Still trying to rebound its tourism sector from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic having been dealt severe blow by the disease, South African Tourism is partnering with companies in the sector to offer a 50% discount on packages ahead of the Sho’t Left Travel Week in September.
According to news24.com, companies in the hospitality sector are invited to partner with SA Tourism to register their establishments for discounted packages to promote domestic travel as the sector continues to be battered by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The sector has been hit the hardest by the prolonged travel restrictions that halted regional and international movements. As a result, some accommodation establishments have been forced to temporarily shut doors and lay off staff.
In a bid to kick-start domestic travel, the national tourism body has launched “The Great South African Sale” which will run in September during the Sho’t Left Travel Week. The campaign seeks to offer discounted rates to showcase local destinations for South Africans.
Airlines, accommodation establishments, tour operators and other tourism-related experience service providers are invited to sign up for local deals and packages slashed by up to 50% to be offered to travellers when booking between 6 and 12 September.
“Whether it is beachfront destinations, safari or awe-inspiring cultural experiences and everything in between, the South African tourism trade is encouraged to join this exciting platform to get a chance to reignite domestic travel,” SA Tourism said.
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The tourism body added the initiative was aimed at “reigniting domestic tourism” and encouraging South Africans to explore their own country.
The government has reopened interprovincial travel during the current adjusted Level 3 lockdown.
Tourism is one of the key economic drivers of the economy and job creation. Before the pandemic hit, it was estimated that 700 000 people in South Africa were directly involved in the tourism industry and 1.5 million were involved indirectly.
Speaking to Fin24 in June, SA Tourism’s acting CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, said the country should capitalise on tourists’ pent-up desire to travel and offer unique experiences in a “responsible, environmentally friendly way”.
