A staggering R748m has been lost or recorded daily in tourism expenditure due to Covid-19 pandemic in SA.
Today, restaurants and other industries hosted peaceful protests throughout the country, a sign of Gatvol to Government to revisit the lockdown regulations.
“Every day that the industry remains restrained is a R748m loss of tourism expenditure and the further permanent loss of much needed jobs,” says a very concerned Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.
“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,” he said.
In North West, more protests will be held in the province on Wednesday 22.
According to North West Tourism Business Owners, protests will take place at strategic municipality districts in the province.
The key message is to pressure Gvt to re-open the industry as soon as possible to avoid further loss of billions of rands and jobs already the industry faces.
Tumi Magongoa- chief organiser of the march says tourism plays a key role in lives of ordinary South Africans. As such tourism sector will also adhere to strict Covid-19 regulations in safety of travellers.
“We plead with Government to save millions of jobs and businesses that are about to collapse. We believe should the lockdown be prolonged at least 70% of small businesses in the sector will close.”
Various protests venues:
Tourism Association of Mahikeng (TAMAH) will begin from Caltex Garage (NW Legislature from 12).
Haartebeespoort Tunnel from 12.
Rustenburg from Manyane Lodge Caltex Garage from 12.
On July 30th there will be Open Tourism Awareness walk from Zeerust to Harties that will begin at Zeerust Shell Garage from 8am.
For more info call Omphile Matane: 082 826 2943 or Tumi Magongoa: 072 405 1760
