Sodurba welcomes easing of tourism restrictions

ETHEKWINI Municipality mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, 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 South Africa will be easing measures to accommodate tourism related activities.

Kaunda said: “We have noted with excitement the announcement by the minister of further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions. This will have a positive impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors which will play a significant role in our effort to reignite the city’s economy and we are ready and open for business.We look forward to the systematic opening up of more industries which will bring further economic boost to our city.”

In her address, minister Kubai-Ngubane announced that cabinet has 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. 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,” said Kaunda.

Local Community Tourism Organisation (CTO), Sodurba has also welcomed the minister’s decision after its members and partners have suffered a great deal due to the lockdown while others still face possible permanent closure. “Sodurba has therefore decided to waiver our membership fees for 2020/2021. This is just a small token of assistance to our loyal members. We have also assisted them with as much information as possible regarding relief fund opportunities. The mayor also announced that the funding of CTOs will be increased to assist with extensive marketing.

“We proceeded to market Sodurba throughout lockdown to entice people to travel as soon as they are allowed. Numerous videos showcasing our area has been put together and shared on social media. Unfortunately our Welcoming of the Whales festival was cancelled but plans are already in place for 2021. Our office interns have been working with us remotely,” Sodurba spokesperson Helga du Preez.

The team is currently underway with the planning of December beach activities with the Blue Flag Beach Stewarts.

Sodurba is working closely with their members to create awareness and packages together to promote Sodurba CTO. “We are also working closely with Durban Tourism for Indaba 2021 and of course our Welcoming of the Whales Festival 2021. Our Whale Heritage Site is also bringing along some exciting adventures for the South of Durban, which in return should bring many more tourists through our area.

“Although our tourism products have been limping through this trying time, I think everyone is ready and excited to welcome our tourists back. We have made sure that all our members are well informed with regards to the Covid-19 protocols and procedures and our tourists can rest assured that their health, safety and well-being is our priority,” said Helga.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. For any comments or queries, contact the National Group Editor, Irma Green at irma@caxton.co.za or the Legal Adviser, Helene Eloff at  helene@caxton.co.za.

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

To receive our free newsletter click here

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)