South Africa is taking significant steps to welcome more travelers from the Chinese mainland. Patricia de Lille, South Africa's Tourism Minister, announced a series of measures aimed at making travel to the country easier and more appealing for Chinese tourists.
During a dialogue session and media interviews in Beijing this week, de Lille outlined plans to increase the number of direct flights from China. Collaborations with major airlines such as Air China, South African Airways, and Cathay Pacific are underway to facilitate this expansion.
In addition to enhanced flight connectivity, de Lille emphasized the importance of a streamlined visa process. Upgrades to the e-Visa website are a key component of this strategy, including translating the platform into simplified Chinese characters. The government is also negotiating with Chinese banks to simplify and expedite the verification of financial records, ensuring a smoother application experience for travelers.
Furthermore, South Africa is committed to maintaining a dedicated e-Visa website exclusively for the Chinese market. Regular consultations with Chinese tour operators will help adapt and refine the system to better meet the needs of Chinese visitors.
These initiatives reflect South Africa's dedication to strengthening its tourism sector by making the country a more accessible and attractive destination for Chinese travelers.
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SA tourism minister announces measures to attract Chinese travelers
cgtn.com
