South Africa Expands Tourism Links with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore

South Africa is actively courting travelers from Southeast Asia, particularly those from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, by showcasing its exotic nature and Muslim-friendly travel options.

According to South Africa’s latest tourism data, visitors from Singapore are the highest among Southeast Asian countries—over 9,800 travelers—followed by Malaysia with 7,700, and Indonesia with more than 3,000 recorded visits. Meanwhile, the number of South African visitors to Indonesia reached 30,000 in 2025 (BPS data: 36,548 people).

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, acknowledged that there are currently no direct flights between South Africa and Indonesia. However, she emphasized that efforts are underway to strengthen regional connectivity by developing new travel hubs and partnerships with neighboring countries.

“We are working very hard to diversify our markets. Our journey began in Singapore, where we met with the country’s tourism minister. We discussed two key priorities: improving air connectivity between South Africa and this region and developing collaborative opportunities,” Patricia said during a media briefing at the ASTINDO Travel Fair 2026 on Friday (Feb 6).

She added that South Africa had similar discussions with Malaysia, primarily focused on connectivity and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly with airlines and tourism agencies.

In Indonesia, on Thursday (Feb 5), Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri and Minister Patricia de Lille signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation. The agreement aims to enhance the flow of travelers between the two nations by facilitating easier travel arrangements.

“We have discussed follow-ups to ensure effective implementation of the MoU, as well as concrete collaborations in several strategic areas,” Minister Widiyanti stated. “Through this agreement, both countries commit to boosting cooperation in sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing and promotion, tourism investment, safety and service standards, tourism studies and research, and other collaborative sectors.”

To welcome Indonesian and other Muslim travelers, Patricia said South Africa has developed a range of facilities tailored for their comfort—from halal food options to Muslim-friendly hotels and attractions.

“All our major cities are equipped with amenities for Muslim travelers. For example, in Cape Town, we have 150 mosques, including the oldest mosque built in the 1700s by an imam from Indonesia named Imam Yusuf. His tomb and resting place remain in South Africa,” she explained.

“We have many facilities and major cities that can accommodate Muslim tourism. We are even planning to develop a Muslim-friendly Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park, where visitors can enjoy wildlife while having access to halal restaurants and comfortable accommodations,” Patricia added.

When it comes to visas, Indonesian citizens now enjoy visa-free entry to South Africa—making it easier than ever for travelers to explore the country’s world-famous national parks.

“South Africa is not only about safaris and Table Mountain,” Patricia said. “Last June, we launched the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Center, the site where the world’s oldest dinosaur embryo—aged over two million years—was discovered. This June, along the warm Indian Ocean coast, we will open the first Club Med luxury resort in South Africa, located in KwaZulu-Natal. We also have a strong MICE sector, proven by successfully hosting the G20. This June, we’re hosting an international golf event as well,” she concluded.

Indonesianpost.com | Detik.com