Cape Town Welcomes the First Group of Chinese Tourists to South Africa through its Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

Big news in South Africa's tourism world! In September 2024, The Department of Home Affairs revealed an exciting development for international travel: the creation of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). This innovative new initiative, which officially launched in January 2025, is designed to simplify and expedite the visa process for tourists from non-visa-exempt countries, starting with China and India. And the best part? The first group of Chinese tourists have already landed in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone for South Africa’s tourism industry.

The Vision Behind the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

The TTOS was born out of a need to tackle one of the major barriers hindering South Africa’s ability to attract tourists from some of the world’s largest economies. Take China, for example. In 2023, Chinese travellers took over 100 million outbound trips, yet only 93,000 of them visited South Africa. Compare that with Australia, which saw 1.4 million Chinese tourists in the same year, and it's clear that South Africa is not tapping into its full potential when it comes to attracting visitors from these key markets.

India, too, is an untapped treasure trove for South Africa’s tourism sector. While Indian tourists make up a growing portion of global travellers, they currently account for just 3.9% of all international arrivals to South Africa. Chinese visitors make up an even smaller slice—only 1.8%. So, what’s standing in the way?

Well, until now, navigating the visa process for tourists from these countries was often a long and complicated journey, with red tape acting as a significant deterrent. The TTOS aims to change all of that by allowing vetted, trusted tour operators from China and India to streamline the visa application process, creating a more efficient and welcoming experience for their clients.

How the TTOS Works

In essence, the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme is an extension of the successful Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which has already been used to help businesses attract skilled workers. Now, the same principle is being applied to the tourism sector. Tour operators from China and India who meet certain criteria will be able to register with the Department of Home Affairs, undergo thorough screening, and take on responsibility for the tourists in their groups.

Once registered, these operators can submit group visa applications on behalf of their clients, and the Department will fast-track the approval process, bypassing some of the bureaucracy that previously made travel to South Africa a challenge. Instead of long waits for visas, group applications can now be processed in a matter of hours, thanks to the expertise of a dedicated team of adjudicators.

A Milestone for South African Tourism

The launch of TTOS has already had a positive impact. Just days into the scheme’s implementation, South Africa welcomed its very first group of Chinese tourists—15 of them, to be precise—who touched down at Cape Town International Airport on the evening of 22nd February 2025. They were greeted with a vibrant welcome, complete with a festive South African band and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This wasn’t just any arrival, though. The ministers and key stakeholders involved in South Africa’s tourism industry, including Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, were all present to personally welcome the group.

This event is not just a win for the tourists, but a win for South Africa’s economy, too. In the past, delays in visa processing meant that prospective tourists often missed their flights or chose alternative destinations. Thanks to the TTOS, this is changing. The visas for this inaugural group were processed digitally and securely in just six hours—an extraordinary improvement compared to previous wait times.

What Does This Mean for Cape Town?

For Cape Town, this is an exciting development. The city, known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history, is perfectly positioned to benefit from the influx of tourists from China and India. With the TTOS in place, we can expect more groups to arrive, eager to explore everything the Mother City has to offer.

From iconic landmarks like Table Mountain to the bustling V&A Waterfront, Cape Town is ready to embrace a new wave of international visitors. This will not only bolster the tourism sector but will also create job opportunities, boost local businesses, and enhance South Africa’s global reputation as a top destination for international travellers.

Looking Ahead

As TTOS continues to expand, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for South African tourism. The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and other key stakeholders, is working hard to ensure that South Africa becomes a more accessible and appealing destination for tourists from China, India, and beyond.

For those of us lucky enough to call Cape Town home, we’re witnessing a moment of transformation—a new era of international tourism and cultural exchange. So, if you're thinking of visiting South Africa anytime soon, or if you're already planning your trip, be prepared for a smoother, more efficient visa process, and, of course, an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

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Cover Photo: Department of Tourism via Facebook