South Africa sees surge in Ghanaian tourists following visa waiver

South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Jeanet Grace Mason, has highlighted the positive impact of a recently introduced visa-waiver, stating that it has led to a significant increase in Ghanaian tourist arrivals to South Africa.

“I am thrilled to report that Ghanaian tourist arrivals in South Africa have surged by an impressive 249 percent month-on-month since November 2023.

“Year-to-date, we have seen a remarkable 31 percent increase in tourist arrivals from Ghana. This follows the introduction of a visa-waiver, making it easier for Ghanaians to visit and explore all that South Africa has to offer,” she indicated.

She made this known during a corporate networking event in Accra aimed to strengthen business, tourism and cultural exchanges between South Africa and Ghana.

The networking event, organised by the South African High Commission and South African Tourism, focused on enhancing opportunities for Ghanaian business owners to engage with their South African counterparts.

The High Commissioner reiterated South Africa’s commitment to fostering stronger economic and cultural connections with Ghana.

While celebrating the recent achievements in tourism growth, she acknowledged existing challenges to boosting tourism between the two nations.

“We are highly aware of the barriers that still exist – such as concerns over accessibility, affordability and perceptions of safety and security,” she said.

She added that to address these concerns, South African Airways currently operates three weekly flights from Ghana – with plans to increase capacity to four flights per week. This expansion aims to reduce travel costs and improve accessibility to South Africa for Ghanaian tourists and business travellers.

Safety and security

On the issue of safety and security, the High Commissioner assured guests of proactive measures being taken to enhance the safety of tourists in South Africa.

“Our government has taken steps to address these concerns by investing more resources in tackling criminal activities, particularly those that affect tourists,” she noted, adding that the introduction of Tourism Safety Monitors, working in collaboration with the South African Police Service and Department of Community Safety, is a key initiative to ensure visitor-safety at major tourist destinations.

“South Africa is not just a destination but an experience that leaves an indelible mark on visitors,” she emphasised, underscoring the country’s diverse offerings – from world-renowned safaris and pristine beaches to vibrant urban settings and rich cultural heritage.

Strengthening business relations

For his part, Thekiso Rakolojane, Regional Head-South African Tourism in West Africa, said the visa-waiver has not only simplified travel procedures but also encouraged greater engagement and exploration between the two nations.

“The visa-waiver allows for hassle-free conferences and business events in South Africa. We invite Ghanaian businesses to explore opportunities for training, incentives and conferences in our country.

“The result has been a near-300 percent growth in tourist arrivals from Ghana, showcasing the success of this policy in boosting bilateral tourism,” he reiterated.

He also challenged Ghana to attract more South African visitors, stating: “Ghana tourism is doing some amazing work in South Africa. We believe there is much more that can be done to promote Ghana to South Africans. South Africans love the history behind Ghana, and there are endless opportunities for collaboration”.