In a bid to revive the tourism sector that was affected by COVID-19 and civil unrest in July, the eThekwini Municipality is expected to launch its campaign for Tourism Month. The My City, My Heritage campaign is hoped to give the sector a much needed boost.
COVID-19 forced strict regulations amidst an ongoing lockdown. A number of businesses have been forced to close down, struggling to make ends meet.
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda is expected to unpack efforts to to revive the sector throughout this month.
KZN is safe for travel!
We implore you to come and explore the beautiful coasts of KZN!
Our lavish coastlines with beautiful golden sandy beaches are waiting…Make KZN your adventure destination, you won’t be disappointed! #KZNHasItAll#BelieveIt#KZNSafe4Travel pic.twitter.com/TvRW1vDfsj
— Tourism KZN (@TourismKZN) September 9, 2021
Meanwhile, with Tourism Month now well under way, workers at some of the popular tourist attractions in Cape Town are hoping that they will be able to keep their jobs and be able to provide for their families.
The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park in Hout Bay has also felt the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The daily operational costs of the park are under strain. Park Manager, Hendrik Louw, says they need a substantial increase in visitor numbers to sustain the park.
“COVID locked us down for five months with no income. We had a sponsor from Switzerland that carried all of our staff through that time and supported all our feed. After that, we received a bequest which is currently carrying us, but like I always say, it’s not going to carry us forever. The only way we going to survive is by getting feet through this park,” says Louw.
Discussion on the COVID1-19 4th wave, what it means for tourism in SA
Events and Tourism Co-ordinator at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, John Masilo, says they hope more locals will visit the gardens.
“What we are hoping for specifically, this is the beginning of spring. Spring is time for a new dawn and we are hoping that we will have more people coming into the garden, particularly locals to come and enjoy this beautiful space,” says Masilo.
