Winners of ‘Take Me to South Africa 2.0’ contest announced

Jonty Rhodes, Brand Ambassador of South African Tourism in India to host four lucky winners on a two-week all-expense paid holiday to South Africa

Delhi, 23rd September 2014: South African Tourism today announced the names of four lucky winners of ‘Take Me to South Africa 2.0’ contest. Early this year, travel junkies from all over India were invited to participate in an online theme based gaming contest where they were offered a chance to win a two week trip to South Africa with charismatic cricketer, Jonty Rhodes, who will take on the role of a travel guide on this trip.  

Beena George from Mumbai, Amiya Sharma from New Delhi, Govind Mehrotra from Gurgaon and Ojas Thekkekara from Bhopal emerged victorious from over 800 entries garnered through this contest. South African Tourism adopted a distinct and innovative strategy to inform these chosen winners about their victory. Billboards were set up outside the office of the four winners with a personalized message from Jonty announcing that they have won a trip to South Africa with him. Amazed to see their billboards, contestants expressed immense happiness and excitement for thisonce-in-a-lifetime voyage to South Africa with Jonty as their personal host. These travel enthusiasts will embark on their journey to South Africa in October 2014 for some amazing and extraordinary travel experiences.

South African Tourism has set a benchmark in the tourism industry with this never done before consumer outreach series where a Brand Ambassador plays the role of a personal guide for select Indian travellers in his home country. The journey of these four winners will be captured in leading television channels Discovery and TLC which will showcase the varied, fun-filled, adrenaline pumping adventures and experiential holiday offerings available in South Africa for Indian travellers.

Ms. Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism, said, “We are delighted to receive such an overwhelming response from travel fanatics across India. I am truly amazed by their passion and love for South Africa. It has been an amazing experience for us to learn about varied travel interests of the Indian youth. We value the effort and commitment that each entrant has invested and appreciate the dedication. South African Tourism would like to take this opportunity to thank all the participants and we heartily congratulate the four lucky winners.” 

South Africa has seen a huge increase in the uptake of adventure and high adrenaline activities by Indian tourists, making the youth traveler segment a significant part of South African Tourism’s visitor mix.

Expressing excitement on revealing the contest winners, Jonty said: “The contest was extremely intense, we received some exceptional entries and getting to choose the final four was a tough call for South African Tourism. It is truly inspiring to see the upsurge in travel and adventure enthusiasts in India. I am super thrilled to host the four winners. The action packed itinerary put together by South African Tourism is sure to make this two week journey the most memorable experience of their lifetime.” 

Over the years, South Africa has witnessed an incredible increase in tourist arrivals from India. 2013 recorded 1 12 672 Indian tourists visiting South Africa which was an increase of 5.5% vis-୶is 2012. The year 2014 has also started on a good note for South African Tourism with 24 556 Indians having visited the destination in the first three months.