South Africa Launches Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to Attract Indian and Chinese Tourists

South Africa Launches Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to Attract Indian and Chinese Tourists

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 2, 2024

Johannesburg, South Africa, has unveiled the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) to attract more tourists from India and China. This innovative initiative, launched by the Department of Home Affairs, is set to resolve visa inefficiencies and create new job opportunities within the tourism sector.

The TTOS will allow approved tour operators to navigate reduced red tape and enjoy expedited visa processing, significantly easing the path for tourists from these two major markets. With a goal to welcome the first tourists under this scheme by January 2025, the South African government aims to capitalize on the immense potential of the Indian and Chinese travel markets.

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, who conceptualized the scheme, emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers that have hindered South Africa's tourism growth. Statistics highlight that while Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips in 2023, South Africa received only 93,000 of them—compared to over 1.4 million visitors to Australia during the same period. Indian tourists account for just 3.9% of international visitors to South Africa, and Chinese tourists make up only 1.8%.

Research suggests that increasing tourism by just 10% annually could boost South Africa's economic growth by 0.6%, generating thousands of new jobs. The TTOS aims to streamline group visa applications, addressing long-standing concerns regarding delays and inefficiencies faced by Indian tour operators. Approved operators will handle visa applications for large tour groups, which should improve turnaround times significantly.

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To ensure a smooth application process, TTOS will be managed by a dedicated team of adjudicators responsible for swiftly processing applications. Operators will be held accountable for any legal infractions committed by tourists under their care, reinforcing a commitment to responsible tourism.

The qualification criteria for the TTOS were developed through consultations with industry stakeholders, ensuring transparency and fairness in the adjudication process. A points-based system will assess applicants based on legal compliance, operational experience, capacity, and collaboration across borders. A minimum of 12 months’ operational experience will be required for consideration.

The call for expressions of interest from established tour operators will remain open for 30 days, after which applications will be evaluated in collaboration with other departments. The Home Affairs Department anticipates additional intakes in the future based on the initial rollout’s success and internal capacity.

By enhancing the visa process and creating a framework for greater collaboration between local and international tour operators, South Africa hopes to harness the full potential of the Indian and Chinese tourism markets, driving economic growth and job creation in the hospitality sector.


Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

Akasa Air Enters Rajasthan with Daily Direct Flights to Udaipur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 29, 2026

Akasa Air has announced its entry into Rajasthan with the launch of daily direct flights connecting Udaipur with Mumbai and Bengaluru from October 15, 2026. The new services strengthen the airline's domestic network while enhancing connectivity to one of India's most popular leisure and hospitality destinations.

Bookings for the new routes are now open through Akasa Air's website, mobile application and authorised travel partners. The airline said the expansion reflects growing demand for leisure travel, destination weddings and premium tourism from key metropolitan markets.

Commenting on the launch, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, "We are delighted to launch services to Udaipur, a city that represents India's rich cultural heritage and continues to see strong demand across leisure and hospitality travel. With direct connectivity from Mumbai and Bengaluru, customers will now have more convenient access to one of the country's most iconic destinations."

"As we continue to strengthen our domestic footprint, our focus remains on building a network that is relevant, customer-centric, and aligned with evolving travel demand. Udaipur is an important addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to offering travellers Akasa Air's warm, dependable, and efficient flying experience."

The airline said Udaipur's growing popularity as a destination for leisure holidays, weddings and experiential travel made it a strategic addition to its expanding network. The new routes are expected to improve access for both domestic tourists and business travellers while supporting the city's tourism and hospitality sectors.

Akasa Air added that the launch aligns with its strategy of building a demand-driven domestic network and improving connectivity to emerging tourism markets across India. The airline continues to expand its footprint by adding destinations with strong leisure and business travel potential.

Passengers travelling on Akasa Air can also benefit from the airline's customer-focused offerings, including its young fleet, onboard dining through Café Akasa, digital services and a range of ancillary products designed to enhance the overall travel experience.


Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

Beyond the Forecast: Discovering Monsoon Travel at The Serai Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

As travel preferences shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, a new mindset is reshaping the way people explore destinations. Trends such as “quietcations” and “hushpitality” are gaining momentum among Gen Z and millennial travellers, reflecting a growing desire to disconnect from digital overload and reconnect with nature. In this evolving landscape, the monsoon season offers a natural backdrop for mindful travel, and The Serai Resorts brings this philosophy to life across its properties in Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur.

At The Serai Chikmagalur, nestled within Karnataka’s Malnad region, the monsoon transforms coffee plantations into lush green expanses wrapped in mist and rain. The season enhances the estate’s natural beauty, offering guests slow mornings overlooking plantations, guided coffee estate walks, cycling trails through rain-kissed landscapes, and moments of stillness surrounded by drifting clouds. The experience encourages travellers to embrace a slower rhythm deeply connected to nature.

In Kabini, the monsoon breathes renewed life into the backwaters and surrounding forests, creating one of the most serene seasons in the region. At The Serai Kabini, guests can engage with nature through coracle rides, kayaking, speedboat excursions, and guided walks through thriving ecosystems. Family-friendly experiences such as archery and the Junior Chef programme add interactive elements, while the rains create a calming atmosphere of renewal and immersion.

Meanwhile, The Serai Bandipur offers a tranquil gateway to the wilderness on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. During the monsoon, the forests turn vibrant and alive, offering an ideal setting for unhurried nature walks, quiet wildlife observation, and reflective moments in the heart of the forest landscape. The experience is designed for travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, supported by thoughtful hospitality and spacious accommodations.

Across all three destinations, The Serai Resorts positions monsoon not as a season to avoid but as an opportunity to rediscover travel in its most authentic form. In a world increasingly drawn to wellness, mindfulness, and experiential luxury, these retreats offer an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of nature at its most expressive.


From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Redefining Family Getaways

From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Redefining Family Getaways

By Hariharan U

Published on June 18, 2026

Father’s Day in India is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than material gifts, as families choose to celebrate through travel, shared adventures, and meaningful time together. Insights from travel companies such as Thomas Cook India Limited and SOTC Travel highlight a clear shift toward experiential getaways that bring fathers and families closer through curated journeys.

Adventure travel continues to be a strong favourite, with families heading outdoors for trekking experiences that combine physical activity with bonding moments. Destinations like the Valley of Flowers, Kashmir’s alpine meadows, Coorg’s coffee trails, and Meghalaya’s living root bridges are among the most sought-after choices, alongside international hiking routes in Switzerland, New Zealand, and Japan.

Road trips remain equally popular, driven by nostalgia and spontaneity. From Ladakh’s high-altitude highways to Rajasthan’s heritage circuits and coastal drives through Karnataka, families are embracing the journey as much as the destination. International scenic routes across Australia, Portugal, and New Zealand are also gaining traction for Father’s Day getaways.

Sporting experiences are emerging as a key travel driver, with families planning trips around live events such as cricket matches, Formula 1 races in Singapore and Abu Dhabi, and football fixtures across Europe. These experiences are increasingly seen as bucket-list moments shared across generations.

Wildlife safaris continue to attract families seeking immersive, nature-driven holidays. Parks such as Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kabini, Gir, and Kaziranga remain top domestic choices, while Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius are popular international alternatives offering rich biodiversity and unique wildlife encounters.

Multi-generational travel is another growing trend, with families choosing destinations that cater to all age groups. From Kerala’s backwaters and Rajasthan’s heritage stays to international favourites like Thailand, Singapore, and Switzerland, these trips are designed to bring grandparents, parents, and children together in shared celebration.

Wellness-focused travel is also gaining momentum, with families opting for slower, restorative breaks in destinations like Kerala, Goa, and Bali. Ayurveda retreats, spa resorts, and forest escapes are becoming preferred ways to help fathers unwind and reset.

Short-haul international escapes continue to appeal to families seeking quick but enriching holidays, with destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Mauritius offering a balance of accessibility and experience.

A growing trend within Father’s Day travel is passion-led holidays, where trips are designed around a father’s interests from golf and photography to culinary trails, cycling expeditions, and heritage journeys.

Overall, Father’s Day travel reflects a broader cultural shift: experiences are replacing gifts as families prioritise connection, shared memories, and meaningful time together over traditional celebrations

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