Now is the time to be aggressive in marketing South Africa to international markets, according to Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane.

“We’ve seen the pain of not having tourists in our country,” said the Minister, as she encouraged South African operators to market their products as international borders are set to reopen tomorrow (October 1).

Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebrations held at Maropeng on Sunday (September 27), she said following the pandemic, tourists would be looking for destinations with diverse product offerings. “Despite being a long-haul destination, South Africa will be a preferred destination because it offers diverse tourism products in addition to the weather and the warmth of its people.”

Attracting these tourists would be vital to the recovery of the country’s economy she explained: “Tourism will be the key driver of the recovery of the economy.”

The borders will be opened with minimal restrictions. For example, travellers arriving in South Africa will not be submitted to mandatory quarantine. “All they have to do is show their certificate saying that they have tested negative,” said Kubayi-Ngubane.

They will also be encouraged to download an app that will help track the patterns of contact between tourists and also put them in touch with South African health services in their immediate area.