SOUTH AFRICA: ALL TOURISM ATTRACTIONS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, recently announced that all tourism attractions were open to operate under Alert Level 2 of the COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy. These include, but are not limited to, theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, family entertainment centres, aquariums, science centres, nature and game reserves, national parks and other entertainment and cultural attractions. All tourism attractions must follow the regulations and ensure that all equipment related to the attractions are correctly sanitised. According to Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, “There were no restrictions on what type of accommodations are allowed to operate under Alert Level 2 but that regulations for the consumption of alcohol at an establishment’s restaurant or bar must be adhered to. The curfew that starts at 22h00 as announced by President Ramaphosa must be adhered to by all restaurants and bars within hotels and other accommodation establishments.”
WESTERN CAPE: CAPE TOWN FEATURES ON POPULAR BEACH CLUBS LIST
The beautiful Shimmy Beach Club in Cape Town has made it on Pour Moi’s World’s Most Popular Beach Clubs list, coming in at number 15. Pour Moi analysed thousands of Instagram posts to reveal the most Instagrammed beach clubs and hundreds of the world’s best beach clubs were included in the research.
WESTERN CAPE: TABLE MOUNTAIN SET TO REOPEN IN SEPTEMBER
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company will reopen to domestic travellers on Tuesday, 1 September. According to Wahida Parker, Managing Director at TMACC, “The cableway will operate between 8am to 3pm from Monday to Sunday throughout September. Our goal is to ensure that every visitor has a world-class experience when enjoying the heritage and beauty of Table Mountain. We have taken every step to ensure that the health and safety of our visitors and staff remain our top priority.”
ESWATINI: WTTC SAFE TRAVELS STAMP AWARD
The Kingdom of Eswatini recently received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp. According to the Minister of Tourism, Moses Vilakati, “Implementation of these protocols is part of our message to tourists far and wide that Eswatini is open for tourism business; we are ready to receive tourists warmly and safely to the Kingdom of Eswatini.” The next steps are to ensure that all industry players complied with the protocols and boosted market confidence in the destination.
MALAWI: BORDERS SET TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER
The Malawian government is working on developing risk management plans for the tourism industry as it gears up to resume international flights in the first week of September. The plans would ensure proper management of the current COVID-19 crisis and assist the tourism sector to get back on its feet.
TANZANIA: WTTC SAFE TRAVELS STAMP
Tanzania is the latest East African country to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels Stamp, which is designed to enable travellers to make safe travel choices in the wake of COVID-19. According to Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamisi Kigwangalla, “It will give travellers the confidence to visit our rich and varied attractions. We are confident that as more countries ease their travel restrictions, we will have more tourists.”
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Free State
Clarens Craft Beer Festival from 19 to 20 February 2021
Gauteng
Soweto Marathon on 1 November 2020 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
Mpumalanga
Forever Loskop Marathon on 17 April 2021
Western Cape
AfricaCom from 10 to 12 November 2020
Cap Classique and Champagne Festival from 30 November to 1 December 2020
Mining Indaba from 8 to 11 February 2021
Budget Speech 17 or 24th Feb 2021 (Tentative dates)
SONA (State of the Nation Address) Date to be confirmed
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Please note that our offices will be closed on the following Public Holidays:
Thursday, 24 September – Heritage Day
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 – Day of Reconciliation
Friday, 25 December 2020 – Christmas Day
Saturday, 26 December 2020 – Day of Goodwill