City of Cape Town welcomes Home Affairs’ new visa program

Cape Town welcomes TTOS visa program

The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Commitee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos says that he has welcomed Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s announcement of the new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS).

In a statement, Alderman Vos claimed that the visa program was a vital step toward reforming the country’s visa system as well as unlocking South Africa’s tourism potential.

The Department of Home Affairs recently revealed the new visa program which is aimed at boosting tourism from China as well as India.

The new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to be implemented from January 2025.

The scheme will make it easier for selected tour operators from China and India to obtain visas for tourists who wish to visit South Africa.

Removing tourism barriers

Vos claimed that the City had been advocating for many years for a visa system that would remove barriers to tourism and travel, especially from key markets like China.

“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.” Vos said.

“China is a massive market with immense potential for Cape Town. 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.” he added.

“Now, with the TTOS and our five-point tourism programme of action directed on expanding flight routes, boosting cruise tourism, promoting Cape Town as a prime conferencing destination, targeted tourism marketing and enhancing local products and services, we are poised to tap into the Chinese and Indian markets, driving economic growth and creating more opportunities for Capetonians.” Vos ended in the statement.