Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is disappointed following announcements by the UK to place South Africa back on the red list together with five neighbouring African countries following the announcement by the country’s health department.
Japan, Israel and the European Union have all moved to place stricter measures against South African traveling to their part of the world.
This follows an announcement by the Department of Health that a new variant of the corona virus has been detected in the country.
“While this is most disappointing South Africa will continue working with policy makers in the UK, Japan, Israel and European Union to ensure that the best possible interventions are put in place. I would like to commend the South African scientists on their diligence and all the work they have done and remain confident that all measures will be put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Minister Sisulu said.
“We remain open for business and tourism travel and we appreciate the continued support from various partners across the world and are confident that through the tourism recovery plan in place, we will reignite demand and once more be tourism strong.”
For the Tourism Sector, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have devastating effects.
The decision by the UK, Japan, Israel, Germany and the European Union pre-empts the World Health Organisation’s advising on next steps following South Africa’s announcement yesterday.
Minister Sisulu will be attending the 24th Session of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) which will take place in Madrid, Spain on 30 November-3 December 2021.
During this session, the minister will engage with her counterparts and ensure the world that South Africa is open for tourists and all measures are in place ensure tourist’s safety.
Steve Motale
Cell: 083 784 0719
OR
Mpumzi Zuzile
MLO
Cell: 072 550 9019