Tourism body welcomes changes in immigration regulations

Source: RDM News Wire, 24/10/2015

Concessions recommended by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on
Immigrations led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and approved by
Cabinet this week are a step in the right direction‚ says the Tourism
Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).


TBCSA was among the stakeholders who participated in a closed briefing
session on Friday‚ where the details of the Immigrations IMC`s
approved recommendations were outlined‚ prior to the public
announcement.


Among the recommendations is the adoption of a phased-in approach‚
which will see a number of specific actions being prioritised in the
immediate term (1-3 months)‚ short-term (3-12 months) and long-term
(12 months and beyond).


"We appreciate the work done by the Cabinet Immigrations IMC.


Following today`s GCIS stakeholder briefing‚ our own Board
sub-committee on Immigrations met to deliberate on the TBCSA
response‚" TBCSA CEO Mmatšatši Ramawela said on Friday evening.


"Our priority is to address the uncertainty that is currently in the
market around the travel requirements for destination South Africa –
whether one is travelling for leisure or business - and to restore
tourist confidence in our destination. Thus‚ we wish to take time to
study the finer details of the Cabinet approved recommendations before
we make further pronouncements on this matter.


"We do not want to rush into making any statements on the specifics
without first reviewing how far the concessions go to address these
two concerns or getting clarity on the nuances that may be open to
interpretation. Where there are gaps‚ we hope to positively address
them through the Tourism Stakeholder Forum that we have recommended
for establishment‚" Ramawela said.


Ramawela emphasised the need for the immediate establishment of the
Tourism Stakeholder Forum. It is envisaged that the forum‚ will be led
by the directors-general of the departments of Tourism and Home
Affairs and that it will play a critical role in facilitating
discussions and collaboration with the Home Affairs Department‚ and
the implementation of key actions within the next three months to 12
months.


`Overall‚ as the organisation representing the VOICE of organised
business in the travel and tourism sector‚ we view today`s
announcement as a step in the right direction and are pleased that the
lines of communication with the Department of Home Affairs are open
for further engagement and collaboration‚" Ramawela added.