TTOS drives South Africa's tourism growth with over 11,000 tourists process

TTOS drives South Africa's tourism growth with over 11,000 tourists processed

29-05-25

South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has proven to be a powerful catalyst for tourism growth, particularly in the key markets of China and India. Since its launch in February 2025, the program has facilitated the entry of more than 11,000 tourists by streamlining the visa application process, delivering tangible benefits to local tour operators and enhancing South Africa’s appeal as a global travel destination.

According to Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, the average number of daily visa applications submitted through TTOS has increased significantly—from 50 in March to 210 in May. In total, 11,144 tourists have been processed via this digital platform, which allows 65 accredited tour operators to submit and receive visa approvals for group travel from China and India. The system not only accelerates visa processing but also ensures reliability and transparency, improving coordination between tour companies and immigration authorities.

While the official arrival numbers have not yet fully reflected this momentum—with a slight 0.2% decline in arrivals from China and a modest 0.7% increase from India between January and April—tour operators on the ground are already seeing a shift in demand. Eric Yip, General Manager of SA Magic Tours, which specializes in the Chinese market, noted a noticeable increase in inquiries from small groups and families seeking high-end travel experiences such as boutique safaris and shark diving excursions. These trends suggest that TTOS is helping to attract a more affluent, experience-driven segment of travelers.

Johan Groenewald, Managing Director of Royal African Discoveries and a veteran with over 25 years of experience working in the Indian market, also praised the improvements brought by TTOS. He emphasized the scheme's efficiency and speed, adding that the Department of Home Affairs is consistently meeting deadlines, which has restored operators’ confidence in the system and enhanced their ability to market South Africa abroad more effectively.

Beyond group travel, TTOS is encouraging interest among high-value Free Independent Travelers (FITs), fostering a broader and more sustainable tourism model. By simplifying the visa process and building trust among key international partners, the initiative has contributed to diversifying South Africa’s tourism offering while supporting economic recovery and job creation across the sector.

Tourism stakeholders see TTOS as more than a visa tool—it's a strategic instrument that aligns with broader efforts to position South Africa as a competitive and accessible destination in the post-pandemic era. The focus on India and China, two of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in the world, places South Africa in a favorable position to capture future demand as global travel continues to rebound.

As the industry awaits updated arrival figures in the coming months, expectations are high that the momentum generated by TTOS will translate into stronger numbers and sustained growth. Operators across the country are preparing for a busier travel season and are optimistic that initiatives like TTOS will serve as a model for future visa facilitation programs targeting other key markets.

In collaboration with:

This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.

Legal notice