Visa waivers boost South Africa's tourism industry with 2.4 million visitors
South Africa's tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, fuelled by the recent removal of visa requirements for travellers from select African countries. From January to March 2024, the country welcomed 2.4 million international tourists, a 15.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with arrivals from Africa constituting 74.5% of the total.
The visa waiver scheme implemented in November 2023 allowing visa-free travel between Ghana and South Africa for up to 90 days has catalysed an extraordinary 249.4% surge in Ghanaian tourist arrivals. Similarly, the visa-free access granted to Kenyans in January 2023, coupled with targeted marketing, propelled Kenya into a significant source market with 42,403 arrivals in 2023, a 99% increase from 2022.
Beyond Africa, arrivals from the Americas, Europe, and Asia have contributed significantly to the tourism boom. Notable increases were recorded from North America, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, and China, with the latter witnessing an impressive 82% rise in arrivals, underscoring its growing interest in South Africa.
The removal of visa barriers, combined with strategic marketing initiatives, has positioned South Africa as an attractive destination for global travellers. As the industry continues its rebound, stakeholders remain optimistic about the sector's resilience and future prospects, driven by the success of these visa facilitation measures.
Source: IOL