South Africa Targets Boost in Chinese, Indian Tourist Arrivals with New Travel Policies

South Africa Targets Boost in Chinese, Indian Tourist Arrivals with New Travel Policies

South Africa is set to ease travel restrictions to attract more tourists from China and India, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu.

Speaking at the 2024 Tourism Leadership Conference in North West Province, Sotyu highlighted the economic benefits of increasing tourism from these countries, stating, “China and India can significantly boost tourist numbers, strengthen the economy, and create opportunities for small businesses.”

Chinese and Indian tourists are among the top global spenders, making them a crucial focus for South Africa’s tourism strategy. The Department of Home Affairs recently announced plans to accept group visa applications from both countries and has a specialized team in place to expedite the process.

“These countries, with large populations and strong political and trade ties to South Africa, represent key outbound markets. We are committed to making travel more accessible,” Sotyu added.

The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, launched on Sept. 2, aims to further support this initiative and will be implemented in January 2025.