The Department of Home Affairs has announced the launch of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), a new initiative designed to increase tourism from China and India, two of the world’s largest economies. The scheme aims to streamline visa processing and cut bureaucratic red tape, making it easier for tourists from these countries to visit South Africa.
Set to be implemented in January 2025, the TTOS will initially focus on attracting more visitors from China and India, both significant yet underdeveloped markets for South African tourism. In 2023, Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips, but only 93,000 of those were to South Africa, a stark contrast to Australia, which welcomed over 1.4 million Chinese visitors in the same year. Indian tourists currently make up just 3.9% of international visitors to South Africa.
Announced during the President’s state visit to China, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that the TTOS represents a major step forward in boosting the country’s tourism sector and creating jobs. Schreiber noted that the government is committed to unlocking the economic potential of tourism by reducing barriers and improving efficiency in the visa application process.
The TTOS will allow vetted tour operators from China and India to register with the Department of Home Affairs. These operators will undergo screening and assume responsibility for their groups, enabling faster processing of group visa applications. A dedicated team of adjudicators will handle these applications, ensuring swift and reliable processing.
Schreiber also indicated that the TTOS is a temporary measure as the department moves towards a fully automated visa processing system. This future system aims to deliver secure and rapid visa outcomes for tourists globally.
