LOCAL TOURISM READY FOR BRITISH INFLUX

After being on the United Kingdom’s red last since the start of the pandemic, South Africa can now officially welcome UK tourists back into the country.

When it comes to our country’s largest source market for tourists, the UK comes out on top.

More than 430,000 UK tourists visited South Africa in 2019, representing almost 30% of all European arrivals. It’s estimated that UK tourists pump up to R790 million into the economy every month during the busy season, reports Business Insider.

Craig Smith, the CEO of New Frontiers Tours confirmed that interest from the UK has risen exponentially over the last few weeks.

“The number of quotes this last week between 4 and 8 October was the highest in 19 months, with quotes from the UK up 150% and confirmed bookings up 100% on the same week a month prior.”

Even though several establishments were forced to close down and employees retrenched due to the pandemic, the tourism industry has confirmed that they are more than ready to accept an influx of tourists and that they’re happy to do so.

Image credit: Rare Earth