Stellenbosch is the first African destination to be awarded the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ during the Covid-19 pandemic by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The WTCC works with private sector tourism in across 185 countries, and has developed world-class protocols for adoption by municipalities, tourism bodies, and establishments at this time.
MPP Baartman says: “We’re proud that Stellenbosch in the Western Cape is the first in Africa to be awarded the Safe Travels Stamp. It’s a clear indication of the commitment of the tourism sector in this province to get up and running, ready to invite guests in the safest ways possible so that we can keep businesses alive, jobs secure, and continue to show off all the beauty this province has to offer.”
Accreditation of the Safe Travels Stamp requires adherence to stringent hygiene and safety protocols. An application process to the WTTC is followed in which applicants must demonstrate health and safety processes, staff training, flexibility in reservation terms, and compliance with ‘new normal’ guidelines from the global body.
MPP Baartman comments: “The WTTC offers private-public partnership toolkits and resources for the benefit of both private sector tourism and government departments. I call on all tourism representative bodies to strive to achieve this same level of recognition as demonstrated by Stellenbosch.
In doing so, we are sending a very clear signal to the national Department of Tourism that the Western Cape is safely open for all tourism, including leisure visitors. What we now need is for Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to play her part in allowing safe travel across provinces so that we can tap back into the rich markets and offerings we have to offer – saving thousands of livelihoods at the same time.”
The DA in the Western Cape continues to advocate for the safe reopening of the tourism sector, a key employer in the province and significant contributor to our economy.
