Deputy Minister of Department of Employment and Labour, Boitumelo Moloi, today confirmed that the Covid-19 TERS benefit will be extended by six weeks, until 15 August 2020.

Delivering the Departement’s 2020 Budget vote during a virtual meeting, the minister said:

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that, following due diligence and consultation with the UIF actuaries, and in line with the President’s decision to extend the life of the Disaster Management Act until 15th August, we have taken the decision to similarly extend the Covid19 Ters benefit until the 15th of August 2020.”

The minister added that the benefit structure and existing criteria remain the same. Applications for April and May will be closed by the end of July 2020, although applications already received for these two months will be processed.

To read the Minister’s full speech, click here.

SATSA will keep you updated on the opening dates of the extended UIF TERS benefit applications.

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) hosted a webinar on 20 July with over 1600 key stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Hosted by TBCSA Chair Blacky Komani and CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa and moderated by David Frost, SATSA CEO, the trio to provide feedback on efforts by the council to lobby government for a phased reopening of the industry and to discuss the current state of the tourism industry.

Since the declaration of a National State of Disaster in South Africa, the TBCSA has met with the minister of tourism, health and finance, the economic cluster, the President, its counterparts in different countries and the big 5 banks to present the tourism recovery plan, to present the industry’s health protocols, industry job losses, business closures and financial relief.

Various industry bodies and business owners were presented with the opportunity to raise their concerns and solutions which ranged from UIF-TERS to Agri-tourism.

“Today’s session has further highlighted the frustration felt by various sectors of our industry, especially now with UIF-TERS not kicking in this month. One thing that is clear is the industry needs to stick together especially because we all have the same goal which is to see our businesses going back to work and to put food on the tables of our communities. Our role is to influence policy and we will continue to do this until we come out of this together.” said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA

The TBCSA has said that it has to be sensitive to the fact that as infection numbers grow, it becomes difficult for government to give concessions to the industry, and one of the lessons learnt is to break down the industry into smaller sections to increase the possibility of small wins contributing to bigger industry success.

“The tourism industry has been affected by various international crises in the past and we have survived them, so we know will survive this one. COVID-19 is a moving target, so, the answer we have to today, may not be effective tomorrow, but we know that we must approach it with facts and data-driven strategy, open communication with government and we must continue to prove that our health protocols will help flatten the curve going into the future as we continue to be responsible and be compliant.” said Blacky Komani Chairperson of TBCSA

Every day that the industry remains restrained is a R748m loss of tourism expenditure and the further permanent loss of much needed jobs. The estimated loss of jobs currently stands at 600 000 direct jobs, if the sector remains closed with knock-on effects in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and banking.

“We have made some strides in terms of ensuring that some parts of the sector become operational during lockdown. Whilst we are frustrated with the current pace of the government’s response to our proposals, we must acknowledge some of our small wins such as the restaurant sector coming back online and continue to push for various areas in our sector to reopen by providing evidence to substantiate each case, and we are doing that daily.” concluded Tshivhengwa

The TBCSA is committed to ensuring that the industry reopens and commences to operate to its full capacity and are asking for a further review of regulations.

If you missed the TBCSA Webinar on 20 July with Chair Blacky Komani and CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, to discuss where South Africa’s Tourism Sector stands, we are pleased to share the webinar recording with you

Click here to access the YouTube Link:
https://youtu.be/WanXNO9knes

Thank you to those who attended and asked questions.

Written by: Dewald Cillie, Executive Head, SATIB Insurance Brokers

There is no better characterisation of the last few months than the painstaking progress of one step forward and two steps back.

And yet in other ways, we are moving forward. Last week, as promised, we submitted our proposal for immediate interim relief to prominent Insurers. The document outlines why this relief is so critical, what the impact has already been on tourism and hospitality, suggested mechanisms for relief and pointed out at length what is at stake if relief does not come urgently. It has always been abundantly clear to us that the majority of our clients’ businesses will not survive long enough to hear the outcome of the court’s decision, hence our consistent approach on this matter over the past months.

Read more….

Airlink will re-introduce services between Cape Town and George on Monday 27 July 2020.

