City welcomes expansion of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme

09 April 2025

STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ALDERMAN JAMES VOS

The Department of Home Affairs’ expansion of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to domestic tour operators will be a major boost not only to South Africa’s tourism industry, but the economy at large.

I welcome the Department of Home Affairs’ expansion of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) as a critical step toward making South Africa a more accessible and attractive destination for international visitors. By streamlining visa processes, this initiative will boost our country’s tourism sector and strengthen the broader economy.

For years I have actively advocated for easier visa systems to facilitate travel and trade. Last month, I embarked on a mission to India, engaging directly with key tour operators to encourage them to sign up for the TTOS and drive more visitors to South Africa. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I am confident this programme will lead to increased arrivals and economic benefits.

Earlier this year, I also had the privilege of standing alongside the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber at Cape Town International Airport to welcome the first group of Chinese tourists using this system. Their arrival marked a milestone in our efforts to make travel to South Africa more seamless and efficient.

Tourism is a key economic driver and for every 100 international air arrivals, two jobs are created in Cape Town (according to a Wesgro economic report in 2022). This initiative is exactly what we need to ensure continued growth and job creation across South Africa.

While Cape Town stands to gain significantly, given its position as a top global destination, the real victory is for South Africa as a whole. We are at the right place at the right time to maximise this opportunity, and I look forward to working with industry partners to ensure the programme’s success.

I will continue pushing for policies that make travel easier, attract more visitors and unlock new economic opportunities for our country.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office