Your support is the best support for Limpopo’s tourist attractions
The Department of Tourism says the industry was the hardest hit by the lockdown and has encouraged people to travel more in the province, while adhering to regulations.
LIMPOPO – The Department of Tourism is closely working with its national counterpart to develop a recovery plan for tourist establishments that were adversely affected by the nationwide lockdown.
According to Departmental Spokesperson, Zaid Kalla, a national tourism relief fund has been put in place by the minister.
“The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic affected 99% of our industry players with very limited to no income. Most establishments are dependent on UIF and TERS payments and up to date, 453 SMME’s applied for tourism relief funds.”
Kalla said the department, through the provincial treasury, contributed to the Solidarity Fund that can also be accessed by tourism sector role players. “The need to support businesses will, however, grow as the lockdown period continues so the department and treasury are currently in discussion to look at additional resources to support the industry.”
Kalla stressed that the tourism sector was the sector hardest hit and they will look to de-risk the tourism sector and open certain tourism activities and leisure tourism, that fit into the current regulations in support of mitigating the impact of Covid-19 on the industry.
“Tourism is known to be a resilient sector and recovered well after previous crises. Provision of tourism relief funds and other financial support mechanisms are once-off capped grant assistance to ensure their sustainability during and post the implementation of government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa. All tourism efforts should focus on opening the domestic tourism market as soon as possible.”
He further remarked that most employees have made their way back to work. “Various tourism facilities will have opened their doors but with restrictions on leisure stay. Despite the initial re-organisation to conduct most work digitally, essential staff were identified and permitted to continue to work. A Covid-19 steering committee was established that met on a weekly basis to discuss issues and work towards preparing for a safe work environment and recovery plan.”
Read more: Travelling for tourism: Level 3 lockdown rules explained
Amid the need to travel from travel enthusiasts and tourists alike in the province, Kalla said there are some of the tourist attractions that are open for visitors. “ We have the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Doorndraai Dam, Nwanedi Resort, Shingo Safari Lodge, Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve, Rust de Winter and Mokolo Dam. These are some of the tourist hot spots and attractions people can visit.”
Kalla concluded by saying people have been in confined spaces for too long and they can now travel. “The lockdown restrictions are eased and people want to go out. However, we do not encourage group travelling. People can visit the tourist attractions as couples or individuals.”
