Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, told Tourism Update as much on the side-lines of the Meetings Africa show, taking place this week in Sandton.
“Right now we are focusing on putting into effect the Cabinet decisions,” said Hanekom. He said minors from visa-exempt countries would no longer be required to travel with the document, although they would be recommended to carry it, as is the case in other countries. Hanekom added that minors from countries requiring visas were required to produce this document for the visa application process.
“We are working very closely with the Department of Home Affairs to get the necessary agreed upon amendment, which will put into effect the Cabinet decision,” said Hanekom.
According to the Minister, there are a few quick wins for the sector to capitalise on in the current climate. He says these are intensive marketing to encourage people to visit South Africa and removing visa impediments as quickly as possible.
On this latter point, the Minister says an accredited tourism company programme has been rolled out in China, allowing Chinese tourists to make applications through their travel agent and therefore no longer needing to apply for visas in person. Hanekom pointed to the growth in arrivals out of this market in the past few months. He added that a similar programme would be rolled out in India in the next few weeks. “That will be a quick win.”
According to the Minister, conditions are favourable in China because Ebola is no longer a factor and the people who cancelled their trips because of it, still want to come to South Africa while the exchange rate is favourable and there is no longer a visa impediment affecting this market. He says all these factors will result in rapid growth from China.
Speaking about long-term wins for the sector, Hanekom said ongoing work must be done to improve the country’s tourism offering – its visitor experience and destination offering. He said this included skills development and improving key attractions.
No comments:
Post a Comment