Minister advocates for direct flights to boost India-South Africa tourism

SOUTH AFRICA/INDIA – South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has called for improved air connectivity and visa policies to increase tourist arrivals between India and South Africa.

Addressing the media in New Delhi on Tuesday, December 3, she emphasized the importance of direct flights and streamlined visa processes in driving growth in this crucial market.

“India is one of South Africa’s most dynamic tourism markets,” said De Lille. “Indian tourists are known for their high spending, and projections suggest their outbound tourism expenditure will nearly triple by 2034. We must act decisively to ensure South Africa benefits from this growth.”

De Lille’s delegation, which includes representatives from South African Airways and other tourism stakeholders, is engaging with Indian tour operators, business leaders, and government officials to create new opportunities for collaboration.

South Africa’s Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), set to launch on January 20, 2025, is one of the initiatives aimed at reducing visa hurdles.

The scheme will allow vetted Indian tour operators to streamline visa applications for groups traveling to South Africa. “The TTOS will make it easier for Indian tourists to visit South Africa by cutting down on processing delays and unnecessary red tape,” De Lille explained.

The lack of direct flights has also been a barrier. Currently, Indian tourists account for just 3.9% of all international arrivals to South Africa.

To address this, De Lille is in discussions with airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, to explore the feasibility of direct flights.

South Africa welcomed over 79,700 visitors from India in 2023, marking a 43% increase compared to the previous year. However, the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels, with 95,000 Indian arrivals recorded in 2019.

De Lille believes the right measures can reverse the recent 4% decline in Indian tourist numbers seen between January and September 2024.

Looking ahead, the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027 presents a significant opportunity to attract Indian visitors. Cricket, a shared passion in both countries, is expected to drive sports tourism.

“We plan to work closely with stakeholders in India to create appealing packages for cricket fans to experience the event in South Africa,” said De Lille.

India’s travel and tourism market continues to expand rapidly. In 2022, the sector contributed $199.6 billion to India’s GDP and employed millions across the country.

With domestic tourism boasting over 2 billion annual visitors and foreign tourist arrivals expected to surge to 30.5 million by 2028, the market remains robust.

De Lille concluded by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to strengthening ties with India. “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Together, we can create experiences that benefit both our countries.”

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