The South African tourism industry received a welcome boost with the announcement that South Africa will remain on Adjusted Alert Level One, with some further relaxation of COVID-19 regulations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, made the announcement in an address to the nation on March 22, following consultations with the National Command Council, the centre of decision making in government’s response to curb the spread of Covid-19 and to deal with the consequences of the pandemic.

President Ramaphosa said the further changes to Adjusted Alert Level One will see the following being implemented:

• International travelers entering South Africa through the various ports of entry will require proof of vaccination OR a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.
  Furthermore, all travelers entering South Africa will be offered vaccination on arrival, where requested or required.
• The capacity of gatherings will be increased to 50% for all venues, for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. This is significant for the tourism industry, as it will impact positively on the business events sector.
• The wearing of masks will no longer be required when one is outdoors in a public area. However, wearing of masks is required when one is indoors such as at a mall, gallery, restaurant and in public transport etc.

“We welcome the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions, as this presents great news for the tourism sector’s outlook towards recovery. Providing international travellers with a choice between producing proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours adds to South Africa’s accessibility, as a competitive and attractive tourism destination,” says South African Tourism Acting CEO, Themba Khumalo.

Khumalo further stated that Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions industry (MICE) is a major contributor to the economy and the easing of restrictions on gatherings would allow the sector to host events with more delegates.

“After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, South African Tourism’s flagship leisure tradeshow, Africa’s Travel Indaba is back and will take place from 2 to 5 May 2022. We look forward to hosting the world on our shores once again to showcase all that Africa has to offer travelers from around the world,” concludes Khumalo.