Covid-19 Coronavirus: South African Tourism Update

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) welcomes government’s direction as South Africa opens its international borders today. While South Africa’s borders will not be open to all countries for leisure travel, SA Tourism is delighted to welcome those visitors that are able to come to our country.

World Tourism Day is a United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) initiative observed annually on 27 September to highlight the sector’s contribution to the socio–economic development of nations, and the advancement of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves in Gauteng will host the day-long global event this Sunday, celebrated by the UNWTO annually on 27th September. Internationally-acclaimed and award-winning DJ, Black Coffee, will indulge and entertain his local and global fans with a unique two-hour set from the Sterkfontein Caves, with a live broadcast on Channel O.

South Africa is open and ready to welcome travellers from across the world! South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday, 16 September that cabinet has decided to place the entire country on alert level 1, thus opening up international borders for selected countries from 1 October 2020.

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, are pleased to announce that South Africa has won a bid to host the 59th ICCA Africa Regional Hub Conference taking place between 2 & 3 November 2020.

The South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, are pleased to announce that South Africa has won a bid to host the 59th ICCA Africa Regional Hub Conference taking place between 2 & 3 November 2020.

South African Tourism level 2 message on the opening of domestic travel

South Africa’s domestic tourism sector is open and ready for South Africans to once again explore and enjoy their country. This was part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Saturday evening, when he stated that cabinet has decided to place the entire country on alert level 2 with effect from midnight on Monday, 17 August 2020.

With the gradual easing of border restrictions around the world and as countries slowly start welcoming tourists back, it goes without saying that COVID-19 has been particularly devastating on the tourism sector. In her recent budget vote speech, Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane told Parliament that an estimated R54.2 billion in output may already have been lost between mid-March and the end of May this year. The sector now faces a potential 75% revenue reduction in 2020, with 438,000 jobs at risk.

When the first wave coronavirus-induced cancelations hit conferences and other in-person gatherings earlier this year, none of us knew the extent of the upheaval that lay ahead for the global tourism sector. Months later, we have witnessed how the coronavirus “storm” has left a trail of destruction that exceeds all scenarios we could have ever imagined or estimated. COVID-19 has decimated global economies and industries, including tourism and travel.

Almost two-thirds of international travellers are ready to travel immediately after the lifting of international travel restrictions or within a year thereafter, a South African Tourism (SA Tourism) survey on international travel has revealed. The report follows an international tourist behaviour survey, which gives insight into consumer travel preferences post-COVID-19. The recent online sampling survey by SA Tourism’s Strategy Insights and Analytics (SIA) team solicited views of international tourists who have visited South Africa in the past three years.

As from today, 29 June 2020, business conferences of no more than 50 people can now take place in South Africa, whilst restaurants are now also open for patrons to enjoy sit-down meals. Added to this, accredited accommodation establishments are open for domestic business travellers while South Africans can now also play golf, and go to cinemas and theatres which will be open at limited capacities in order to maintain physical and social distancing.