By Waldo Adams, Executive Director: Projects at Economic Development Solutions 

The move to Level 1 lockdown and the recent removal of South Africa from the restrictive red list is a positive move for the travel and tourism industry. This will see an influx of overseas holiday visitors as well as an increase in interprovincial travel for local holiday makers, especially as we move towards the December holidays.   However, it is still vital for accommodation organisations such as hotels and B&Bs to have access to ongoing Covid-19 safety training. Not only will this mitigate the risk of transmission in hospitality spaces and ensure guest safety, it will also ultimately avoid reverting back to a harder lockdown, a knock that the tourism industry can ill afford. 

A grim outlook globally, yet optimism abounds 

For most tourism businesses, closed borders mean no tourists and no revenue. In South Africa, tourism generates 740,000 direct jobs and more than 1.5 million jobs indirectly, with roughly 80% of the industry consisting of small businesses - many of which are on the brink of collapse. South Africa’s tourism industry isn’t alone in its struggles. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that 100 million tourism-related jobs have been lost globally due to the Covid-19 crisis, including almost eight million jobs in Africa. However, the tourism sector should see an upswing in with the lockdown change and UK travel ban lifted. 

Covid-19 health procedures must still be kept in place

The adoption of stringent health protocols and constant safety training can go a long way toward making travel appealing and attractive again. This will also provide travellers with a sense of reassurance, letting them know that all possible precautions are in place for their safety, while a robust vaccination program will support such efforts.  

Despite many factors being outside of the industry’s control, there are ways for stakeholders to take matters into their own hands and work to halt the spread of the virus. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has sought assistance in developing an online Covid-19 training course for the entire hospitality industry that is contactless and free of charge. 

Knowledge is power

Accessible through a single portal, https://covidtraining.jurni.co.za/ there are five specific training courses tailored for the various sectors: accommodation, dining, transport and attractions. Along with a general component on Covid-19 safety, these resources are comprehensive and completely aligned with government objectives in terms of Covid-19 protocols. By registering online, and having all staff members complete the coursework, companies will be issued a certificate to display that verifies all employees are trained in Covid-19 compliance and that this establishment takes all the necessary precautions relating to the lockdown level. 

The solution is cooperation

While it’s still too early to say what impact South Africa’s recovery plan is likely to have, tourism operations must pull together and do what they can to make a difference in their own businesses to ensure survival. Tourism workers are urged to obtain their vaccination as soon as possible, and to utilise the free training facilities that have been designed for their benefit. If enough businesses in the industry ensure that their staff have the opportunity to take the vaccination, and make use of the free online training opportunities, the Covid-19 compliance certificate can be reinvented as a drawcard that safety has become a priority deciding factor for travellers.