Local tourism to support W.Cape economy amidst Ebola, visa fears

"Our view is that businesses within the tourism sector need to prepare for a slower than anticipated tourist season. The global Ebola panic and the (now amended) child travel regulations will force businesses reliant on tourist revenue to consider alternative strategies. While Minister Gigaba's comments on the postponement of the regulation are welcomed by the industry, we still have a long way to go," says Rob Kucera, FEDHASA Cape Chairman and The Westin General Manager.

The biggest impact has been on projections for international visitors with local tourism expected to maintain the same levels as previous seasons. With 27 September recognised as World Tourism Day and September as World Tourism Month, the need to encourage local tourism ahead of this summer's season is all the more relevant.

Kucera says, "South Africans often need to be reminded of how special their country is. We've hosted the World Cup, been voted World Design Capital and top destination to visit by The New York Times in a short space of time. We need to be willing to see ourselves in the way international tourists do, a beautiful country filled with amazing people and an extra ordinary history."

To date there has been no official Ebola cases reported and health officials are on high alert for any suspected outbreaks in the country. Despite the lack of reported cases and the fact that the West African countries affected by the virus are geographically closer to Europe, the virus is perceived as a continental threat.

On Tuesday, 16 September Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba responded to lobbying by the local tourism industry on the impact that the department's handling of the child travel regulations will have on the upcoming tourist season. The Minister has agreed to postpone the amendment to 1 June 2015, citing his appreciation for the tourism industry's engagement with the department.

Under the new regulations, people travelling to South Africa on a visa are required to apply for the visa in person. Parents travelling with children under the age of 18 are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child. In the case where only one parent is travelling with the child (ren), consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent registered is required. Alternatively, either a court order granting full parental responsibilities and rights or a death certificate of the other parent must be produced.

The regulations also require that people apply in person for visas to allow for biometric intake. Minister Gigaba suggested this regulation was already in place and called on missions abroad to start implementing this requirement.