On February 5, 2026, in Jakarta, South Africa and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to cooperation across seven strategic areas to drive sustainable growth and strengthen bilateral tourism ties, establishing a partnership that focuses on increasing travel by addressing connectivity, creating joint promotions, as well as fostering cooperation in gastronomy and fashion.
Signed by South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille and Indonesia Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, the MoU covers sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing, destination promotions, tourism investment, safety and service standards, research and development among other initiatives.
The ministers stated that the partnership will prioritize connectivity, visas and joint promotion to increase two - way flows, with the South African Minister calling for more direct flights between the two countries.
Key Features about the MoU:
• Seven Strategic Areas: Cooperation focuses on sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing/promotion, investment, safety/service standards (crisis management), and tourism studies.
• Mutual Visa - Free Access: A major component is the abolition of visas for citizens of both countries, aimed at boosting tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and trade.
• Increased Air Connectivity: South African Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille emphasized enhancing direct flights to boost tourism flows.
• Targeted Marketing and Collaboration: The pact includes joint promotions for both countries’ top destinations, exploring hidden gems, and focusing on cultural, culinary, and fashion exchanges.
• Halal Tourism Focus: South Africa is working to increase its appeal to the Indonesian market by improving halal tourism options.
• Implementation Structure: A working group meeting was established to be held within three weeks of the signing to ensure the swift implementation of these initiatives.
In 2025, 36.548 South African travellers visited Indonesia, while about 3.000 Indonesians travelled to South Africa, highlighting scope for growth. Officials expect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism ecosystem.
Link
https://atta.travel/resource/indonesia-and-south-africa-sign-tourism-mou.html
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