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A level closer to a new normal – A new dawn for tourism and hospitality as inter-provincial travel is permitted and the alcohol ban is lifted

Pretoria, 18 August 2020

As obstacles facing businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector at this time continue to mount, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) welcomes the address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday, 15 August 2020.

The commencement of level 2  sees the lift on all restrictions on inter-provincial travel which means a fuller return to business for accommodation, hospitality venues and tours now permitted to operate according to approved protocols as well as on-site consumption of alcohol at eateries with the observation of social distancing.

The success and continuation of the fuller return to business for tourism and hospitality will be achieved through the responsible behaviour of businesses and citizens to ensure that safe practices are implemented, and protocols are adhered to.

This announcement may, for some, bring concerns about the safety of visiting restaurants, accommodation establishments or attractions, or participating in activities. However, the tourism and hospitality industries have developed clear and comprehensive protocols. When implemented, these protocols allow travellers and patrons to stay and eat safely in the establishments who have pledged to uphold them. There is a clear designation for businesses applying these protocols called the Travel Safe Eat Safe certificate, endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The certificate is available through the opus4business app.

The certificate and its related badges can be displayed in establishments and on their websites and social media pages, providing much needed reassurance to consumers of the adoption of the required health and hygiene protocols.

“We want patrons to know that coming to establishments is safe. The idea of being out and about again may seem daunting, however the protocols ensure a great, uncompromised experience, with appropriate safety processes embedded seamlessly and unobtrusively throughout the journey or visit. Patrons now have the option to look for establishments displaying the Travel Safe Eat Safe decal indicating they are adhering to these extensive protocols.” said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA.

To support the industry’s revival and for South Africa to be a destination of choice locally and  internationally, the entire tourism sector and consumers must practise and conform to the required  processes to ensure safety of all in addition we ask consumers to  observe the below protocols:

  • Have your temperature taken and sanitize your hands on entering any establishment.
  • Wear a mask at all times (with the exception of when eating or drinking.)
  • Share your correct details with an outlet or establishment for recording so they can contact you should it be necessary.
  • Maintain social distancing of at least 1.5m.
  • Try to use non-touch alternatives e.g. contactless payment methods

Business operators are strongly encouraged  to use  the recently launched Opus4business App, a quick, easy,  paperless and POPI compliant way to show full understanding and commitment to the  safe industry operating protocols  and record compliance with them for  tourism industry business owners. The App can be downloaded via on http://tourismsa.opus4business.com/ and features an online PPE marketplace featuring small and large suppliers nationally.

TBCSA encourages businesses to take their staff through the necessary training so that we can have a compliant industry, and onus will also be on consumers to request, adhere and observe regulations to ensure the overall safety of everybody, staff and customers alike,  working in,  or enjoying experiences in our industry