Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash
The Western Cape Government has revealed it’ll soon lodge a submission with their national counterparts, as they bid to put international travel – to and from South Africa – back on the radar for Level 2. With an eye on our borders, DA representatives are set for ‘engagements’ with the ruling party at some point next week.
“We Are Open”, Western Cape tells tourists
David Maynier is the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities for the Western Cape. Alongside Premier Alan Winde, he is helping to launch the “We Are Open” campaign. The movement will officially roll out next week, in a bid to help the south-west return to something that resembles normal life…
- The Western Cape Government wants domestic residents to explore the tourism options within their province.
- They’re asking people to visit the great regions of the Western Cape – such as the Cape West Coast, Cape Overberg, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, and the Karoo – to support the tourism industry.
- The WC will spread their message via a mix of social content, digital display advertising, and local influencers.
- The campaign also includes the “Kids Stay Free” initiative, allowing families great discounts on travel options during Level 2.
We're ready to open safely, we're ready to start doing business again & we're ready to rebuild our economy in the Western Cape.
— David Maynier (@DavidMaynier) August 27, 2020
And so today, we launched our #WeAreOpen campaign to encourage domestic tourism in the Western Cape.
Read full statement ?https://t.co/rCXsQioqlZ pic.twitter.com/SnopmTH72S
International travel ‘could be on the table’ for Level 2
The domestic focus is strong, but Maynier isn’t stopping there. During a webinar on Thursday, the provincial minister revealed that his department will file a submission with the ANC next week, stating their case for bringing international travel back during Level 2. As it stands, South Africa’s borders are on a total shutdown, barring a few exceptions – and the Western Cape confirmed talks are planned to ease the restrictions:
“We are in the process of compiling a submission, which we will lodge next week, and we will then be engaging with the national government to open borders to provide for international travel.”
“We do not have any certainty about a proposed (opening) date at this stage, but will be engaging with national government on this issue. We all have a role to play in rebuilding our economy in the Western Cape.”
“We know times are tough, but if you can, please go out and support our businesses in the Western Cape, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sector. Not only do we want to see the survival of business who have suffered but we want to find out how we can do things better in the Western Cape”
David Maynier
