Hospitality industry says South Africa's new visa schemes set to boost film and meetings sectors

The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has heralded a transformative move as two innovative visa categories, specifically tailored for the film and meetings sectors, are set to take effect.

This comes after the Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, on Wednesday announced the launch of two further digital visa initiatives in a bid to support the rollout of the pending Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, and building on the success of the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS).

The Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) will simplify visa access for film production companies as the outdated and paper-based systems hinder the industry.

"In just one example, a major Netflix production from Mexico was lost due to visa delays, costing South Africa an estimated R400 million in lost income," Schreiber said.

"But thanks to STAGES, companies will now be able to apply via a dedicated online portal, receive visa decisions within hours, and will no longer be required to visit missions in-person abroad." 

The Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) will see visa applications for international attendees at major conferences, sporting events, exhibitions and other international events processed entirely online, with rapid turnaround times.

"[MEETS] will support events such as the SA20 cricket tournament and the World Rugby Sevens, allowing global talent to arrive without delay and injecting further growth into our economy," Schreiber said.

"Together, STAGES and MEETS are set to transform South Africa into a leading destination for film, tourism, sports, arts, culture and events – all sectors with enormous potential for growth and job creation." 

Fedhasa on Thursday said STAGES and MEETS were promising to overhaul the outdated visa system that has hindered growth and profitability in South Africa’s entertainment and business tourism industries.

Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of Fedhasa, expressed her enthusiasm about these changes.

"It is refreshing and heartwarming to witness a Minister who so clearly understands, in practical terms, how our outdated visa regime has been costing South Africa dearly," Anderson said.

"The STAGES and MEETS visa categories are not just policy reforms – they are powerful economic enablers that signal to the world that South Africa istruly open for business."

Anderson said the global film landscape served as an illustrative blueprint for the potential success of South Africa's updated policies.

For instance, she said Canada had achieved remarkable financial gains from its streamlined visa processes, generating C$11.3 billion (approximately R155 billion) in direct film and TV production spending in just the last year.

Anderson said that similarly, Georgia has experienced a 250% surge in foreign film productions over the past five years, primarily driven by its efficient visa and incentive initiatives.

"South Africa, with its stunning locations and skilled crews, is exceptionally well-placed to emulate this success. In 2019/2020, our film sector contributed R7.2bn to the economy – a figure which has since declined due to both COVID-19 and administrative delays. These new reforms give us every reason to believe we can not only recover but soar," Anderson said.

The MEETS visa is projected to unlock profound value in South Africa's MICE sector, which generated R120bn in 2023, with ample possibilities for future growth.

Countries such as Singapore and Thailand have successfully benefited from streamlined visa access, positioning themselves as global MICE leaders. Singapore's industry generated S$3.8 billion (R53bn) in 2022, while Thailand attracted over 1.3 million MICE travellers in 2023.

Anderson said job creation, economic growth, and global competitiveness hinged on practical, fast, and business-friendly policies. She said Fedhasa was encouraged by the promise of a digital system with quick turnaroundtimes – and was looking forward to engaging further on timelines and implementation.

"South Africa's rich culture, world-class facilities, and natural beauty can position us as a premier MICE destination – but only if the red tape is removed. The MEETS visa is a major stride in that direction," she said.

"With STAGES and MEETS, South Africa sends a clear and confident message to the world: we areready, we are open, and we are welcoming the world to our shores to do business, create jobs, and tell our stories."

BUSINESS REPORT