Cape Town has launched a dynamic and ambitious campaign to boost its investment and tourism opportunities in India, aiming to secure new business ventures, enhance tourism, and create jobs by fostering stronger ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India. As part of this initiative, the Cape Town trade mission, led by James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, also hosted an exclusive gathering with select members of the media at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

Cape Town Trade Mission Meet With The Media

Among the attendees was Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, who asked several pertinent and thought-provoking questions, seeking deeper insights into Cape Town’s strategy for attracting tourists and investors from India. Her keen inquiries not only highlighted her genuine interest in the city’s offerings but also underscored the growing curiosity among Indian media and industry professionals about this gorgeous place’s potential as a prime destination.

During the intimate media gathering, members of the press posed several insightful questions to James Vos, including inquiries about the possibility of rebate programs for Bollywood producers, similar to initiatives offered by other countries, as well as concerns about security. Vos and his team responded with great poise and expertise, addressing each question with clarity and confidence.

On the topic of security, Vos highlighted Cape Town’s comprehensive safety measures, from boots on the ground to cutting-edge drone technology. He detailed how the city’s security infrastructure includes real-time monitoring of gunshots and swift response protocols. Additionally, Vos spoke about the city’s proactive approach to handling tourist grievances, with dedicated teams in place to offer counselling and tailored solutions, ensuring that every visitor feels safe and supported.

Cape Town Trade Mission

This trade mission, led by James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, is centered on positioning the city as the ideal African gateway for both investment and tourism. “This mission is about positioning Cape Town as the ideal African gateway for investment and tourism,” Vos remarked. “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, alongside key partners from CapeBPO and Cape Town Tourism, Vos kicked off the mission with high-level meetings with Indian technology leaders, BPO companies, and call center operators. The focus of these engagements is on expanding Cape Town’s burgeoning BPO sector, a vital part of the city’s economy and a key employer in the region.

The delegation also participated in the South African Tourism roadshow in Mumbai, where they worked alongside other South African tourism stakeholders to showcase Cape Town’s offerings and foster new partnerships within the Indian travel industry. “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.

A key moment of the mission was the meeting with executives from Air India, where Vos made 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.”

Additionally, the delegation engaged with prominent Indian tourism operators to promote the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, a program that facilitates the visa process 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,” Vos said.

Digital Campaign Sparks Strong Interest

A cornerstone of the investment and tourism drive is its comprehensive digital marketing campaign across social media platforms. “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,” Vos observed.

Further enhancing the city’s marketing reach, the delegation met with executives from Thomas Cook India to discuss potential strategies for driving bookings. “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.”

India: A High-Potential Market for Cape Town’s Growth

India was selected as a strategic focus for Cape Town’s trade mission due to its rapidly expanding economy and burgeoning 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.”

In Bengaluru, Vos and the delegation met with Indian IT Minister Priyank Kharge, exploring opportunities for collaboration in BPO, technology, and tourism. Vos highlighted the alignment between Cape Town’s economic strengths and India’s fast-growing industries, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such partnerships. “By working together, we can drive investment, create jobs, and foster innovation that benefits both regions,” he said.

The city is also collaborating with Moar Advisory and CapeBPO to develop a Global Capability Center (GCC) framework in Cape Town. This initiative will help companies scale operations by leveraging local talent and expertise, ultimately driving global business growth.

Cape Town: A Prime Business Destination in Africa

Vos took the opportunity to underscore Cape Town’s reputation as one of the best places to do business in South Africa, citing its performance on the Ease of Doing Business Index and the city’s robust support services for investors. “We are a pro-business city, with a strong focus on investment facilitation, infrastructure development, and workforce training,” he said.

Cape Town’s economic strategy also includes investments in energy security, water infrastructure, mobility, and safety—ensuring a stable and efficient environment for businesses. The city’s industry-led training programs are also equipping residents with the skills needed for high-growth sectors like BPO and technology.

Strengthening Historic Ties with India

Beyond economic considerations, the mission also aimed to strengthen 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,” Vos emphasized. “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 significant momentum, with strong interest from Indian businesses and tourism leaders. With the assistance of key partners like Akash, Preety, and Deepesh from MoveInSync, as well as Mohith and his team from MOAR, who orchestrated critical meetings, the mission has laid a strong foundation for future growth.

As the 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.”