THE Digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) has turned into a major success, bringing in over 11 000 tourists from China and India to South Africa in just three months.

The growth in TTOS uptake, from 50 applications a day in March 2025 to over 200 a day in May 2025, is clear evidence of its potential, said the Department of Tourism.

The Department has welcomed the scheme and says it is a testament to what is possible when government works hand-in-hand with the private sector to remove barriers and unlock economic potential. 

By simplifying visa access for group travel through a secure, digital-first platform, the scheme has opened South Africa to new visitors who may otherwise have been lost to more accessible destinations.

“We commend Minister Schreiber and the Department of Home Affairs for driving this reform, and we fully support the expansion of TTOS. It will be the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will drive these kinds of results throughout the world, and we look forward to the Department of Home Affairs announcing a way forward soonest. 

“These digital solutions are the future of global travel, and South Africa must be at the forefront of this shift.”

The department said it looked forward to working with the Department of Home Affairs and industry stakeholders to expand these reforms, grow the tourism economy and ensure that South Africa remains a destination of choice in an increasingly competitive environment. Source: SAnews.gov.za