South African Tourism is recruiting a Trade Relations Manager: India on a five-year fixed-term contract, with the role focused on strengthening trade partnerships, sales channels, and market activations. The position will be locally recruited in India, with applications open to Indian citizens until 9 September 2026.
South African Tourism is seeking applications for the position of Trade Relations Manager: India, a locally recruited role based in India. The appointment will be on a five-year fixed-term contract and will focus on developing and implementing trade strategies for the India market, aligned with the organisation’s global brand and trade strategy.
The role will be responsible for developing the annual trade plan and activations, coordinating its execution across the region with a focus on India, and establishing an annual timetable of trade activities. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop performance and RoI dashboards, identify new sales channels, and participate in key trade events, including roadshows and trade shows.
Focus on India trade relationships
A key part of the position will be building and maintaining relationships with travel trade and related stakeholders. The manager will maintain a database of sales stakeholders, develop annual stakeholder engagement plans, cultivate new and existing business relationships, and consult with trade partners on annual sales plans.
The position will also oversee South African Tourism’s engagement with the regional outbound travel industry, primarily in India. Responsibilities include identifying the appropriate mix of trade and sales partnerships across target and geographic source markets, including different tiered cities, as well as negotiating and closing partnership sales agreements.
The successful candidate will regularly review partner performance, ensure agreements are implemented according to contractual deliverables, and maintain legally compliant and updated contracts.
Sales, performance, and stakeholder engagement
The role will include financial and performance management, with periodic reports to the Hub Head and action plans required where performance variances are considered unacceptable.
The Trade Relations Manager will work with the Hub Head of India, Communications Manager, and Marketing Manager to provide a strategic sales perspective and support tourism execution in the market. The role will also involve developing relationships with key stakeholders and promoting the South African brand through collaborations and partnerships with business, the trade, and wider industry stakeholders.
The position will additionally lead content design supporting media and other exposure.
Experience and eligibility
South African Tourism is looking for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Trade Relations Management, Tourism Management, Sales and Marketing, or an equivalent relevant qualification. A master’s degree is considered an advantage.
Applicants must have at least 8 years of collective experience in trade relations management, tourism management, sales and marketing, or an equivalent field, including 5 years at managerial level. Experience in travel and tourism, budget and financial management, and strategy development and implementation would be beneficial.
The organisation is specifically seeking candidates with in-depth knowledge of the Indian travel and tourism landscape, as well as an understanding of India government priorities and imperatives.
Strong sales, interpersonal, communication, decision-making, organisational, negotiating, project management, and financial management skills are required. Candidates should also be able to analyse and present data clearly.
Applications close on 9 September 2026. Detailed CVs are to be sent to [email protected]. No late applications will be accepted.
The vacancy is open only to India-based citizens, and South African Tourism does not offer work permit sponsorship. Candidates who have not heard from the organisation four weeks after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.