South Africa is tackling one of its major hurdles to tourism and business event growth by implementing key visa reforms, aimed at making the country more accessible to international travellers, particularly from India and China - two of the country’s largest tourism source markets.
As part of its efforts to simplify the visa process, the Department of Tourism has introduced the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, designed to streamline visa applications for both tourism and business events, while easing travel restrictions.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille highlighted that these changes are part of South Africa’s broader strategy to meet its ambitious tourism targets.
"Tour operators and group travellers, especially from India and China, will now benefit from a vetting process that simplifies the visa system," she explained.
De Lille announced that there are plans to move towards a digital visa system, phasing out the outdated manual processes, which will significantly reduce application time. Additionally, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), will allow for a 72-hour turnaround on visa processing, along with a five-year multi-entry visa option.
These improvements form part of a broader plan for the next five years to make travel to South Africa easier and more efficient, she said.
De Lille made the announcement during a media briefing where she also officially launched the upcoming trade show, a premier event in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The minister emphasised the vital role the trade show has played in advancing South Africa’s business tourism sector over the past two decades.
She credited the success of Meetings Africa to key partnerships between South African Tourism, the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company, and the Sandton Convention Centre.
“South Africa’s success in business tourism is due to these partnerships. Last year, we were ranked as the top MICE destination in Africa and the Middle East by the International Congress and Conventions Association, and we aim to keep that momentum going,” said De Lille.
This year’s event takes on extra significance as South Africa prepares to host the 2025 G20 Summit, marking the first time the event will be held on African soil. De Lille described the summit as an opportunity to further cement South Africa’s position as a leading destination for global business events.
“We will host 130 meetings in 2025, bringing together leaders from the world’s largest economies,” De Lille said. “This will strengthen South Africa’s reputation as a global business tourism hub.”
The G20 Summit, focused on the themes of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” will also provide an important platform for South Africa to highlight its economic and diplomatic influence on the global stage.
De Lille also pointed to the growing economic impact of the MICE industry in South Africa.
In 2024, Meetings Africa generated an estimated R145 million in direct spending, a 13% increase from the previous year. South Africa’s MICE sector was valued at over $6.6 billion (R125.4 bn) in 2023, and the Department of Tourism continues to prioritise supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the sector.
This year, 26 SMEs will be funded to participate in Meetings Africa, helping them to access international markets and enhance their competitiveness.
De Lille also revealed upcoming changes to South Africa's visa processes, aimed at making the country more accessible to international tourists, particularly from key markets like India and China.
The Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, which aims to simplify visa applications for group travel, will particularly benefit visitors from key markets like India and China.
“We are streamlining processes to make South Africa more accessible to international visitors,” De Lille said, noting the country’s positive growth in leisure tourism as well.
“In 2024, South Africa welcomed more than 7.9 million visitors, a 5% increase from the previous year. The government aims to reach 15 million visitors annually by 2030, with improved infrastructure and strategic marketing efforts.”
The media briefing also included opening remarks from Johannesburg’s Acting Mayor, Mlungisi Mabaso, who highlighted the city’s role as the heart of South Africa’s business tourism industry.
“Johannesburg is not just a place to visit, it’s a place to do business, innovate, and grow,” Mabaso said. He noted that the city had welcomed 3.8 million visitors in the last financial year.
Mabaso also pointed out that the benefits of global events extend beyond the boardrooms, saying business tourism acts as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, particularly in local townships. “We are working to transform the tourism industry to reflect the demographics of our city and country,” he said, emphasising the importance of sustainable job creation and boosting local economies.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu also spoke at the launch, stressing the importance of collaboration between her and Minister De Lille.
“We may come from different political parties, but we don’t differ on anything. We are just working, we don’t even want to be drawn into those politics,” she said. “We are focused on the mandate we were given.”
With Meetings Africa just weeks away, De Lille expressed her excitement for what the event will bring. “Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future,” she said. “Business events will continue to play a key role in driving Africa’s economic prosperity.”
Meetings Africa 2025 will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from February 25 to 26, with a networking day on February 24. For more details, visit the South African Tourism website.