Tourism is one of the industries most affected by the pandemic. Both developed and developing countries have been impacted. According to data observed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the number of international tourist arrivals declined by 84 per cent between March and December 2020 compared with the previous year.
The tourism sector employs one in every ten people on Earth. Due to COVID-19, 100 to 200 million direct jobs are at risk. UNWTO has calculated that the impact of COVID-19 on tourism will cost the world economy 4 trillion dollars. Developing countries will be among the most affected ones. This Tourism Month, South Africans are encouraged to travel and explore our beautiful country to try and help revive the sector as well as to promote nation-building and social cohesion.
Best Tourism Destinations for us locals
Let’s give our own tourism industry a boost. You can make a difference by visiting some of our local tourism spots. South Africa has an extensive list of great places to visit, all within the boundaries of our Covid-19 restrictions.
1. Johannesburg
The largest city in our country is also known as the city of gold. Top attractions include Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Gold Reef City, Soweto, which includes a visit to the Mandela House, and Sandton Central with 24 Central, Atholl Square, Benmore Centre, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City en The Marc to enjoy!
2. The Kruger National Park
Explore one of the best and oldest game reserves in Africa. All wildlife lovers – this is a must to have on your list! This Park offers you the chance to see the Big Five and is also home to San rock paintings and archaeological sites.
3. Cape Town
This Mother City, with its gorgeous beaches and majestic mountain views, is one of the planet’s most breathtaking cities. Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, False Bay, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and Two Ocean’s Aquarium are only some of the must-visit spots in this area.
4. The Garden Route
Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometres through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Highlights of the route include Knysna, the Garden Route National Park, Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and Cango Caves, and the seal colony of the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay.
5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
A merger of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world.
6. The Drakensberg
The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is one of the top places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a popular vacation destination for South Africans. It’s also home to the country’s highest peaks.
7. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Beautiful Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is a favourite stop on the drive between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. A must-see on this trip are the Three Rondavels and God’s Window.
8. Durban
Besides the beautiful beach and waterfront promenade called the Golden Mile, Durban boasts with uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Durban Botanical Gardens.
This is in no way a complete list. South Africa has so much to offer! Be on the lookout for great deals on travelling sites. A lot of places and tourist attractions have special offers running during the pandemic. Visit Flight Centre, Toplink SA Travel, and Sandown Travel at Sandton City for great offers. Grab this opportunity to enjoy places you haven’t always had the chance to see.
Come on, Sandton! Let’s travel this September and help our Tourism Industry! Share your travels with #TourismMonth2021 #WorldTourismDay.
