President Cyril Ramaphosa on 15 October 2020, presented the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to a Joint Hybrid Sitting of Parliament.
The plan aims to expedite, in a sustainable manner, the recovery of South Africa’s economy that was, like most economies, deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Making a specific mention of the tourism industry, the President said that although international tourist travel is likely only to recover in the medium term, government’s efforts are now focused on implementing an efficient e-visa system and extending visa waivers to new tourism markets.
“To support tourism over this peak tourism season, we will shortly be publishing an expanded list of countries from where resumption of international travel will be permitted, which will be supported by targeted marketing in partnership with the private sector,” the President said.
While a revised list of countries was supposed to be issued fortnightly which would have meant that it was due for release on 15 October, ASATA has yet to receive it.