​The Minister of Tourism, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has on Wednesday, 20 January 2021, published for comment the Draft Norms and Standards for the safe operation of the tourism industry in the current COVID-19 environment and beyond.

The Draft Norms and Standards are published in terms of Section 7 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act, 2014 (Act No. 3 of 2014). The aim is to ensure that there are minimum universal practices that the tourism sector must abide by to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

The norms and standards are aimed at effecting common minimum health measures that will provide quality and safety assurance to potential visitors and travellers. It will ensure uniformity across local tourism products and services by aligning them to global principles and guidelines.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit written representations on these norms and standards to the Minister of Tourism within 60 days after publication of the gazette.

Representations may be directed to:

The Director General
Department of Tourism
Private Bag X447
Pretoria
0001

By hand at: Ground Floor (Reception), Tourism House, 17 Trevena Street, Sunnyside, 0002 or by email to msetwaba@tourism.gov.za Enquiries in connection with the notice can be directed to: Ms M Setwaba on (012) 444-6312 or on the aforementioned email address. Comments received after the closing date will not be considered.

The full text of the Draft Norms and Standards are available on www.tourism.gov.za and an electronic copy can be available via email to callcentre@tourism.gov.za

For media enquiries:

Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota - Spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism
Email: hnhlabathi@tourism.gov.za
Cell: 064 754 8426