[ad_1]
As South Africa prepares to host international guests from October 1, the country should focus on both international and domestic travelers, says tourism minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.
The minister said in a speech on Monday (September 28), that the government’s approach to the national and international market should not be one of preference over the other.
“It is for this reason that we believe that the industry should seriously consider introducing a two-tier system that ensures that both international and domestic travelers get economic value in packages that both can afford,” he said.
Kubayi-Ngubane said South Africa’s history of racial discrimination and skewed resource allocation is still seen in who has access to tourism products.
“I will repeat the appeal I made yesterday on prices. We appeal to the tourism sector market to introduce incentives such as affordable rates, discounts, upgrades and attractive packages so that more South Africans can have the opportunity to explore the country of their birth, thus giving them a proper sense of belonging.
“I once again ask all private sector actors to collaborate with us in creating an environment conducive to attracting South Africans to travel within their country,” he said.
In a speak to on Sunday, Kubayi-Ngubane said that since the government opened interprovincial travel under the level 2 blockade, it has been traveling across provinces visiting establishments and meeting travelers and property owners.
“I am pleased to report that many of the establishments are ready to reopen if they have not yet opened and South Africans are very interested in traveling to their own country,” he said.
“Across the country, South Africans send me messages and photos of their tourism experiences. South Africans are taking their family and friends on adventures, safaris, hikes, and other types of memorable tourist experiences our country has to offer.
“After six months of blockade, South Africans are doing everything possible to rediscover their country.”
The minister said that the “vitality” of the national tourism sector is in line with the government’s recovery plan, which will be carried out in phases.
“In this regard, we forecast that the recovery will begin with domestic tourism, then regional land and air markets and finally the resumption of international travel around the world,” he said.
Read: The rich are leaving South Africa, and this country is expected to be a major destination
[ad_2]
