Home Affairs Introduces Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to Boost Tourism from China and India

The DHA's new scheme is designed to streamline the visa process for tourists from non-visa exempt countries, particularly focusing on the rapidly expanding tourist markets of China and India.

In a significant move to enhance South Africa's appeal as a top tourist destination, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to begin in January 2025. This initiative aims to remove key barriers currently hindering the growth of tourism from China and India, two of the world's largest economies.

The DHA's new scheme is designed to streamline the visa process for tourists from non-visa exempt countries, particularly focusing on the rapidly expanding tourist markets of China and India. In 2023, Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips, yet South Africa only welcomed 93,000 of these visitors. In contrast, Australia attracted more than 1.4 million Chinese tourists in the same year. Indian tourists currently account for just 3.9% of all international visitors to South Africa, while Chinese tourists make up only 1.8%.

Recognizing the economic potential of these markets, the DHA, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Presidency, and Operation Vulindlela, is committed to addressing the "unacceptable economic under-performance" in attracting tourists from these regions. The TTOS will mirror the success of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which has simplified visa processing for businesses to attract critical skills to South Africa.

Under the TTOS, vetted and approved tour operators from China and India will be invited to register with the DHA. These operators, after undergoing thorough screening, will be able to submit group visa applications for tourists, a first for South Africa. The DHA will assign a dedicated team of skilled adjudicators to process these applications quickly and efficiently, cutting through the red tape that has previously hindered tourism growth.

Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, highlighted the importance of this initiative during President Cyril Ramaphosa's State Visit to China, emphasizing the government's commitment to unlocking South Africa's vast tourism and economic potential. He noted that a 10% annual increase in tourism could boost the country's economic growth by 0.6% and create tens of thousands of jobs.

"This is only the beginning of Home Affairs' transformation into an economic enabler," said Minister Schreiber. "TTOS is an interim measure, as we work towards a fully automated system that will deliver secure tourist visa outcomes digitally and within seconds to tourists worldwide."

The regulations for the TTOS, along with application details for tour operators, will be published soon, ahead of the scheme's rollout in January 2025. This initiative marks a crucial step in positioning South Africa as a favored destination for tourists from China and India, with the potential to significantly boost the nation's economy and job market.