South Africa: Department of Tourism Lauds Digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

28 May 2025
SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

The Department of Tourism welcomes the success of the Digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), which has brought over 11 000 tourists from China and India to South Africa in just three months.

The scheme, said the department, is a testament to what is possible when government works hand-in-hand with the private sector to remove barriers and unlock economic potential.

By simplifying visa access for group travel through a secure, digital-first platform, the scheme has opened South Africa to new visitors who may otherwise have been lost to more accessible destinations.

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

The growth in TTOS uptake, from 50 applications a day in March to over 200 a day in May, is clear evidence of its potential, said the department.

"We commend Minister Schreiber and the Department of Home Affairs for driving this reform, and we fully support the expansion of TTOS. It will be the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will drive these kinds of results throughout the world, and we look forward to the Department of Home Affairs announcing a way forward soonest.

"These digital solutions are the future of global travel, and South Africa must be at the forefront of this shift.

"Tourism is one of our nation's most vital sectors for inclusive growth. Removing visa friction, particularly in key markets like China and India, is not just a win for international arrivals, it is a decisive intervention to stimulate job creation and economic resilience at home," the department said.

The department said it looked forward to working with the Department of Home Affairs and industry stakeholders to expand these reforms, grow tourism economy and ensure that South Africa remains a destination of choice in an increasingly competitive environment.

Read the original article on SAnews.gov.za.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 SAnews.gov.za. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.