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The risk-based approach regulating international travel released by the national government last week has created unnecessary confusion and uncertainty in the travel and tourism industry, says Western Cape Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunity David Maynier.
Current restrictions allow business travelers from high-risk countries to enter South Africa with a negative PCR test, but not leisure travelers. Maynier said this is nonsense and unfair.
“There is simply no increased risk of Covid-19 virus transmission based on the purpose of travel, yet the negative impact of continuing to limit the entry of leisure travelers to South Africa, especially from our key source markets, is severe and extreme. ,” he said.
“International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, so the total reopening of our borders to leisure travelers, with strict health protocols before the summer season, is absolutely essential for the immediate recovery of the sector, medium-long-term stability and long-term survival “.
Maynier said that he has now sent a letter to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, with an attachment submission detailing an alternative approach to opening international travel safely in a way that avoids confusion and uncertainty.
The presentation proposes:
- Eliminate the risk-based country categorization model;
- Require all travelers to present a PCR test upon arrival, performed at least 72 hours prior to arrival;
- The result of the PCR test should not have to be signed by a doctor (in many countries, the tests are performed by a laboratory and the results are issued electronically);
- Require all travelers to download the Covid-19 alert app and complete the tourist locator form to ensure travel details are captured, including accommodation and length of stay;
- Control of all travelers upon arrival at the airport by Port Health officials;
- If a traveler shows any symptoms, they will be referred to an exclusive private test center at the airport (these must be configured), which will be borne by the traveler. This will prevent the use of public transportation to reach the test facility and thus limit the possible spread of the virus;
- Any traveler who tests positive must be quarantined in a place of accommodation of their choice for 10 days and at their own expense;
- There is an urgent need to develop paperless processes for all visa applications and other home affairs formalities;
- Clear and easily accessible information needs to be provided on government web pages, which should be regularly updated;
- Travelers visiting South Africa on business should be able to extend their stay for leisure purposes.
The tourism sector is a major contributor to the economy and employment in South Africa and the Western Cape, Maynier said.
“In 2019, international tourism contributed R81.2 billion in total foreign direct spending, excluding capital spending, in South Africa.
“Leisure travelers from key source markets like the UK, US, Netherlands and France take full advantage of our favorable exchange rate and have high spending potential that positively impacts our local economy.”
You can read the full presentation below.
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