Lockdown restrictions eased to accommodate tourism-related activities

MAYOR Mxolisi Kaunda has welcomed the relaxation of restrictions on tourism activities announced by the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane on Thursday, 30 July.

After months of restricted trade in the tourism sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Durban and the rest of the country will be easing measures to accommodate tourism-related activities. These include restaurants, accommodation for leisure, tour operations, relief and response measures and relief for tour guides.

The mayor said he was excited by the announcement made by the minister of further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions as it will have a positive impact on the tourism and hospitality industries.

“These sectors play a significant role in our effort to reignite the city’s economy and we are ready and open for business. A testament to that is also the recent announcement by Toyota that they will produce their first hybrid synergy drive car in Durban as part of a R2.5 billion investment in a new production line.”

“We look forward to the systematic opening up of more industries which will bring a further economic boost to our city,” he said.

He further highlighted that the city of Durban welcomes these relief measures approved by the cabinet.

“We presented our Economic Recovery Plan in May and we believe that we are steadily moving along on the road to recovery in the tourism sector.”

“We have sought innovative ways to remain top of minds with our stakeholders through the virtual events that we have hosted thus far during the lockdown and believe that these relief measures will bring much-needed revenue for roleplayers in this sector.”

In her address, Minister Kubai-Ngubane said that the cabinet had approved the move to extend the restaurant curfew to 10 pm to allow for uninterrupted dinner service at restaurants, restrictions around leisure travel have been eased with accommodation for intra-provincial leisure now being allowed. Tour operators will also be allowed to conduct guided tours subject to conditions within the new regulations.

“It has been a very tough time for all tourism-related activities, not only affecting business but each and every one of us, missing dining to our favourite restaurants, booking into hotels, visits to the beach and spending time enjoying the Durban all-year summer,” said Kaunda.

“This announcement by the minister will provide a welcome relief to all who are involved in the sector as well as to the public as we slowly re-integrate tourism activities in our society,” he added.

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