New “Instant” visa set up to transform the tourism sector and boost the economy
The Federal Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) warmly welcomes the recent announcement by the Home Office that South Africa's first online instant visa system incorporates advanced “selfie-based” biometric technology.
This development represents a significant advance in the digitalization of South Africa's border management processes, poised to have a meaningful and far-reaching impact on the tourism and hospitality sector.
“This is a milestone. Fedhasa has long advocated for an online visa system, and we are pleased to see a concrete deployment plan confirmed.”
“The current visa application process has been annoyed and time-consuming process, especially for many international travelers from major source markets such as India, China and other parts of Asia,” explains Anderson. “By removing one of the major obstacles to inbound travel, we are sending a clear message that South Africa is open for business and ready to welcome the world.”
Fedhasa believes the new streamlined system will drive a significant increase in inbound tourism. Remove one of the main deterrents moving by reducing administrative hurdles and uncertainties. This encourages more visitors to choose South Africa. This encourages the selection of visitors who will contribute significantly to the economy through spending on transportation, accommodation, restaurants, experience and retail, and often become recurring travelers and enthusiastic ambassadors for their destinations.
FO Anderson also offers timely opportunities to strengthen international marketing efforts, open new aviation routes and strengthen partnerships with airlines, tour operators and online travel platforms.
“We firmly believe that user-centric visa platforms will be transformative tools for growth, restoring traveller trust, accelerated arrivals and providing tangible economic benefits, especially in job creation and corporate development within the tourism value chain,” says Anderson.
Fedhasa sees this as a potentially game-changing development and as an example of effective cooperation between government and industry. Fedhasa looks forward to supporting successful implementation and promotion of this important initiative, and encourages ongoing collaboration to ensure South Africa is fully realized its potential as a world-class travel destination.
“By removing barriers to entry and embracing smart, accessible systems, we are paving the way for a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector,” concludes Anderson.
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