Mzansi Boosts Chinese Tourism with New Trusted Tour Operator Scheme
In a move to strengthen ties with China and boost tourism, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs announced the introduction of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to take effect in January 2025.
The department said in a recent statement that this initiative aims to attract more visitors from China and India by streamlining visa processes and reducing bureaucratic red tape.
With an initial focus on China, one of the world’s largest tourist markets, the TTOS is part of a broader strategy to make South Africa a preferred destination for Chinese travelers. In 2023, Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips, but only 93,000 of those visits were to South Africa. In contrast, Australia welcomed more than 1.4 million Chinese visitors during the same period.
The department highlighted that while Chinese tourists currently account for just 1.8% of all international arrivals in South Africa, this number has immense potential for growth.
The TTOS will allow vetted and approved tour operators from China and India to register with the Department of Home Affairs. These operators will undergo thorough screening and assume responsibility for their tour groups. In exchange, visa applications for tourists traveling with these approved operators will be processed by a dedicated team, ensuring swift and reliable service. This shift marks a significant step toward accommodating large-group travel, a popular trend among Chinese tourists.
The announcement comes at a time when South Africa’s tourism sector is looking to rebound post-pandemic, with the government recognizing the economic potential of attracting more Chinese visitors. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent state visit to China underscores the importance of this initiative in strengthening economic ties.
“Tourism is a critical growth sector for South Africa. Boosting our tourist arrivals from key markets like China can increase annual economic growth by 0.6% and create thousands of new jobs,” Schreiber said. “This scheme is only the beginning of our efforts to digitize and transform our visa system, positioning South Africa as a top travel destination.”
A significant aspect of this strategy is South Africa’s commitment to cultural understanding. Several South African tour guides recently embarked on a Mandarin language training course in China. The training, which equips local guides with language and cultural skills, is aimed at providing a more tailored experience for Chinese tourists. This initiative is part of a broader effort to cater to the preferences of Chinese travelers, who often prefer to travel in large groups and seek out destinations that offer cultural familiarity.
The TTOS is expected to complement these training efforts by ensuring that the visa process is more aligned with the needs of Chinese tourists.
As South Africa looks to grow its tourism sector, the government hopes that by creating a welcoming environment for visitors from China, the country can position itself as a top destination for one of the world’s largest and most lucrative travel markets.
The Department of Home Affairs plans to publish the regulations for the TTOS soon, allowing tour operators from China and India to apply ahead of the scheme’s launch next year.
