Patricia de Lille (back, 2nd L), South African Minister of Tourism, receives an interview in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
The event brought together representatives from 21 African countries. Participants, including tourism officials, diplomats and industry stakeholders, said that China, one of the world's largest sources of outbound tourists, remains a key strategic market for driving the continent's tourism growth.
"South Africa has piloted the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for Chinese travelers to streamline the application process," South African Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille told Xinhua, adding that the system is a "big enabler" in addressing previous bottlenecks that led to lengthy visa processing times.
Noting that South Africa is set to launch a campaign in China to promote the ETA system while engaging with airlines to increase flight frequencies, she said that following two years of close cooperation with Chinese tourism authorities, South Africa aims to attract "one percent of the Chinese population" as visitors.
Beyond policy adjustments, efforts are also underway to enhance tailored services. The South African government has introduced specialized Mandarin training for tourism practitioners to bridge communication gaps and improve service standards.
Deepening Africa-China cooperation in infrastructure and trade is also injecting new momentum into tourism.
Zambia's High Commissioner to South Africa Grace Mutembo said partnerships in the rail and transport sectors have facilitated both business and leisure travel.
She noted that Zambia has actively promoted its tourism products at expos in China and that major infrastructure projects, including a Chinese-built conference center, have emerged as new landmarks to attract international visitors and support professional exchanges.
Gabon is likewise seeking to enhance cooperation with China to expand tourism flows. Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa Rod Rembendambya said his country has been stepping up diplomatic engagement and enhancing visa facilitation measures for Chinese nationals.
"Gabon is working with China in hospitality and infrastructure development and is keen to cement cultural exchange and boost the tourism sector by attracting more Chinese partners and investors," he added.
China holds huge potential due to its population and financial stability, said Marta Gomes, president of the International Congress and Convention Association, adding that "African countries need to showcase their unique culture and ensure more direct flights to China."
Currently, a growing number of African countries, including popular destinations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Morocco, Tunisia, Madagascar and Egypt, have granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival facilities to Chinese citizens. ■
Photo taken on Feb. 24, 2026 shows the opening ceremony of the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
People visit the Meetings Africa 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 24, 2026. Delegates attending Meetings Africa 2026, held in Johannesburg from Monday to Wednesday, called for optimized visa policies, improved infrastructure and targeted marketing to attract more Chinese tourists to the continent to boost economic growth and deepen people-to-people exchanges. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)