Durban, Sep 17 (IANS): Former South Africa and India coach Gary Kirsten has launched a travel and tourism company in collaboration with Cape Africa Tours.

The company named "Gary Kirsten Travel & Tours" is primarily eyeing cricket tourism through this venture and the idea was conceived to offer individuals and teams a complete travel package.

Kirsten Wednesday said that having already started his Cricket academy in Cape Town and Durban, launching of travel and tourism company was a natural option for him as he has received encouraging response from domestic and overseas players and teams.

He said 24 budding Indian professionals have visited the academy in October 2013 and more groups from India are soon expected to train at the academy until February 2015.

"We are excited about affording local players the opportunity to compete against talented international players and of course, having the opportunity to showcase South Africa's facilities and cricket talent to the rest of the world," said Kirsten.

The target audience of the academy is primarily budding professionals and they are planning several promotional initiatives to capture the attention of their intended audience.

Andrew Russell, owner of Cape Africa Tours, said promotion of the new venture will be done during IPL 2015 and South Africa's tour of India in October-November 2015. He said they expect a huge demand from the Indian market.

Over the years, South Africa has witnessed an incredible increase in tourist arrivals from India.