Sun International Eyeing Indian Market

June 30 - The growing outbound Indian traveling market is being targeted by the South African leisure and gaming giant, Sun International, it was revealed last week.

The group is being proactive in trying to attract the potential travelers through a wide range of activities, including direct marketing, conference hosting and airline partnerships.

Sun International's Marketing Manager in India, Lianne Kelly Maartens said in an interview: "We want to be active in India and reach out to potential clients not only in the metros but also in Tier II cities like Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Lucknow. Through the support of South African Tourism, we are looking at organizing various campaigns and activities in India. Out outbound marketing sales representatives in India will cater to Indians traveling to South Africa. For FIFA we already have a list of agents internationally wanting to get a share of rooms blocked with Sun International Hotels."

Sun International, which expects to grow by a massive 40% in the next financial year, will target mainly Free Individual Travelers (FITs), adventure and corporate travelers, as well as leisure travelers.

In addition, in anticipation for the 2010 World Cup soccer event that will be hosted in Cape Town, FIFA has blocked 80% of all Sun International properties for soccer fans during the tournament, and it is expected that Indians will make up a good percentage of visitors coming to the country to watch this international sporting spectacular.

Sun International also said that it will be more active in South African Tourism road shows in India and would increase its exposure to the Indian market through media campaigns and branding in high end magazines.

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