In a statement issued by the airline, it said that it is delighted to be able to resume flights, in line with the reopening of this key Western Cape airport.

“We received many calls, mails and social media posts during the COVID lockdown enquiring as to when we would be able to resume our services and know that our flights can play an enabling role in the revival of the economy of the region.”

Airlink’s initial re-introductory service will be significantly reduced relative to its normal pre-pandemic offering, with flight departure and arrival times aimed at satisfying its overnighting business and essential travel customers.

Flights will depart from Cape Town at 15h40 arriving at George at 16h35. The return flight from George will depart at 17h00 arriving at Cape Town at 18h00, operating initially on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

When hope is all you have and it is dashed, it’s tempting to throw your hands up in the air and give up, or get angry, let lizard brain take over and react. For many of us, it’s likely we’ve been tempted to do both this past week. And you’re probably asking, what now?

If you’re itching to get involved, you can bring the voice of Tourism to bear so that it’s heard by those who have the power to effect change. Whatever you do, it has to be with one voice. We are louder and stronger together.

A long-fought battle, lobbying is something we have been doing actively since this all began. Our South Africa is Travel Ready campaign has been keeping the pot on the stove and reminding our customers and ourselves that we’re ‘travel ready’.

But it’s time to take it up a notch… If supporting South Africa’s women to become financially independent is among Government’s greatest priorities currently, denying them the ability to earn a living and support their families is the ultimate contradiction of that.

Here’s how we feel about this and 5 things you can do today to focus your energies:

1. Not another survey!

   If we are to bring to life the human stories behind this crisis, we need the data on how this has impacted at grassroots level which means unfortunately we’re asking you to complete another survey.The data will be used by the Inbound Tourism Recovery Team for lobbying purposes and will be analysed in aggregate.

   Click here to complete the survey.

2. I Am Tourism Video

   With over 70% of women making up South Africa’s tourism sector, the message is clear:I am tourism. We want YOU to stand with us by submitting one image of yourself showing the message of #IAMTOURISM.

   A simple act on a grand scale to get the attention of our government, and of the world. The target is 3 000 images by Women’s Day, 9 August. Here’s an example of one for you to see and if you submit one you agree for the image to be used in social media and media.

   *Feel free to wear your mask should you want to preserve your anonymity.You can Email us and attach your image.

3. Sharing the stories

   Tell us who the women and youth are in your business who, as a result of COVID-19 lockdown, have had their livelihoods affected. Email us info@traveltosouthafrica.org and we’ll call you back. 

   Equally, if you know +someone who has influence, someone who can give a voice to those in Tourism who don’t, please connect us with them.

4. Work with your association

   Make sure your staff are subscribed to and reading our mailers, get in touch with us to see how you can get involved in the collective voice which is more powerful than one.

5. And don’t forget South Africa is Travel Ready

• Send us your positive destination news, images and videos (not a product push)
• Like, follow and share from our Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter
• Tag your social media with the hashtag #SouthAfricaisTravelReady
• Tip us off if you see any publicity on tourism and South Africa
• Share our positive stories about Destination South Africa with your networks
• Encourage your networks to amplify the #SouthAfricaisTravelReady hashtag
• Send our ‘Ahead of the Curve’ newsletter to your contacts

I know you’re tired, angry and fed-up. I know you may be thinking what’s the point… why bother.

Just know, we haven’t given up on Tourism. We’re still fighting hard. You can count on us. I hope we can count on you.

#IAmTourism, so are you.

Join Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) chair Blacky Komani and CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa for a webinar on the State of South Africa’s Tourism Industry, moderated by David Frost, CEO of SATSA.

The TBCSA will share insights into the lobbying that is being done behind the scenes and what the next steps are in securing the phased and safe reopening of tourism.

Date: 20 July
Time: 15h00 to 17h00

Click here to register,

Hazyview is a special spot – the pace is a little slower, the folk a little friendlier, and the Kruger National Park quite a lot closer (only about 20 minutes away, to be exact). This little farming town in Mpumalanga is known for its macadamia nut, avocado pear and banana farms too, thanks to the […]

The post Eat Sleep Do In Hazyview On The Panorama Route appeared first on South Africa Travel Blog.

