EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, has welcomed the relaxation of restrictions on tourism activities announced by the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane on 30 July. After months of restricted trade in the tourism sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Durban and the rest of South Africa will be easing measures to accommodate tourism related activities.
Mayor Kaunda said: “We have noted with excitement the announcement by the Minister of further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions. This will have a positive impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors which will play a significant role in our effort to reignite the City’s economy and we are ready and open for business. Testament to that is also the recent announcement by Toyota that they will produce their first hybrid synergy drive car in Durban as part of a R2.5 billion investment in a new production line. We look forward to the systematic opening up of more industries which will bring further economic boost to our City.”
Mayor Kaunda further highlighted that, as the City of Durban they welcome these relief measures that have been approved by Cabinet. “We presented our Economic Recovery Plan in May and we believe that we are steadily moving along on the road to recovery in the tourism sector. We have sought innovative ways to remain top of minds with our stakeholders through the virtual events that we have hosted thus far during the lockdown and believe that these relief measures will bring much needed revenue for role-players in this sector”.
In her address, Minister Kubai-Ngubane announced that Cabinet has approved the move to extend the restaurant curfew to 10 pm to allow for uninterrupted dinner service at restaurants; restrictions around leisure travel have been eased with accommodation for intra-provincial leisure now being allowed. Tour operators will also be allowed to conduct guided tours subject to conditions within the new regulations.
“It has been a very tough time for all tourism related activities, not only affecting business but each and every one of us, missing dining to our favourite restaurants, booking into hotels, visits to the beach and spending time enjoying the Durban all year summer,” said Kaunda. “This announcement by the Minister will provide a welcome relief to all who are involved in the sector as well as to the public as we slowly re-integrate tourism activities in our society”.