South African Cabinet addresses tour operator licence backlog

During the cabinet meeting on 13 March 2024, the South African Government announced measures to tackle the backlog of tour operator licenses, a pressing issue affecting the tourism industry. The Cabinet received a progress report indicating plans for the Department of Tourism to collaborate with the Department of Transport and the Interim National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) Committee to improve the processing time for tour operator licenses.

The report outlines the establishment of a call centre aimed at addressing tour operator queries, intending to facilitate communication and support for those awaiting license approvals.

The Minister of Transport has directed provincial and local law enforcement to cease penalizing tour operators who are pending responses on their license applications.

These steps are part of the government's response to the delays and challenges faced by tour operators in securing their necessary licensing. By partnering with relevant institutions and establishing direct support mechanisms, the initiative seeks to enhance the efficiency of the licensing process.

For detailed information on the cabinet's discussion and the measures being implemented, visit the official statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 13 March 2024 here.