In a recent development, South Africa announced that it will not reopen for international tourism this year. As per reports, the country might not likely open its door for international visitors till February 2021.
Reportedly, the country is gradually relaxing restrictions, which were imposed in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak in March, however, its tourism industry will need months to get back on its feet.
Almost everything was shut down, except the essential services, when the country was in lockdown. Latest reports mention that South Africa has now moved to
Level 3 of its reopening plan, which allows people to return to work. It has also been reported that South Africans are now allowed to visit game reserves, and cannot partake in leisure travel until this year-end.
The country’s Tourism Department during a government briefing stated that domestic tourism will likely be allowed by December this year, whereas international tourism cannot take place until February 2021.
Referring to this, Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, stated that the first phase of recovery for the sector will be driven by domestic tourism, which will be followed by regional tourism and international tourism next year.
In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, many countries around the world went into lockdown in March. Now, as restrictions are being relaxed, many countries are reopening their borders, and are also thinking of welcoming tourists to reboot their struggling economies. However, in such a circumstance, for a nation to state that tourism is completely off the cards until next year is new.
Nevertheless, South Africa is now looking ahead to 2021 and 2022, and will be looking forward to wooing international visitors with better deals and packages.