The tourism industry is eyeing the government’s push to vaccinate 67% of adult South Africans by December as a key point in reopening international travel for the country, says South African Tourism chief executive Sthembiso Dlamini.
Dlamini told radio station 702 that international travellers are far more likely to travel to a country with a high proportion of its population vaccinated. She added that countries with a hypothetical “herd immunity” are far more likely to see a tourism boost.
“All of us are looking us towards the 67% of the adult population having been boosted by December. I think that will be such a big confidence boost for international destinations.” The reality is that vaccination plays a huge role in the sector’s recovery, she said.
“It is frustrating to hear fake news on what the vaccine can or cannot do. I would encourage people to leave it to the professionals, but also to go and vaccinate.”
Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla said on Friday (10…