The tourism industry has been battered and bruised the last 18 months as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. However, there may be a glimmer of hope as experts are optimistic that the country may be finally exiting the third wave of the pandemic, reports IOL.
On Sunday, September 26, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases announced that South Africa has officially exited its third wave of COVID-19 infections, with the number of vaccinated individuals fast approaching 8.4 million.
The industry has suffered huge financial losses during the pandemic, but things are finally picking up, says the Bureau for Economic Research (BER). The BER announced yesterday that tourist accommodation statistics have gradually increased since February but throwing lockdown restrictions and civil unrest into the mix has seriously dampened the steady increase.
Tourism within South Africa is currently being driven by the domestic market, as more South Africans take the opportunity to explore their country. While the industry slowly gains moment, many are looking to the international market as South Africa still remains on the UK’s Red List.
This poses a problem, as Britain remains a key market within the tourism industry, with the South African economy losing around R790 million for every month it has remained on the list, reports Business Insider.
Despite the frustration and confusion from many pundits within the industry, there is hope.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela stated that the industry has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity.
“Recovery will drive the way forward for us and has become our new North Star. It allows us to reimagine and reposition tourism for optimal inclusive growth,” said Mahlalela.
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