South Africa working on better visa policy for Chinese travelers

South Africa will further work on its visa policy to make it easier for Chinese travelers to visit the country, which features abundant natural resources and cultural significance, a South African minister said.

During a promotional stop in Beijing, Derek Hanekom, minister of South Africa's department of tourism, said tour operators, the local tourism bureau of South Africa, hotel groups, wine vendors and diamond merchants placed great value in opportunities in China, which help enhance ties with Chinese operators.

"The Chinese market is important to South Africa's tourism industry," Hanekom said. "South Africa will accelerate progress in facilitating related policy, conducting industrial training and customizing more products and services for Chinese tourists."

He said the country is working on a visa policy to make it easier for Chinese tourists.

Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South Africa Tourism, the country's tourism promotion brand, said in 2018 the big draws for Chinese tourists, who long for alternative and diversified travel experiences, will be ocean safaris and winery tours.

2018 marks the 20-year anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. This February, South Africa has seen 11,172 tourist trips from China, up 23.4 percent year-on-year.

New direct flights will also be launched between Hong Kong and Cape Town this year by Cathay Pacific in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Lao Shugang, Chinese cultural and tourism minister, said China is willing to deepen cultural and tourism operation with South Africa. He also encouraged the South Africa tourism industry to enhance promotional and market research in order to provide unique, convenient and safe travel packages to Chinese travelers.