Level 3 starting 1 June opens the industry up a little more despite many arguments and objections. The minister of tourism did an address on 30 May in which they outlined the following allowed:

• Restaurants for delivery or collection of food
• Restaurants with liquor licenses are also allowed to sell alcohol for collection or delivery. (thus, both on site and off-site licensees are allowed to sell)
• Professional services such as guides, operators, agents and officers, training is allowed
• Public and private game farms allowed to open for self-drive only
• Hiking allowed
• Accommodation activities are allowed without permission from the department. (except leisure)

Read the full speech here https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-mmamoloko-kubayi-ngubane-coronavirus-covid-19-alert-level-3-tourism-sector

An estimated 8 million workers are returning on 1 June and seems everyone may resume except for leisure activities and personal care attendants. Yes, it is outrageous.

Flights are resuming from the 4 main airports as well which bodes well for our industry. The ‘paperwork’ the department refers to is nothing special and easy to get hold of and complete.  There are confirmations that one is able to book FlySafair and Mango but Kulula/BA Comair only available from Nov 2020 onward.

Based on the current level change trajectory we see us reaching level 1 in Oct even if we apply 60 days to both levels 2 and 1. Yet the department insists on February ’21 return for international travel which again in not in keep with the rest of the globe that resumes ‘life’ from July onward. (we have initially been 2 months behind with C-19 which confirm our estimates below)

We have come across many ‘clever’ ways to work around the senseless restrictions. For instance, Jolly Cool in Parkhurst hosts the Methodist Church and there for may have crowds of 50 or more (both funeral and religious) and supplies catering.

Another one is corporate guests traveling for ‘weekend work’

Once thing for sure is that the authorities only investigates when an establishment is reported and not on an ad hoc basis.

Keep in mind some operational considerations, your property has been unused for quite some time, it will take at least a week or so to get stock organized, staffing and hygiene training & C19 protocols set up. The sooner you start advertising that you are open the quicker the word will get around and it took most of us about 2-3 weeks to get the first guests to check in. If you want some ideas how to rekindle your market let me know and I will send some pointers. Remember OTA’s are not producing so focus your efforts on your guest history/past users and local area businesses and travel agents. From our experience these are the only travelers now.

Whilst this is a short article the message is that we are slowly moving forward and you can do everything you used to, except having leisure guests.

Remember to watch Carte Blanche’s episode on 31 May regarding business interruption repudiation claims and the ‘other fight’ we are all busy with.

Take care

Jaco