The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Jeanet Grace Mason, has emphasized the beneficial effects of the newly implemented visa-waiver policy.
She revealed that the policy has resulted in a notable rise in the number of Ghanaian tourists visiting 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.
At a recent corporate networking event in Accra, South African High Commissioner Jeanet Grace Mason shared the positive impact of the new visa-waiver policy, which has notably increased Ghanaian tourist visits to South Africa.
The event, organized by the South African High Commission and South African Tourism, aimed to enhance business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Mason emphasized South Africa’s dedication to strengthening economic and cultural ties with Ghana, while also celebrating the recent tourism growth.
Despite these successes, she acknowledged ongoing challenges in further boosting tourism between the 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 further noted that to tackle these challenges, South African Airways currently operates three weekly flights from Ghana, with plans to expand to four flights per week.
This increase in capacity is intended to lower travel costs and enhance accessibility to South Africa for both Ghanaian tourists and business travelers.
“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.
On his part, Regional Head of South African Tourism in West Africa, Thekiso Rakolojane, emphasized that the visa-waiver has not only streamlined travel procedures but has also fostered increased engagement and exploration between South Africa and Ghana.
“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”.