In a bold move to boost its tourism sector, South Africa has set an ambitious target of welcoming nearly 15 million tourists by 2030.
This initiative is propelled by a newly relaxed visa regime and the launch of the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme (TTOS), aimed particularly at attracting visitors from key markets like India and China.
The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, outlined these ambitious goals during a panel discussion on TTOS at the Meetings Africa conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The session gathered significant figures in the tourism sector, including Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, and Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
They discussed the transformative prospects of the tourism industry amid evolving global travel dynamics and economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
South Africa recently rolled out its TTOS, a strategy designed to smooth out the often cumbersome visa application process for certified tour operators, especially in the context of markets that traditionally favour group travel.
Currently, India and China account for just under 6% of South Africa's international arrivals. Recognising this potential, TTOS seeks to remove bureaucratic obstacles, making it easier for tourists from these vital regions to visit the country that many view as a long-haul destination.
During the panel discussion, the emphasis on trust resonated strongly.
“Visa inefficiency has long been a barrier to growth, especially for key tourism markets like China and India. With TTOS, we are digitally transforming our visa processes, sometimes issuing visas within three days or even hours,” Schreiber noted.
This digital transformation aims to streamline entry for international visitors, thereby enhancing investor confidence and signalling a commitment to a more welcoming tourism environment.
Minister de Lille contextualised TTOS as part of broader global visa reforms, highlighting that “other BRICS countries have long benefited from more flexible visa regimes.”
By easing visa restrictions for major markets such as China and India, South Africa is poised to not only boost tourism numbers but also create jobs - "for every 12 tourists, one job is created," she stated, showcasing a direct correlation between tourism growth and employment opportunities.
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of trust and collaboration in reinventing tourism strategies post-Covid-19.
“This initiative is not merely about facilitating travel; it is about building and maintaining trust. Tour operators must ensure every visitor has a memorable experience, and the government must deliver on its promise of a seamless process," he asserted.
When both sectors fulfil their commitments, they foster a self-reinforcing cycle of growth beneficial to all stakeholders.
The discussion also highlighted the pressing need for digitalisation within the tourism sector. Introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) aims to create a fully digital visa process, minimising potential corruption and expediting the arrival of travellers.
“Digitalisation is the lowest hanging fruit. It ensures that every traveller who wishes to visit South Africa can do so quickly and securely,” asserted the panellists.
Furthermore, Minister de Lille shared plans for upcoming dialogues with airlines to enhance route development and connectivity, underlining their pivotal role in supporting tourism growth.
“While the visa exemption is a significant breakthrough, it must be supported by robust air access,” she remarked.
This engagement with airline partners aligns with the principles of the Government of National Unity’s dedication to inclusive growth and job creation, ensuring that the benefits of tourism permeate every layer of society across urban areas, townships, and smaller communities.
“This is not just about policy; it is about ensuring that every tour operator, every digital process, and every flight connection contributes to a safe, efficient system.
"Our aim is to not only attract more tourists but also to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism reach every corner of our country,” Minister de Lille concluded, laying out a clear path towards a revitalised and thriving South African tourism sector.