Indonesia and South Africa are working together not just to boost sustainable tourism growth for both countries, but to also strengthen bilaterial ties.
Specifically, both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation which seeks to remove travel barriers.
(Photo : Kathrine Heigan / Unsplash)
Indonesia, South Africa Sign MoU
As a report by the Jakarta Globe notes, the MoU signed by both countries aim to provide easier visa access and joint promotion. The MoU was signed by Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana and South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
"All Muslims traveling to South Africa will be warmly welcomed, and we respect your cultural and religious traditions, de Lille said during the signing. "Now it is up to the people of Indonesia to decide to come and visit us."
ANTARA News notes in its report that, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), 36,548 South African tourists visited Indonesia last year.
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Seven Strategic Cooperation Areas
The MoU highlights seven strategic cooperation areas that both countries will focus on as part of their partnership. These areas are as follows:
Sustainable tourism
Human resource development
Marketing and promotion
Tourism investment
Safety and service standards
Research and development
Other tourism sector initiatives
Widiyanti said that "Signing this MoU will strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation and allow both countries to navigate a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism future."
Related Article: BPS Says Europeans Are the Biggest Spenders Among International Tourists Visiting Indonesia
