South Africa tourism chief hails 'step towards' 2019 outlook
Will PayneSouth Africa’s tourism chief in the UK has hailed changes to the country’s international travel restrictions as a "positive step towards" returning to pre-Covid arrival figures.
Kgomotso Ramothea, acting hub head of South African Tourism UK, said the easing of restrictions outlined by president Cyril Ramaphosa this week would make South Africa more accessible to travellers, regardless of vaccination status.
"We welcome the further easing of Covid-19 restrictions," said Ramothea. "South Africa’s travel industry is hopeful that recovery will be quick and visitor arrival figures will spring back to 2019 levels.
"The ease of regulations is such a positive move in support of the industry and a step towards reaching this goal."
Ramaphosa on Wednesday (23 March) announced fully vaccinated travellers will no longer have to show proof of a negative test to gain entry.
However, unvaccinated visitors still need a negative PCR “not older than 72 hours” to be allowed access.
Ramaphosa also announced changes to South Africa’s domestic Covid policy, with vaccinated individuals or those with a negative test allowed back into sporting stadiums and music and theatre shows operating at half capacity.
The mandatory wearing of face masks outdoors has also been scrapped, but will remain mandatory in public indoor spaces.
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