It is not just Mexican tourists that South Africa is potentially losing out on due to visa inefficiencies.

Since Tourism Update reported late last year that South Africa was losing ground on this key source market, readers have highlighted issues at other embassies that urgently need addressing.

The MD of a specialist Indian inbound operation, who wished to remain anonymous, told Tourism Update: “The situation in India continues around a similar trend and is one of the major contributing factors why there is no growth from that market and, in fact, a decline in tourism.”

He added: “If you look at the October 2023 arrivals from India you’ll notice that it is lower than the October 2022 numbers – probably the only top 10 country where 2023 arrival numbers decreased compared with October 2022  You’ll also note that arrivals from India for October 2023 were the lowest since October 2012!”

According to him, the Indian consumers and trade have lost confidence in the destination – as there is no guarantee that they will get their visas on time. “Nobody wants to risk that – especially over peak travel periods when they will get nailed with cancellation fees.”

He added: “Most tourists still prefer to apply through the traditional channel in India at High Commission/Consulate general – as nobody trusts the e-visa option.

The e-visa is a total farce – most people don’t get a response/reply, and there is no way to get to a person to follow up.”

An industry insider said she was informed that only one out of 100 eVisa applications was successful. Tourism Update could not confirm this, but the source is credible.

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