Vutivi
  • Business
    Zwakele Mbanjwa, managing director of BIG Africa

    C20 starts updating policy on digital participation

    Small business owners attend entrepreneur festival

    Entrepreneur festival ignites hope for businesses

    Companies not registered CSD will not do business with state

    Thousands of SMEs at risk of CIPC deregistration

    Small businesses struggling to stay afloat

    Many small businesses struggling to stay afloat

    Women who run Zizamele Ceramics

    Women beating the unemployment blues through pottery

    African small businesses need access to markets

    SheTrades and Visa empower African entrepreneurs

    Lavo Wines by Lerato

    Lerato Pretorius – a rising star in SA wine exports

    Ballerina turns ballet dance into a township business

    Kasi ballet mixes passion and business

    Lenhlogonolo Zonke, small Spaza Shop owner. Photo: Supplied

    Township traders say formalisation process is inaccessible

    MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Khethiwe Moeketsi

    Finance facility to bolster access for Mpumalanga farmers

  • Agriculture

    Micro-farmers are turning to drought-proof crops to secure income

    MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in North West :Madoda Sambatha

    Livestock SMEs want access to retailers

    Lebohang Dhludhlu who runs a poultry farm

    Woman farmer making a mark in tough poultry sector

    Award-winning farmer to expand her business

    Mdu Lepele, an an agro-processor and entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. Photo supplied

    Policy shift opens cannabis opportunities

    MEC of North West Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

    Youth agriculture drive aims to empower rural SMEs

    Small-scale sugarcane farmers are facing  uncertainty

    Sugarcane farmers struggling with rising cheap imports

    New smart farming app set to boost small scale farmers

  • Innovation

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

    Coin powered connectivity delivers easy profits for small businesses

    Portable power station by Vincent Mosebe

    Innovator develops portable station to power up SMEs

    Lillian Barnard, president for Microsoft Africa. Picture: Microsoft

    Empowering SMMEs through AI: Microsoft’s new vision

    AI-driven disinformation becoming a threat

    How businesses can fight back against cybercrime

    Owen Lekala

    Innovative transport app set to expand

  • Finance
    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

    Heineken is investing in a malting plant

    Heineken’s R1.9bn investment set to boost local barley farmers

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Picture: GCIS

    Value Added Tax hike has SMMEs worried

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to deliver revised budget

    Revised Budget 2025: What SMMEs Expect

  • Tourism
    Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

    G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

    Flysafair pilots on strike

    Tourism hit hard by FlySafair pilot strike

    Creativity and collaboration key to coastal SMME survival

    Premier Panyaza Lesufi

    New initiative offers hope for SMMEs, fairer contracts

    Economic development, environment, conservation and tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane

    SMEs sceptical despite promise of R71 million for tourism

    G20 Tourism Hackathon

    Tourism enterprises call on hackathon to help bridge digital divide

    The Unveiling of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State

    Kgodumodumo Centre boosts tourism and empowers SMMEs

    Tourism companies eye opportunities in digital visa surge

    Astrotourism is emerging as a promising niche for the sector

    Space-related tourism offers economic lift-off for entrepreneurs

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
  • Business
    Zwakele Mbanjwa, managing director of BIG Africa

    C20 starts updating policy on digital participation

    Small business owners attend entrepreneur festival

    Entrepreneur festival ignites hope for businesses

    Companies not registered CSD will not do business with state

    Thousands of SMEs at risk of CIPC deregistration

    Small businesses struggling to stay afloat

    Many small businesses struggling to stay afloat

    Women who run Zizamele Ceramics

    Women beating the unemployment blues through pottery

    African small businesses need access to markets

    SheTrades and Visa empower African entrepreneurs

    Lavo Wines by Lerato

    Lerato Pretorius – a rising star in SA wine exports

    Ballerina turns ballet dance into a township business

    Kasi ballet mixes passion and business

    Lenhlogonolo Zonke, small Spaza Shop owner. Photo: Supplied

    Township traders say formalisation process is inaccessible

    MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs Khethiwe Moeketsi

    Finance facility to bolster access for Mpumalanga farmers

  • Agriculture

    Micro-farmers are turning to drought-proof crops to secure income

    MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in North West :Madoda Sambatha

