In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last night (Thursday, February 6), President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the vital role the tourism sector plays in South Africa’s economic development.

This “strong commitment to tourism” is welcomed by Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) National Chairperson Rosemary Anderson: “FEDHASA looks forward to working closely with government and industry stakeholders to ensure we don’t lose momentum – and that we can position South Africa as one of the best countries to visit in the world!”

Noting that government’s most urgent task is to grow the economy, Ramaphosa outlined various ways to achieve this, including government’s massive investment in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining current infrastructure.

“We are engaging with local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R100 billion in infrastructure financing,” Ramaphosa said, highlighting the project preparation bid window launched to fast-track investment readiness.

“This includes revised regulations for public-private partnerships, which will unlock private-sector expertise and funds,” he said, pointing out that this funding will revitalise South Africa’s roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise ports and airports and power the economy.

“As part of our reform agenda, we will continue to enhance our visa system to make it easier for skilled people to invest in our country and to grow tourism,” Ramaphosa said, noting that the country will launch an electronic travel authorisation system to enable a secure, fully digital visa application process.

“This system will use artificial intelligence and automation to reduce the scope for corruption and enable rapid turnaround times for tourist visas.”

Backlog of 300 000+ visa applications almost cleared

Ramaphosa announced that over 90% of the backlog of more than 300 000 visa applications had been cleared. “These changes send a strong message that South Africa is open for business and tourism,” he said.

Anderson says this signals a game-changing moment for the tourism and hospitality sector. “Visa reforms, combined with increased flight connectivity and aggressive destination marketing, would reinforce Ramaphosa’s assertion that South Africa is open for business and tourism.”

However, she says, reliable water and electricity supply remains critical to the success of the tourism and hospitality sector – commitment to addressing these infrastructure challenges will boost international confidence and ensure the sector thrives.

‘Commitment to strengthening international relations’

Otto de Vries, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA), says ASATA is encouraged by government's commitment to strengthening South Africa’s trade and international relations, which has direct implications for outbound travel.

“The investment in efficient digital identity systems and visa process enhancements will positively impact not only inbound but also outbound travel. Air access and facilitation of easier business and leisure travel for South Africans remain critical, particularly in strengthening trade connections and ensuring South Africans can move across the globe with greater ease.

“We welcome the focus on modernising South Africa’s airports and increasing flights to key destinations, which are both essential to improving connectivity for travellers. We look forward to further engagement on how these developments will support and expand outbound travel opportunities for corporate and leisure travellers.”