Botswana Safari News
5 Std. ·
Will South Africa international tourists closeout till 2021 affect Botswana?
South Africa will not let in international tourists until 2021 according to news reports.
At a briefing on May 27, it was reported that South Africa’s Department of Tourism predict that domestic tourism won’t resume until December this year, while international tourism won’t resume until February 2021.
Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said in an additional announcement on May 30: “Based on the COVID-19 epidemic expected trajectory, the first phase of the recovery for the sector will be driven by domestic tourism, followed by regional tourism and international tourism next year.
Majority of tourists coming to Botswana transits through OR Tambo International airport.Many Batswana also regularly visit South Africa for shopping.
A source working for a leading tourism company expressed fear that should Botswana open its borders to international tourists many would not be able to transit through South Africa. He further opined that Botswana destinations are intertwined to other destination in the neighbouring countries. ’ lot of visitors to the Okavango Delta and Chobe also South Africa especially Cape Town as part of their travel package. Therefore if south Africa is out of bounce some may choose to delay trips until all destinations are available ‘
However another operator stated:’ I don’t think the closure of South Africa is much of a concern. If we would open and have tourists coming they could fly through Namibia, Zimbabwe or even Gaborone through Ethiopian Airways. The biggest problem now is that many travellers would not travel due to COVID-19 restrictions with developed countries advising their citizens to prioritise essential travel ’
It looks like it would take longer for things to return to normality.
Quelle: fb
Link zum Statement betr. der Wiederöffnung von Südafrikas Grenzen für internationale Touristen in 2021>
www.tourism.gov.za/A...-Sector-Respons.aspx
Gruß Gina
