Tourism sector on its way to recovery, amid COVID19 pandemic devastation
The tourism sector has announced its plans to revive businesses operating and aligned to the sector, after devastation by COVID19 pandemic. The sector was forced to sut down during the hard lockdown of the year 2020, when the country was under level 5, forcing borders to close – impacting negatively on the sector in terms of domestic travellers and international visitors to our shores.
The Economic Recovery Plan announced by the President of the Republic, is what the sector is moving towards to in realizing the objectives of government in reviving the economy, creation of the much needed jobs and getting the sector back to what it was before hit by the global pandemic.
The recovery plan includes partnerships with stakeholders from government, the sector and the social partners. Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane presented the Toursim Recovery Plan in cooperation with key stakeholders, the Tourism Business Council (TBCSA) and South African Tourism (SAT) amongst others. The pandemic impacted on the MICE sector negatively, as the country could not operate and allow trade shows and business conferencing activities of the economy to be held.
On the photo: Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane-Ngubane, at the Tourism Recovery Plan briefing.
Also, the sector saw a decline of 40,5% in the total income of the food and bevearges industry between the period of Jan to Dec 2020, compared to Jan to dec 2019. Tourist accommodation also declined by 72,7% in Feb 2021 as compred to Feb 2020, with the virus expected to be brought to its lower levels by the end of 2022, across the world, with vaccination being fully rolledout.
The recovery plan adopted seven strategic intervention pillars – where it is expected the sector will rise from this and continue to contribute to the economy. Amongst these seven pillars include, the stimulation of domestic demand through intergrated campaigns, Tourism Regional Intergration, reignite international demand, to review policy framework in enhancing growth and development.
However, there has been a rise in domestic tourism as many individuals opted for some time out and enjoy the country after the hard lockdown, taking advantage of what our country could offer. The plans are also inclusive of the packaging of the produtcs and services to offer travellers across various destinations, to ensure there is value for money in the experience offered by the establishment.
During the easter holidays, many travellers opted for road travel as compared to air travel as it was an inconvient way of experiencing the country again. In fighting the pandemic, the use of technological solutions had to be used in many hotel and restaurant establishments, to ensure the sector minimise the spread of the virus. In attracing international travellers, the sector working with government, particularly the Home Affiars department in resolving the e-VISA regulations, which will then make it easier for travellers in targed markets.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has been approved by the Cabinet and can now be rolled out to realize the full potential of the sector, recovery of jobs and contribute immensely to the economy. The paln is also available to the public on the department’s communication platforms.
SHARE THIS STORY ANYWHERE YOU LIKE
SHARE THIS STORY ANYWHERE
LATEST NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Canal Walk hosts third Eid expo: a celebration of local craft and festive spirit
Canal Walk Shopping Centre is set to host its third annual Eid Expo from 11 to 16 March 2026, offering shoppers a free,
Capitec proudly ignites the rebirth of Ubuntu concert
The Rebirth of Ubuntu concert is proud to announce Capitec as its new headline sponsor. This partnership is rooted
Converse and Sanrio® celebrate the joy of friendship with a Hello Kitty® and Friends collection
Converse and Sanrio® invite the whole friend group to celebrate the launch of their Hello Kitty® and Friends collaboration. The super cute collection features a bold range of footwear, apparel, and