The tourism sector has been hit hard by movement regulations necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic . Picture: 123RF/KAVRAM
Abundant wildlife, stunning scenery and renowned vineyards have made SA one of the world's big long-haul travel destinations, establishing tourism as a pillar of the economy. Of tourism businesses responding to a government survey, 64% were unable to service their debts in May and 67% could not meet fixed costs. Many businesses have laid off staff or slashed wages. Others have gone bust.
Restaurants on the city's waterfront are recalling furloughed staff. Game reserves are preparing campsites. But those volumes are still down 80% from the same period in 2019, and current economic woes will likely dampen any domestic travel rebound.