By Simon Nare
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is thrilled by the successful launch of the first phase of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which now allows the application of visas digitally for individuals and groups by tour operators.
As of Wednesday, tour operators can apply for visas digitally for their clients, either individuals or groups, which the minister says will speed up the process and attract tourists to visit the country.
The first phase has targeted tour operators from China and India, which have been identified as the two countries from which the country draws the most tourists.
“We have been working hard with the tourism sector in South Africa, China and India to resolve the visa obstacles and the recent work by the Department of Home Affairs is to be commended.
“The Department of Tourism will use the visa enablers – the Electronic Travel Authorisation, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme and the Digital Nomad Visas to grow tourism in South Africa, targeting key source markets – India and China,” De Lille said.
These visa regime enhancements would lead to increased arrivals to South Africa, which in turn would assist the government to achieve the goals of the Government of National Unity to drive inclusive economic growth and create jobs, she said.
Last week in his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa identified tourism as one of the key areas to focus on and committed the government to help grow the sector.
De Lille has thanked the Home Affairs Department for its tireless efforts and commitment to resolving the visa issue.
“Today, 12 February 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will start implementation of phase one of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme that will significantly improve the visa process for travelers and tour operators from India and China.
“These are two massive key source markets for South Africa that can contribute to our goal to increase arrivals exponentially. A seamless visa regime is a key to growing arrivals, and we have been working well with Home Affairs in this regard and will continue to work with them to make further improvements,” said the minister.
Earlier his week, De Lille and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber addressed the first group of 65 successful tour operators from South Africa, China and India who were accepted into the first phase.
These tour operators can now start making visa applications for individuals and groups on a fully digital system in a more seamless process.
De Lille said the tourism sector was a vital engine for economic growth and the industry has been picking up over the past two years after the devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
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