Hazyview is a special spot – the pace is a little slower, the folk a little friendlier, and the Kruger National Park quite a lot closer (only about 20 minutes away, to be exact). This little farming town in Mpumalanga is known for its macadamia nut, avocado pear and banana farms too, thanks to the […]

The post Eat Sleep Do In Hazyview On The Panorama Route appeared first on South Africa Travel Blog.

“Travel Safe – Eat Safe Protocols App, Training and PPE Marketplace launched to help tourism businesses and restaurants roll out robust health and safety protocols” – TBCSA

South Africa’s Tourism Industry COVID-19 safety protocols are being rolled out across industry, to instil confidence among travellers and restaurant patrons and to demonstrate to Government, that tourism and hospitality can be opened safely.

Through a multi-stakeholder partnership, a new and exciting dimension of public-private collaboration has been achieved for the tourism sector’s reopening. This reopening can be done in a safe and sustainable manner, providing a means of tracing contacts if needed and limiting the risk of transmission when using our accommodation, restaurants, transport, attractions, activities and many other facilities.

COVID-19 safety protocols, which align with the latest regulations and are benchmarked against international best practice, were developed through industry-wide consultation and were approved by an epidemiologist. These remain a live document, adjusted continuously in line with the risk-adjusted economic activity allowed, the pandemic status and published regulations.

“Based on the comprehensive nature and strength of our protocols, we applied and have received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Safety Stamp of Approval for South Africa as a destination,” says TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.

“WTTC destination approval becomes one more weapon in our recovery arsenal. Used in conjunction with the TBCSA Travel Safe – Eat Safe certification, we will showcase to the world that our businesses are amongst the safest places to be and thereby restore confidence and peace of mind to entice our agents, buyers, travellers and restaurant patrons back.”

Centralised Online Protocol Management – OPUS App

The rollout includes an online portal and App driven by Opus for Business and developed in partnership with Bidfood, who has covered the development and hosting costs for the first six months.

It will be a phased in project with Restaurants being the first sub sector to launch today. Restaurant Owners can start the process by registering here.

The rest of the industry sub-sectors are in development and are expected to go live in the coming weeks.

The App and portal will allow tourism and hospitality establishments to register, sign the pledge to state that protocols will be adhered to and record compliance such as PPE and staff training. After registration, the system generates a unique TBCSA Travel Safe – Eat Safe certificate and badge which can be used to showcase compliance on all marketing collateral and guest and employee materials.

A premium option will be available at a small monthly fee, allowing businesses to conduct guest and supplier screening, tracking and tracing, managing daily registers, reporting and receiving industry updates.

Meanwhile, a complaints process will also be implemented to allow for recourse when evidence is received that protocols are not being followed.

Online protocol training and testing

To ensure thorough adoption of the protocols, which have been aligned with and achieved the approval of the WTTC Safe Travels initiative, the TBCSA has partnered with the Travel and Tourism Excellence Academy to offer free online protocol training to businesses and their staff.

The Academy, an Amadeus IT Group project under the Department of Trade and Industry’s NIPP scheme, will be developing training per sub-sector and required role. This will be available free of charge to the entire industry and accessible through the App.

Meanwhile, the Restaurant Collective developed specific training for sit down restaurants and these are launched for free with the App today.

Online PPE Marketplace

Further, all tourism and hospitality businesses have access through the App to an online PPE marketplace featuring small and large suppliers nationally.

Tshivhengwa says that following the launch of the revised Tourism Industry Standard Protocols for COVID-19 operations early last month, the TBCSA’s Safety Protocols Working Group has been working hard on how to roll these out across the industry.

“We are pleased to have a solid plan in place to do this and encourage industry to heed the call for collective action to help South Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector recover.”

“To do so and to safeguard our industry’s reputation, we recommend that as many businesses as possible who reopen for operation, adhere to published regulations, implement the easy-to-follow protocols and sign up for Travel Safe – Eat Safe certification,” concludes Tshivhengwa.