promises to be a milestone in strengthening business tourism links between the two countries, unlocking new opportunities for both markets.