Covid-19: Minister encourages South Africans to support the tourism industry

Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane hosted a media briefing on 19 August to outline how the move to Level 2 will impact tourism-related activities.

Kubayi-Ngubane said that the lockdown had devastating impacts on tourism, forcing many businesses to retrench their staff members. “We are putting together the pieces towards a new path for recovery as many people in our sector return to work to provide for their families following months of hardship.”

She said that in the coming weeks they will consolidate all the input they have received on the Tourism Recovery Strategy before they submit their plan to the cabinet. “Tourism is one of the pillars of the broader South African economic growth.”

She said that they are highly encouraged by both domestic and international investors looking to invest in the tourism sector and they are hopeful that the tourism economy won’t only recover but surpass previous goals.

“Our main goal is to ensure that no tourism facility becomes a source of the spread of the pandemic.”

Kubayi-Ngubane highlighted regulations which have been updated in Level 2. These include:

• All regulations about mandatory mask-wearing, record-keeping and sanitary measures outlined for inter-provincial travel in Level 3 remain in place. Travel to all provinces is now permitted.
• There must be a 50 per cent occupancy of common areas such as breakfast or reception areas.
• Bars and restaurants within hotels must adhere to the 10pm curfew.
• Attraction places such as theme parks, water parks, zoos and game reserves are now open. These places need to ensure there is social distancing. Tourists and tour guides need to wear masks and sanitise regularly.
• All activities such as quad biking or hot air balloons need to be sanitised after each use.
• In guided tours, tour guides need to ensure there is social distancing, wear masks and sanitise regularly.
• Tour guides are required to keep a record of the people they are taking on a tour and make it available to authorities when requested.
• Wedding venues are now permitted to operate, however, they can only host events with a maximum of 50 people.
• In restaurants and other venues, no buffets are permitted.
• There is no 50-person limit within restaurants however a 1.5m distance between tables must be maintained.

She said that South Africans are encouraged to support tourist attractions and explore the country following months of lockdown. “Covid-19 certainly impacted on our operations but not our sense of hospitality. The sector stands ready to host you, whether it is a visit to the local botanical garden, to a restaurant or an overnight trip to another province.”

Director-General of the Department of Tourism Nkhumeleni Victor Tharage said that 3 116 tourist guides have been paid from the Tourism Relief Fund for the first month and they will be paid for the next three months. He added that there are an additional 3 000 people who are going through additional verification.

Kubayi-Ngubane added that they hope to open up international travel within the coming weeks however they are cognisant of the fact that many tourists might still be cautious of travelling internationally and they plan to put standards in place to comfort international visitors.

She concluded that until international borders are opened, they are relying on South Africans to support the tourism industry and enjoy their beautiful country.

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