By Phenyo Selinda
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the introduction of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), a new initiative that promises to simplify visa processes and attract more visitors from key markets like China and India. The TTOS is scheduled for implementation starting in January 2025 and is part of a broader strategy to position the DHA as an economic enabler by supercharging job creation in the tourism sector.
Strategic Focus on China and India
The TTOS will initially focus on China and India, two of the world’s largest economies, which together represent a significant untapped market for South African tourism. In 2023, Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips, yet South Africa attracted a mere 93,000 of these travelers. Similarly, Indian tourists currently make up only 3.9% of all international visitors to South Africa, while Chinese visitors account for just 1.8%.
The DHA, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency, and Operation Vulindlela, has identified the need to remove bureaucratic barriers that have traditionally deterred tourists from these countries. The new scheme aims to rectify what has been described as “unacceptable economic under-performance” in attracting tourists from these regions.
Group Applications and Streamlined Visa Processing
One of the standout features of the TTOS is its focus on processing group visa applications. Vetted and approved tour operators from China and India will be invited to register with the DHA. These operators, after undergoing thorough screening and assuming responsibility for their tour groups, will be able to submit group visa applications for tourists traveling under their guidance. This system is expected to significantly reduce the time and complexity associated with individual visa applications.
To ensure efficiency, visa applications processed under the TTOS will be handled by a dedicated team of adjudicators. The DHA has committed to removing restrictive red tape, which it acknowledges has “suffocated South Africa’s tourism potential” in the past. This streamlined approach is anticipated to make South Africa a more attractive destination for large groups of tourists, a preferred travel method for many in China and India.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber highlighted the economic benefits of boosting tourism, noting that increasing tourist arrivals by just 10% annually could enhance the country’s economic growth by 0.6% and create tens of thousands of new jobs. He also emphasized that the TTOS is an interim measure as the department works towards a fully automated, digital visa processing system that will deliver secure tourist visa outcomes within seconds.
The announcement of the TTOS coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to China, a strategic move that underscores the South African government’s commitment to unlocking the country’s tourism and economic potential.
The regulations for the TTOS will be published shortly, detailing how tour operators can apply to participate in the scheme. As South Africa gears up to welcome more tourists from China and India, the TTOS represents a significant step towards revitalizing the country’s tourism industry and maximizing its economic impact .
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