Efforts to address decline in SA tourism

The drop has largely been blamed on the new immigration regulations. 

Among the key changes are that new visa applications must be made in person at South African embassies and that minors require an unabridged birth certificate when travelling in and out the country.

Deputy Minister Fatima Chohan says there is a global shrinkage in tourism, adding Ebola and the recent xenophobic attacks could also be factors.

"Tourism is an industry that has highs and lows. All of these are huge challenges that we have to rise to collectively. Certainly as far as Home Affairs is concerned we've been very eager to partner with the KZN trade and investment people who are affected by these misperceptions," she said.

(File photo: Gallo Images)