Ashly Dhani
Debra Matabvu
Cabinet has approved the resumption of all tourism activities following an assessment done on the sector’s preparedness to re-open under new conditions and health protocols.
Addressing the media Thursday, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the resumption of the tourism activities follows the approval and launch of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which will guide the sector.
“I am, therefore, pleased to announce that following Cabinet approval, all tourism activities can now resume operations. These include but are not limited to game drives, bungee jumping, zip liners, helicopter rides, lion walks, elephant rides and all registered tourism activities,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this also includes the resumption of boat operations on our lakes both for tourism and fishing (and other tourism-related activities), in strict compliance with Covid-19 pandemic guidelines which have been developed. I mention this particularly because in areas such as Kariba, the boating industry is a key anchor of their tourism industry for both leisure and fishing.
“During the time when the sector was closed, my ministry together with all stakeholders collaborated to develop health and safety Guidelines, which were approved by Cabinet, detailing protocols which need to be followed to allow the whole sector to re-open safely. This was in keeping with the overall global policy thrust to strengthen the capacity of the sector to emerge stronger to operate under the new normal.”
The resumption of tourism activities comes as Government is working on modalities to re-open airports.
The tourism industry closed its doors in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Online Reporter