The Blue Train is starting to see an increase in the number of international guests travelling for leisure, as worldwide COVID-19 vaccination programmes get under way.

This is an early indication of recovery in the tourism sector, according to Nomasonto Ndlovu, Executive Manager of Tourism, and Hospitality & Heritage at Transnet. 

In the first quarter of 2021, The Blue Train welcomed visitors on board from the US, the UK, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland.

“The Blue Train has also enjoyed the company of local tourists who, following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown regulations in November 2020, have been supporting this national treasure and other local tourism businesses,” added Ndlovu.

He highlighted that COVID-19 precautions, aligned with Department of Tourism and World Health Organization guidelines, had improved at The Blue Train. “The latest addition to these precautions was the introduction of rapid antigen testing for all guests and crew prior to departure. This, on top of the strict wearing of masks in shared spaces, frequent sanitising and servicing of air-conditioning systems, has gone a long way in ensuring that guests can surrender to the luxury of slow without any worry,” Ndlovu pointed out.