Persistent hurdles despite new e-visa rollout

SOUTH Africa's tourism industry has long been recognised as a powerful economic engine.

- BERNELEE VOLLMER

Last year, it contributed more than 3% to GDP and supported close to 700000 jobs.

So, it’s no surprise that the government’s promises to modernise travel processes, including the long-awaited rollout of an e-visa system, have been welcomed.

But for many in the industry, it’s clear that a digital visa alone won’t fix deeper issues holding back growth.

Yes, the move towards digital travel authorisations is the logical next step in a tech-driven world. But the road to South Africa remains frustratingly uneven.

Tourism leaders argue that digitisation alone will not solve the country’s “sluggish” tourism recovery or competitiveness on the global stage.

Anton Gillis, chief executive officer of Hamac and Kruger Gate Hotel, says the country must be “fully geared to welcome more arrivals,” while warning that the entry process continues to be inconsistent and frustrating for international guests.