In brief
A senior South African tourism official said China will be a future anchor for tourism, unveiling an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and plans for broader cultural offerings. South Africa is training guides in Mandarin, expanding aviation links, and promoting lesser‑known destinations. Xinhua reports the development.
In Johannesburg on Oct. 31, 2026, a senior tourism official announced that China will be the next anchor market for South Africa’s tourism sector, according to a Xinhua interview.
South Africa officially launched its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in August, after piloting it for travelers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico during its G20 presidency last year. The system allows eligible travelers to apply online and receive approvals within 24 hours without visiting a South African embassy.
According to the official, China is the leading source of applications through the ETA, signalling a renewed interest in visiting South Africa.
Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, director‑general of South Africa’s Department of Tourism, told Xinhua that "We see it as a market that is actually going to be an anchor for us in the future."
"Chinese travelers are not looking for another China outside home. They want an experience that is uniquely authentic, which becomes a lot more memorable over time, and therefore meaningful."
While Cape Town and Kruger National Park already draw Chinese tourists, South Africa has yet to give them a taste of township and village cuisine, cultural performances, and storytelling traditions, Vele said.
Vele highlighted the Northern Cape’s desert landscapes, distinctive wildlife and plants, Karoo lamb and wines, as well as the cultural traditions of Venda communities in Limpopo’s rural villages.
To help Chinese tourists enjoy these experiences comfortably, South Africa is training tourist guides in Mandarin and deepening their understanding of Chinese culture. The training goes beyond language to culture‑practice sensitivities and food preferences.
Vele added that tourism providers must also accommodate visitors who occasionally want familiar meals, especially on longer stays.
The official said that the two sides are working on joint marketing efforts and deeper cooperation in the tourism sector, though details were limited in the interview.
All developments are reported by Xinhua; no other outlets have yet reported the same information.
