South Africa is set to welcome more Chinese and Indian tourists as the Department of Home Affairs announces the implementation of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) starting mid-February. This initiative aims to facilitate group visa applications through selected tour operators, enhancing the travel experience for visitors from these populous nations.
Yusuf Simons, the Western Cape provincial manager at the Department of Home Affairs, revealed that 65 tour operators from South Africa, India, and China have been chosen to participate in the TTOS. The scheme was introduced last year to address the relatively low percentage of Chinese (1.8%) and Indian (3.9%) tourists among South Africa's international visitors.
\"The TTOS was created to attract tourists from China and India. With the combined population of these two countries constituting one-third of the world's population, we are aiming to make South Africa a preferred destination,\" explained Simons. He added that the selected tour operators will commence submitting group visa applications from mid-February.
The TTOS is designed to cater to the preference of Chinese and Indian tourists who favor traveling in groups, ensuring a more seamless application process. Simons highlighted that the scheme is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals from these nations, thereby stimulating the South African economy and generating employment opportunities.
\"Research has shown that for every two tourists visiting South Africa, a job is created. Increasing the number of tourists from China and India will lead to extensive job creation,\" Simons stated. Additionally, the scheme reduces the visa application turnaround time to two to three days, down from the previous three weeks, by simplifying online requirements.
Currently in its pilot phase, the TTOS is anticipated to include more tour operators in the future to further attract tourists from China and India. Despite challenges such as language barriers faced by travelers from these countries, the Department of Home Affairs remains optimistic about the potential growth in tourism.
In 2024, South Africa welcomed 41,651 tourists from China, marking an 11.4% increase from 2023. Conversely, the number of Indian tourists reached 75,541 in 2024, reflecting a 5.3% decrease from the previous year.
Reference(s):
South Africa to ease visa rules for travelers from China, India
cgtn.com