    Livestock SMEs want access to retailers

    Lebohang Dhludhlu who runs a poultry farm

    Woman farmer making a mark in tough poultry sector

    Award-winning farmer to expand her business

    Mdu Lepele, an an agro-processor and entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. Photo supplied

    Policy shift opens cannabis opportunities

    MEC of North West Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha

    Youth agriculture drive aims to empower rural SMEs

    Small-scale sugarcane farmers are facing  uncertainty

    Sugarcane farmers struggling with rising cheap imports

    New smart farming app set to boost small scale farmers

  • Innovation

    Women entrepreneurs find the going tough on online platforms

    Rich Tshepo helps SMMEs break into e-commerce

    E-commerce guru “Rich Tshepo” shares secrets

    Mulilo Renewable Energy LTD proves that there's energy market in South Africa.

    Mulilo is powering South Africa’s energy revolution

    The founder and CEO of Q4ME Vuledzani Mathavha

    Q4ME turns the hassle of queuing into a business opportunity

    Business analyst James Mavundla who launched Agrowex

    Agrowex App bridges farmer market gap

    Coin powered connectivity delivers easy profits for small businesses

    Portable power station by Vincent Mosebe

    Innovator develops portable station to power up SMEs

    Lillian Barnard, president for Microsoft Africa. Picture: Microsoft

    Empowering SMMEs through AI: Microsoft’s new vision

    AI-driven disinformation becoming a threat

    How businesses can fight back against cybercrime

    Owen Lekala

    Innovative transport app set to expand

  • Finance
    Navigating SARS' 2025 tax season

    Tax season puts spotlight on compliance for new businesses

    MEC Lebohang Maile during his budget vote at Gauteng Legislature

    Gauteng’s budget offers strategic investment in SMEs

    South African National Parks, in partnership with Sanlam, offers an interest-free loan program at Table Mountain in Cape Town. Photo: Facebook.

    More businesses to benefit from SANParks loan deal

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana

    R402 billion budget could open doors for construction SMEs

    Small Business Finance Development Agency has helped an entrepreneur to secure funding to invest in a filling station. Pic: Shell

    Franchise funding for entrepreneurs

    SMEs happy with Limpopo budget

    Limpopo Budget: hope for small businesses

    GEP deputy chairperson Phosane Mngqibisa

    Gauteng increases support for small businesses to access funds

    Heineken is investing in a malting plant

    Heineken’s R1.9bn investment set to boost local barley farmers

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Picture: GCIS

    Value Added Tax hike has SMMEs worried

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to deliver revised budget

    Revised Budget 2025: What SMMEs Expect

  • Tourism
    Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

    G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

    Flysafair pilots on strike

    Tourism hit hard by FlySafair pilot strike

    Creativity and collaboration key to coastal SMME survival

    Premier Panyaza Lesufi

    New initiative offers hope for SMMEs, fairer contracts

    Economic development, environment, conservation and tourism MEC Bitsa Lenkopane

    SMEs sceptical despite promise of R71 million for tourism

    G20 Tourism Hackathon

    Tourism enterprises call on hackathon to help bridge digital divide

    The Unveiling of the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in the Free State

    Kgodumodumo Centre boosts tourism and empowers SMMEs

    Tourism companies eye opportunities in digital visa surge

    Astrotourism is emerging as a promising niche for the sector

    Space-related tourism offers economic lift-off for entrepreneurs

  • Advertise
No Result
View All Result
Vutivi
No Result
View All Result

Tourism companies eye opportunities in digital visa surge

by Nosihle Zulu
June 22, 2025
in Top story, Tourism
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

South Africa’s small tourism businesses are looking to tap into new growth avenues following the successful rollout of the Digital Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS).

This government initiative has already facilitated the arrival of over 11,000 tourists from China and India within just three months.

Launched in February as a pilot project, TTOS aims to streamline visa applications for international tour groups through a secure, digital platform.

So far, the initiative has processed visas for 11,144 tourists through 65 accredited operators.

According to Operation Vulindlela, the project has already supported the creation of approximately 857 jobs across the tourism value chain.

Despite the early success, some tourism SMMEs say they have not meaningfully benefited.

Itumeleng Seleke, CEO and operations manager of Nomusa BNB (Pty) Ltd in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, said the initiative has not yet had a direct impact on her operations.

