A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Image by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay
What’s in store for South Africa’s travel sector this December?
As the skies reopen and borders become more relaxed over the end-of-year holiday period, many of us hope that foreign travellers will inject some much-needed cash into our tourism sector. And while any travel activity is better than none, it’s realistically going to take another two or three years before we see anything resembling pre-Covid visitor numbers and revenues, writes Lee-Anne Bac and Christelle Grohmann, directors in Advisory Services at BDO.
P
ackaging value for money
Reopening borders and easing international travel
Attracting regional travellers
The pandemic has devastated average consumer disposable income globally. While those who cannot afford to travel will stay at home, those who can will seek out value-for-money experiences that are easy on a cash-strapped wallet. This is an opportunity for regional tourism boards, travel service providers and industry members to offer discounted bundled packages across the tourism value chain. We need more partnerships that incentivise multi-service provider buy-ups, for example accommodation packages that include preferential car hire rates, access to nearby tourist attractions, as well as restaurant meals at special prices. This appeals to cost-conscious travellers by helping them budget their holiday spend. It also spreads revenue across the tourism industry and other secondary service sectors.
The reopening of borders to foreign visitors is unlikely to pose a higher risk to South Africans than the current incountry risk, since we already have strict Covid travel protocols. All international travel to South Africa is permitted on the presentation of a negative PCR test, at least 72 hours before travelling. Otherwise, travellers need to quarantine for 14 days at their own cost. It’s key that travellers and service providers follow (and enforce) Covid protocols like wearing masks in public, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly to minimise the spread of the virus. Internationally, we’ve already seen how second-wave spreads often mean a return to more stringent lockdowns, which would only strangle the tourism sector further.
This year, many regional travellers are more likely to look for leisure experiences on the African continent. This is a chance for South Africa to market all those attractions that make us unique. Instead of focusing on bush and game escapes, we should market our warm coastal waters, pristine beaches, cultural and historical attractions and shopping experiences.
30 Business Events Africa December 2020
A shift in seasonality
We’re likely to see a seasonality shift or a shorter season these holidays. Many companies are expected to close earlier than usual due to a sluggish economy and decreased revenues. Some employees have been asked to use outstanding leave and to consider taking unpaid leave over the holiday season. www.businesseventsafrica.com
