Time seems to go slowly during this crisis. We know that it will eventually pass and travel to Africa will again open up endless possibilities for exploration and excitement. We look forward to when this dream will become a reality again.

Until then our aim with these newsletters is to keep in touch with you, keep you informed and inspire you by bringing Africa to you in some small way. Please be sure to subscribe or follow our social media platforms to keep up to date with our latest content.

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#UntilWeMeetAgain

Yours in travel,
The SW Africa Team

News from Africa

WTTC urges governments to maintain open borders

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned governments around the world that further country-wide border closures could seriously jeopardise global economic recovery. WTTC is urging authorities to take a more carefully calibrated approach and introduce localised measures, and only when necessary.

This would avoid blanket restrictions, prevent stalling the fragile economic recovery and not cripple the already bruised and battered tourism sector. WTTC would support the opening of city to city ‘air corridors’ between global financial centres, such as London and Frankfurt and New York. This would help restart business travel which is crucial to kickstarting the economic recovery.

Unfortunately, a number of countries around the world are experiencing local coronavirus spikes. This is forcing a re-think by a number of governments which are now having to consider reintroducing tough and unwelcome new ‘anti-travel’ measures. According to the latest statistics from Johns Hopkins University in the US, the worldwide Covid-19 death toll has passed 606,000 while the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has now surpassed more than 14.5 million. Gloria Guevara, WTTC president, said: “Governments should not close off access to other countries in their entirety.

“Only regional border measures should be imposed if essential so that the recovery of a country’s whole economy is not jeopardised in future.

“The establishment of ‘air corridors’ between financial centres where infection levels are low, such as between London and New York, would provide a vital boost to business travel and aid the economic recovery.

“Enforcing country-wide restrictions is a blunt instrument which benefits no one; neither travellers, the local population, the economy or the tourism sector which has been left reeling from the impact of worldwide travel restrictions.

“Such measures could undo the significant efforts to revive tourism, which has recently shown encouraging signs of emerging from the worst of the pandemic, and which in turn has brought hope to millions of people around the world who depend upon the sector for their livelihoods.”

She added: “It is perfectly possible to fight Covid-19 and support the economic recovery through the tourism sector at the same time.

“We urge governments to consider only local lockdowns as the key to opening the door to a successful way forward.”

Article Source: Breaking News Travel | Image: Valery Sharifulin/Tass/PA Images

Do incentives still have a future in a post-COVID world?

Damion Breust, senior vice president, commercial at Andria Mitsakos Public Relations, shares his thoughts on what will the word “incentive” mean to companies and its employees once the pandemic is under control.

The business events industry has been through it all: financial crisis, terrorist attacks, and SARS, so what is the reference point for planning post-COVID-19? Is there one?

The truth is that each of these events caused panic, huge uncertainty, and each was described – with some justification – as unprecedented. But we recovered. Remember that, even as you look at the awful news each day: we came back. People learned to adapt to new circumstances, businesses invested and grew, and the world continued to turn. That will be the case this time too, however hard to think that way when the news coming at us each day is so bleak.

A lot of what we took for granted – even simple things like going out to dinner, going for a walk – have been taken from us, and this is forcing us all to consider what really matters, what defines our lives and our happiness. As the peak of this virus passes, and some of the things that have gone are restored, we will need to have a new understanding of what we mean by “incentive” as well.

I suspect that will evolve over time, as different companies and industries start up again, and different possibilities emerge to reward and incentivise staff, clients, and other stakeholders. The one thing I am absolutely certain about is that we will see a return in demand for rewards and incentives. It will be up to those of us who work in the industry to understand how much things have changed and adapted our ideas to the new, evolving post-COVID world.

It may feel a bit premature to say these things right now, obviously, but we are certainly thinking and preparing for that day, because it will come, and probably sooner than we expect. Even now, even in these tough days, we need to be planning. We need to be ready. Our clients will need us more than ever when this is over and our contribution will be an integral element in the recovery of business, client interaction and reshaping the incentive and travel industry.

Author: Damion Breust, Motivate

Zimbabwe reopens tourism sector

The tourism industry in Zimbabwe is due to reopen as the government announced the easing of regulations during a briefing on Tuesday [June 30].

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that ‘in the tourism and hospitality sector, requests for variations of operating conditions in respect of restaurant operators, and to reopen safari operators for local hunting only and national parks were granted,’ reports ZBC News.

Restaurants are allowed to welcome sit-in patrons, national parks will reopen and safari operators will resume economic activity. Restaurants may only occupy 50% of their licensed capacity.

With international travel still banned in the country, Zimbabwean government said it will focus strongly on boosting local tourism and has already dedicated a $500-million bank guarantee facility to aid the struggling sector.

Author: Anita Froneman, Getaway

Rhino Revolution is saving the species one animal at a time

To try and bring an end to this inhumane practice, The Rhino Revolution has come together to protect and support rhino and other endangered species in the greater Kruger region. Rhino Revolution was founded in 2011 by the concerned citizens of Hoedspruit, including respected rhino conservationists and private nature reserve owners, who came together to try and reduce the escalating poaching crisis in this critically important rhino conservation area.

Rhino Revolution initially started as nothing more than a community-based action group but has quickly grown into an internationally recognised NPO. Rhino Revolution takes a holistic approach to saving this majestic species, this includes local and global community involvement, engagement and education through the provision of a world-class Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre.

To ensure that the rhinos are released back into the wild quickly and safely, the Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre is run as a closed facility with minimal human contact, as their ultimate goal is to release the rescued animals back into the wild, as undomesticated, self-sustaining individuals.

Along with tirelessly working to save the rhino population, Rhino Revolution have also assisted other animals in need. As recently as April of this year, the group assisted with caring for, and subsequently re-introducing 7 young black-backed jackals into a nearby reserve. Before the jackals were released, they will be vaccinated for rabies and monitored closely in a boma for a few weeks to make sure they are fit and healthy.

If you would like to play your part in saving the rhino species simply give them a like on Facebook or donate to the Rhino Revolution by clicking here. All donations, small or large go towards protecting this majestic animal for future generations.

Author: Kyro Mitchell, Getaway

Bringing Africa to You

African craftsmen are highly skilled and create some of the most unique and intricate handmade designs. This month we wanted to inspire you by giving you a taste of some this beautiful work.

ZULU LOVE LETTERS in years gone by were traditional African beaded messages given by Zulu maidens as symbols of their love and affection. Each bead colour conveyed a different message. In the modern era, Zulu love letters are often made with images of importance to create love, hope and awareness. Click here to see more.

TIMELESS STORIES are a beautiful, new fashion accessory style by Unyazi Designs based in the city of Cape Town. Click here to see more.

Swartberg Pass Virtual Guided Tour

This video offers a virtual guided tour of the scenic Swartberg Pass in South Africa. The Swartberg Pass is a 25-kilometre gravel road ascending to 1 570 meters above sea level. The Swartberg Mountain is situated 50 kilometres north of Oudtshoorn, the capital city of the Klein Karoo.