Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane outlined the regulations that apply to the travel and hospitality sectors for Alert Level 2 during a press briefing on August 19.
‘We will rebuild our marketing proposition and we are encouraged by interest from local as well as international investors,’ the Minister said.
‘Our main goal is to ensure that no tourism facility becomes a source of the spread of COVID-19. So far, this has not happened. Let us keep this trend up and let us hold one another accountable for the sake of the industry,’ she added.
The areas of the sector that were outlined are as follows:
Accommodation:
The same health and safety requirements that were approved during Level 3 remain in place, with the additional regulation that a maximum of 50% floor space in eating areas is maintained.
Restaurants:
The same health and safety requirements that were approved during Level 3 remain in place, and the Minister emphasised the need to adhere to the night time curfew. ‘I can assure you that Minister Cele [Minister of Police] will be on the streets waiting for you,’ she said.
She confirmed that there is no 50% occupancy restriction for restaurants, but that spaces of 1.5m between tables must be maintained.
The Minister also encouraged touch-free practices like online menus and alternative payment methods like SnapScan to avoid contact with people or items.
Tourist attractions:
All tourism attractions are now open, including theme parks, water parks, entertainment centres, and all cultural activities. The Minister encouraged online booking and said all operators must ensure that social distancing is maintained.
Game reserves:
The same health and safety requirements that were approved during Level 3 remain in place, and tour guides must also ensure social distancing. The Minister added that tour operators must keep records of all visitors on tour and make these records available to relevant authorities if required.
Function venues:
Venues must comply with the maximum occupancy of 50 people. No buffets will be allowed.
Furthermore, Kubayi-Ngubane said that Government plans to launch national Tourist Month in September 2020 as part of their strategy to encourage locals to travel and support the industry.
Regarding the reopening of international borders, she said that Government will continue to monitor the risks in the following weeks and months, saying that no exact date can be given yet. ‘It all depends on the risks and the infection rates. We should take one step at a time,’ she said.
‘We encourage South Africans to enjoy their beautiful country, but do so responsibly and compliantly,’ she added. ‘COVID-19 has impacted our movements, but not our sense of hospitality. We are confident in #DestinationSouthAfrica as a product. We’ve got everything that any category of traveller can be looking for,’ the Minister concluded.
Image credit: Screenshot of briefing
