According to Thekiso Rakolojane, the Regional Head of South African Tourism in West Africa, the number of Nigerian tourists visiting South Africa has risen by 20% in the last year, indicating a positive shift in the relationship between the two nations. This growth has significantly impacted South Africa’s overall tourism performance, achieving a strong 95.1 billion rand (around $5.3 billion) in direct tourism expenditure for the financial year 2023-24. During a recent event organised by the South African Consul General, Rakolojane spoke to business executives from Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the increasing number of Nigerian tourists travelling to South Africa for vacation.
Even with the obstacles in the market, Nigerians continue to travel to South Africa for pleasure, with tourism numbers from Nigeria increasing by about 20%, Rakolojane pointed out, emphasising that the collaboration between the South African Tourism Board and the Nigerian Consulate has played a key role in this increase. South Africa’s tourism minister, Patricia de Lille, reported a 9.7% growth in tourism arrivals for the beginning of 2024, with approximately 3.8 million visitors noted from January to May, compared to the same period last year.
Collaborations with local Nigerian firms improve transit.
She highlighted that the sector’s economic impact is projected to increase to 8.8% of the country’s GDP this year, an improvement from 8.2% in 2023, emphasising the vital importance of tourism to South Africa’s economic landscape. One distinctive factor fueling tourism from Nigeria to South Africa is the collaborations with local Nigerian firms, primarily within the Finance industry. According to Rakolojane, partnerships with businesses in Nigeria have increased the number of Nigerian tourists visiting South Africa.
These efforts exemplify how corporate engagement can enhance tourism, thereby enriching both travel experiences and cultural as well as economic interactions between the two nations. Although there has been an increase in the number of tourists from Nigeria, the challenge of securing visas continues to be a significant hurdle, causing frustrations for many travellers through delays or outright rejections. The South African Tourism Authority is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency of visa processing by working with the South African embassy.
Discussions are currently ongoing for visa agreements.
At present, 32 nations across Africa have the benefit of visa-free access to South Africa for as long as 90 days; however, Nigeria is still in the pipeline, facing delays due to extended discussions. Minister de Lille remarked that Nigeria is among ten African countries engaged in discussions about visa agreements. She highlighted her continuous endeavours to secure a beneficial deal, conveying hope that a positive resolution could improve tourism and economic opportunities for both countries.
The connection between the two countries, which are significant economic leaders on the African continent, is essential for tourism as well as for overall regional development and stability. Collectively, they represent almost one-third of Africa’s GDP and have been at the forefront of resolving conflicts within the region. However, while there have been advancements, various Nigerian businesses face obstacles when trying to penetrate the South African market, leading to sporadic economic as well as political strains.
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Moreover, Rakolojane, who has lived in Nigeria for the past six years, observed that these tensions are frequently heightened in digital spaces. Although the conversations online may appear heated, many Nigerians still visit South Africa in significant numbers. Minister de Lille highlighted that obtaining a beneficial visa deal necessitates collaboration from both nations, which could help reduce the visa restrictions travellers face. In the end, it is the governments of both countries that will determine the outcome of visa agreements, she remarked.