“I have heard of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme, but it has not affected us since we do not currently cater to international tourists,” she said.

“Still, the initiative has the potential to uplift businesses like ours by enhancing our digital footprint and visibility to global travellers. Partnering with accredited operators could create new market opportunities.”

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has praised the project’s economic impact.

“This is a clear demonstration of what happens when the government cuts bureaucracy and embraces digital innovation. We are not only easing travel but also supporting job creation,” said Schreiber.

However, several small operators argue that the benefits are skewed in favour of larger companies.

Liorna Berend, founder of Borutho Tours and Travel in Limpopo, noted a rise in international tourism activity but said small operators are yet to see substantial gains.

“I have seen an increase in international visitors since TTOS launched, but the benefits seem to be going mainly to the big players,” Berend said.

“If smaller operators like myself were included more intentionally, we could use this platform to draw in new clients and grow employment. Even mentorship from established businesses would help.”

For some, however, there has been a positive impact.

Gopolang Makgotho, who is the co-CEO of Calvinos Shuttle Services in Polokwane, said the company has experienced a surge in international bookings, particularly from China and India.

“This increase has allowed us to improve service quality and bring more staff on board,” Makgotho said.

“We are now designing bespoke cultural experiences for Asian tourists, but more targeted support is still needed, especially for youth-led businesses that do not yet meet the scheme’s criteria.”

She called for more inclusive policies such as training, funding support and improved digital access for smaller businesses.

“Many SMMEs remain invisible without access to global booking platforms,” she added.

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that a broader Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is being developed and is set to launch later this year.

This will expand digital visa access beyond group travel to individual tourists, creating further opportunities for the sector.

While TTOS has shown strong potential in unlocking economic value through simplified group travel, ensuring that small tourism businesses are fully integrated into its success remains the next challenge.

nosihle@vutivibusiness.co.za

Tags: Digital tourismOperation VulindlelaTour operatorTourism and SMMEs
Previous Post

Sushi bar is talk of the town in Soweto

Next Post

From acting to farming, Mqokiyana’s passion grows

Nosihle Zulu

Nosihle Zulu

Nosihle Zulu is a business journalist at Vutivi Business News, covering SMMEs and entrepreneurship. Passionate about telling untold stories that drive economic development and empower small businesses in South Africa

Related Posts

Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

August 7, 2025
Small business owners attend entrepreneur festival

Entrepreneur festival ignites hope for businesses

August 7, 2025
Companies not registered CSD will not do business with state

Thousands of SMEs at risk of CIPC deregistration

August 7, 2025
Load More
Next Post
Actress Asavela Mqokiyana shares her story about how she got into sustainable Farming.
Supplied

From acting to farming, Mqokiyana's passion grows

Rising diesel prices could affect small businesses badly

Diesel rebate review puts fuel intensive businesses on edge

Chris Chaka, the Gauteng head of the Land Bank

Land Bank's blended finance to assist farmers

Information Inspiration Education | AnalysisSouth Africa's best news resource for micro-businesses and township entrepreneurs.
Follow Vutivi Business News on WhatsApp

FEATURED POST

Micro-farmers are turning to drought-proof crops to secure income

August 7, 2025
Zwakele Mbanjwa, managing director of BIG Africa

C20 starts updating policy on digital participation

August 7, 2025
Mpumalanga tourism to benefit from G20

G20 could mark a turning point for Mpumalanga’s tourism sector

August 7, 2025
Small business owners attend entrepreneur festival

Entrepreneur festival ignites hope for businesses

August 7, 2025

Vutivi is a digital business news platform that will serve the Small Medium Micro Enterprises in the form of writing stories that will be informative about their sector. We pledge to deliver a commercially sustainable, world-class digital financial and business news service that is a must-read while being responsive to readership needs and tailor-making packages for SMMEs.

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Analysis
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Innovation
  • Top story
  • Tourism

Get in Touch

Email

news@vutivibusiness.co.za

© 2025 Vutivi. All rights reserved. Website by AIPX Atelier

Advertise / Privacy Policy / Contact

No Result
View All Result
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Innovation
  • Finance
  • Tourism
  • Advertise

© 2024 Vutivi // Website by AIPX Atelier.

We want to get to know you!
Take the Vuitivi Business News reader survey
AI generated image of Vutivi readers