South Africa is stepping up its efforts to attract more Chinese tourists, a move welcomed by tourism experts. The government’s launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is aimed at simplifying the visa application process, a key barrier for Chinese travelers. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning Chinese tourism market, which is projected to become the world’s largest source of outbound tourists in the near future.
Unathi Henama, a tourism specialist from Walter Sisulu University, commends the TTOS as a smart strategy. “This scheme will make it easier for Chinese visitors to plan their trips and encourage more of them to choose South Africa as their destination,” Henama stated. South Africa’s tourism sector is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP, and the scheme aims to build upon the success of 2023, when over 93,000 Chinese tourists visited the country.
The TTOS, announced by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs on Monday, will be fully implemented by January 2025. The scheme is designed to attract visitors from both China and India. The Department is collaborating with other government entities, including the Presidency, to address challenges that have hindered South Africa’s appeal to international tourists. The goal is to create a more streamlined and welcoming experience for visitors, ultimately boosting tourism revenue and further solidifying South Africa’s position as a leading tourist destination.
