In brief
A senior tourism official in Johannesburg highlighted South Africa’s focus on China as a future tourism anchor. Measures include an Electronic Travel Authorization system, expanded aviation links, and a push to showcase local cultures and train guides in Mandarin. The government aims to broaden offerings beyond the usual attractions to deliver authentic experiences to Chinese travelers.
Johannesburg, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) – A senior tourism official told reporters on Friday that South Africa sees China as the market that could become an anchor for its tourism industry in the future.
Vele said the country is working to “improve travel access and broaden its offerings for Chinese visitors.”
The government has rolled out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in August, which began as a pilot for travelers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico during South Africa’s G20 presidency last year.
In the new system, eligible travelers can apply online without visiting a South African embassy or visa processing centre, with applications expected to be processed within 24 hours.
Vele noted that China is the leading applicant group on the ETA platform, describing the uptake as an encouraging sign of renewed interest in visiting South Africa.
To make arrival smoother, the tourism ministry is also working to build aviation capacity and connectivity so more Chinese passengers can reach the country directly.
"Chinese travelers are ‘not looking for another China outside home,’ they want an experience that is uniquely authentic, which becomes a lot more memorable over time, and therefore meaningful," Vele said.
While Cape Town and Kruger National Park are already popular with Chinese tourists, the country has yet to sufficiently showcase its township and village cuisine, cultural performances and storytelling traditions, he said.
Vele highlighted the Northern Cape’s desert landscapes, distinctive wildlife and plants, Karoo lamb and wines, alongside the cultural traditions of Venda communities in Limpopo’s rural villages.
Such experiences should form part of South Africa’s tourism packages, giving visitors a fuller understanding of the country, he said.
To help Chinese tourists enjoy these experiences comfortably, South Africa has been working to train tourist guides in Mandarin and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture, Vele said. The efforts extend beyond language to cultural practices and sensitivities.
"Alongside introducing South African dishes, tourism providers also need to accommodate visitors who occasionally want familiar meals, particularly during longer stays," Vele added.
On further cooperation, Vele said the two sides are working on a joint strategy to promote cultural and culinary tourism, build language skills and ensure that South Africa can deliver an authentic experience that resonates with Chinese travelers.
