South Africa, July 15 -- Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber recently announced the new Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) and Meetings, Events, Exhibitions and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), intended to address longstanding visa bottlenecks for international participants from key growth markets.

The announcement has been welcomed by RX Africa, organiser of major events including World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, ILTM Africa and FAME Week Africa, which for years faced challenges bringing buyers and exhibitors from countries like China, India, the UAE, Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.

"This announcement is particularly significant for our international exhibitions," says Carol Weaving from RX Africa. "The new visa schemes wi...