World Travel Market Africa opens in Cape Town

The 2nd edition of the Investment Forum Africa has officially kicked off in Cape Town under the theme: Unlocking Intra Africa Tourism Investment, Building Long Term Sustainability and Resilience. The 2-day conference will seek to promote investments and trade opportunities within tourism and related sectors. Tourism Deputy Minister, Amos Mahlalela, spoke with CNBC Africa about the government's initiatives to revitalize the tourism industry in South Africa. Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the South African government developed a tourism sector recovery master plan. This plan was aimed at rejuvenating the tourism industry by intensifying marketing and investment strategies to attract more visitors to the country. The minister highlighted the government's efforts to increase investment opportunities not only in urban areas but also in townships and villages to ensure inclusive growth and benefits for all South Africans. Minister Mahlalela emphasized that South Africa is open for business and has taken steps to create a favorable environment for investment. The government has revised legislation and established investment portfolios to facilitate business opportunities. In terms of access to the country, efforts have been made to work with airlines to ensure affordable and convenient travel. While acknowledging the challenges with the e-visa system introduced two years ago, the minister assured that improvements are ongoing to enhance accessibility for visitors. One key area of discussion was the visa policies for travelers to South Africa. Minister Mahlalela mentioned that South Africa grants visa-free access to over 180 countries, including all of Europe and the Americas. The country is gradually expanding visa-free access to regions like Eastern and Western Africa, with Ghana recently added to the list. However, some key markets such as China, India, and Nigeria still require visas for entry. When questioned about plans to include these strategic countries in the visa-free regime, the minister explained that efforts are underway to improve the e-visa system for these nations. With a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, South Africa aims to attract more visitors from these countries to achieve its tourism goals. China, India, and Nigeria are crucial markets for the country, and the government is determined to enhance visa processes to facilitate travel and boost tourism. The Investment Forum Africa serves as a platform for stakeholders to explore investment opportunities in the tourism sector and foster sustainable growth. Minister Mahlalela's discussion highlighted the government's commitment to promoting tourism, increasing investment, and enhancing accessibility for visitors to South Africa.