SA Tourism welcomes relaxed COVID-19 restrictions

It’s good news all around for SA Tourism, as the relaxed COVID-19 restrictions can now allow the industry to breathe a massive sigh of relief.

SA Tourism says it’s ‘Time to get back to normal’

The South African travel and tourism industry have happily welcome the recent news from Health Minister Joe Phaahla, which effectively put an end to the last remaining COVID-19 restrictions.

A message in the Government Gazette on Wednesday, 22 June, confirmed that three laws under regulations 16A, 16B, and 16C of the National Health Act will be scrapped.

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) were jubilant about the news.

“We particularly welcome the decision to suspend the travel restrictions for entry into South Africa, the wearing of face masks indoors and the easing of restrictions on public gatherings. Outdoor activities, as well as large social gatherings are the backbone of the local tourism industry. Many businesses in the industry are yet to recover financially or even get back on track due to the restrictions,” they said.

TBCSA CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, stated that the Tourism Business Council would be supporting government in their efforts to figure out the guidelines on how to deal with COVID-19 going forward.

“It’s about time that the country finds new and alternative ways to deal with the pandemic,” he said.

Industry heads welcome the news

Some industry heads were delighted with the announcement, Travel News reported. Graham Wood, COO for Hospitality at the Sun International Group said that the restrictions that had been placed on gatherings had been particularly punishing on the gaming, hospitality, conferencing and eventing industries.

“The relaxation of the regulations will have a positive effect on tourism, and we are hoping for an accelerated recovery in international leisure demand from our global source markets.” Wood stated.

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