South Africas MICE, hospitality and film sectors have welcomed the introduction of two new visa categories as a step forward in the countrys efforts to ease access and bolster inbound tourism.
This follows Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreibers announcement that his department is prioritising the implementation of a Meetings, Events and Tourism Scheme MEETS aimed at streamlining visas for MICE travellers and the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme STAGES, targeted at film production companies.
South Africas business events industry has long called for practical reforms to the visa system hampered by delays, high administrative burdens and unpredictable timelines, said Glenton de Kock , CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conferencing Industry SAACI. With these schemes, South Africas events industry has the policy support it needs to compete globally.
De Kock said the shift towards automated, data-driven visa systems will allow conference organisers to confidently pitch for large-scale international events.
We are pleased that our work and engagements have yielded this progress, which will aid our bidding process. The changes will enhance accessibility and improve the countrys global competitiveness as a destination for international business events.