THE tourist industry is becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of the new visa regulations and the requirements for unabridged birth certificates for children travelling with their parents, says the Cape Chamber of Commerce and industry.
“Tourism in the Western Cape is one of the big success stories of the new South Africa but these new regulations are going to hurt us and they will probably cost jobs,” said Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber.
She said that in the past travel agents had been able to apply for visas for tour groups but, in terms of the new rules, each individual tourist would have to apply in person for a visa at a South African embassy.
“This is a huge problem in a country like China where there are only two offices that can issue visas. China is a big country and obtaining a visa could involve a great deal of travel and expenses. The result is that travel agents will look for easier tourism packages to sell. Bookings for Chinese and Indian tour groups are already down. This was a growth market for tourism and we are going to lose out unless the visa regulations are eased,” Ms Myburgh said.
The tourist industry was working hard to have the regulations changed but until this happened the uncertainty would continue and make travel agents in Europe and other countries reluctant to promote tourism to South Africa.
Travel agents had to plan their packages well in advance and they were likely to leave the Cape out of their plans until there was certainty on the visa and birth certificate requirements.
“We should be making it easier for tourists to holiday here and not make it more difficult. We are shooting ourselves in the foot,” Ms Myburgh said.
The situation was not helped by the negative publicity the country was receiving on xenophobia, violence and load shedding.
Full Article: Cape Chamber of Commerce » Chamber Releases – New visa legislation can dent tourism – Dean
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