This is a vital step toward reforming the visa system and unlocking the country’s tourism potential. That’s according to Alderman James Vos, the Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth after the City of Cape Town welcomed the announcement of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme.
Reforming the visa system
Vos says the innovative scheme will simplify the visa process for group travellers from China and India. He says this aligns “perfectly” with the City’s long-standing call for visa reforms, that will support economic growth.
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He says Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently announced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme.
He added, “In 2013 South Africa welcomed 151 000 Chinese tourists, but this number has fluctuated, with just 34 000 visitors between January and November 2023. With the TTOS and our targeted campaign, we are confident in reversing this trend and attracting more Chinese visitors to Cape Town.”
MMC Vos says that he has for years made submissions on behalf of the City advocating for a visa system that removes barriers to tourism and travel.
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One of the key markets for that is China. He says the TTOS does just that by enabling vetted tour operators to expedite visa applications, making it easier for visitors to choose South Africa and Cape Town as their destination.
Boosting Tourism from China and India
The City has also launched its destination campaign, which targets seven Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, as well as sister cities Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Huangshan.
“Our goal is to connect with Chinese tourists through WeChat, China’s largest social media platform, and showcase Cape Town as the ultimate city to visit, live, work, study, play, and invest,” Vos elaborated.
He says China is a massive market with immense potential for Cape Town.
Cape Town Welcomes Visa Reforms
Vos added that the initiative follows successful campaigns in Brazil, the US and Europe. This in turn significantly boosted visitor numbers as well as the local economy.
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He says, that with the TTOS and their 5-point tourism programme of action directed at expanding flight routes, boosting cruise tourism, promoting Cape Town as a prime conferencing destination, targeted tourism marketing and enhancing local products and services, the City is poised to tap into the Chinese and Indian markets. This will help drive economic growth. It will also create more opportunities for Capetonians.
“We are committed to working with the national government to ensure Cape Town remains a top destination for international travellers,” he concluded.
He says the Mother City’s message is clear: Cape Town offers unparalleled natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage as well as world-class infrastructure.
