South Africa and Bali to Reopen to International Tourists
In spite of flooding cases of COVID-19 around the world, two famous vacationer locations are preparing to invite worldwide guests once more.
South Africa's economy has battled under the heaviness of COVID-19 and the travel industry represents about 8% of GDP and 10% of occupations. Last month, South Africa re-opened its borders to the travel industry for nations considered as non-risky.
Yet, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that citizens of "all nations" will soon be able to visit South Africa "subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 certificate."
A negative COVID test taken no more than 72 hours before travel will be required. Expect health screenings upon arrival and if any traveller shows any indications of illness, testing and potential isolation will be needed (at his or her expense).
And to Indonesia, where traveller dependent Bali has hinted that their international tourism may continue when as soon as in December. The travel industry contributes 55-60% of the economy in Bali, making the financial threat of continuous lockdowns and border restrictions a much more difficulty.
But, this week, Bali Governor Wayan Koster expressed that he has been in conversation with the central government over re-opening borders. An update from that meeting leaked to the press which noticed a focused on the opening of December 1, 2020. The opening to international tourism would apply just for entry through Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). which would be available in as quickly as 3-4 hours.
The regional secretary of Bali, Dewa Made Indra, noted the fine balance at play:
“This is not about whether we are willing or not. If we are willing and permitted to open, we would have done it from way before because this is crucial for our economy. But the central government is still evaluating our readiness so that we don’t open up and it results in cases escalating. If that’s the case we wouldn’t be benefiting, but incurring losses.”
Neither Balinese nor Indonesian officials have made a formal announcement yet.
South Africa and Bali will likely soon re-open to international tourists. Expect testing prior to arrival or on arrival, potentially limited quarantines, but finally a chance to visit two wonderful parts of the world. Testing is not foolproof, but both Bali and South Africa should serve as helpful test cases for wider scale reopenings of international tourism in 2021. Hopefully, these reopenings will result in progress, not further setbacks.