MAM
South Africa Tourism ropes in Jonty Rhodes to drive marketing effort in India
MUMBAI: Eager to attract more Indians to the rainbow nation, South Africa Tourism (SAT) has appointed former South African cricketer and one of the most well-known faces of world cricket Jonty Rhodes as brand ambassador in India.
The decision comes after the former cricketer penned down a travel guide on his South African holiday experiences for Lonely Planet on behalf of South Africa Tourism.
South African Tourism India country manager Hanneli Slabber said, “It has been our constant endeavour to engage with like-minded partners who showcase their passion for South Africa and believe in the huge tourism potential that our country has to offer to core markets like India.
“Jonty has a huge fan-following, his credibility, stellar cricketing career and love for travel, adventure and South Africa, makes him the ambassador of choice to promote South Africa‘s varied and exciting tourism experiences in a growing market of Indian travellers.”
According SAT, there has been double digit growth from the Indian market for South African tourism in the last five years with the numbers increasing substantially each year. The country‘s tourism department hopes that this year will see South Africa cross the 100,000 mark for arrivals from India.
According to the arrival figures, South Africa had received 97,664 Indians visitors between January to November 2012 which is an increase of 18.1 per cent to the corresponding period last year.
Brands
Funskool enters vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix range
Three construction themed toys priced at Rs 549 mark Made in India push.
MUMBAI: Playtime is shifting gears and it’s revving up with a distinctly desi engine. Funskool India Ltd. has rolled into the vehicle toy segment with Blazetrix, a new Made-in-India range aimed at turning passive play into hands-on action. The debut line-up under Blazetrix leans into a construction theme, introducing three models Buzz Claw, Core Crush and Iron Hook. Built around movement and interaction, the toys are designed to encourage children to build, race and experiment, blending play with motor skill development and social engagement.
But this isn’t just about toy cars with a twist. The range comes wrapped in a narrative layer, complete with storylines and visually engaging packaging, pushing the experience beyond the toy itself into a more immersive play ecosystem.
Manufactured locally, the collection reflects Funskool’s ongoing push towards domestic production while maintaining global benchmarks in safety, durability and quality. The move also aligns with a broader shift in consumer demand, where parents are increasingly looking for toys that combine entertainment with developmental value.
At a price point of Rs 549, the range is positioned as an accessible entry into a category typically dominated by international brands. The affordability, coupled with its interactive features, signals a strategy aimed at scaling quickly across urban households.
With Blazetrix, Funskool isn’t just adding a new product line, it’s stepping into a high-engagement category with a clear pitch: less screen time, more hands-on play. And if the bet pays off, the brand could well find itself driving a new lane in India’s evolving toy market.
