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SA`s new visa rules led to drop in tourism, says minister

Source: Business Day Live, 29/07/2015

SOUTH Africa`s new visa regulations have led to a "worrying drop" in
foreign visitors, and a new approach may be needed, Tourism Minister
Derek Hanekom said on Wednesday.
Last year South Africa implemented new rules requiring visitors to
provide biometric data when applying for visas, a problem for people
in large countries like China, which only has South African consulates
in Beijing and Shanghai.
"We need to find a better way of doing it. The impact is not only on
tourism but on investment into the country as well," Mr Hanekom told
the 702 radio station.
The tourism sector has grown steadily since South Africa hosted the
soccer world cup in 2010 and is now the third largest contributor to GDP.
While a weaker rand currency, which has dropped about 30% against the
dollar in the past two years, has made Africa`s most advanced economy
a relatively cheap destination for international visitors, arrival
numbers fell this year.
The home of the Kruger National Park and Table Mountain had fewer
visitors from most markets, but Hanekom flagged the 38% drop in
arrivals from China, a key source of tourists for South Africa.
With official unemployment of about 25% and the mining and
manufacturing sectors shedding jobs, the government is hoping tourism
will create more than 200,000 jobs and generate nearly R500bn by 2020.
Further new rules implemented in June require those travelling with
children to carry the children`s full birth certificates in addition
to their passports.
Touted by Home Affairs minister Malusi Gigaba as a necessary measure
to curb human trafficking, the new rules have been criticised by the
tourism industry and some foreign governments.
"The government has to listen to the economy. The tourism industry is
suffering," Mmatsatsi Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of
South Africa, told Reuters.
"We understand South Africa needs to protect children but this birth
certificate rule is a big no-no."
Reuters

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