South Africa’s tourism business council has launched a new app and training programme to help tourism businesses and restaurants reopen and operate safely.
Its new Travel Safe, Eat Safe scheme is based on industry-led protocols, and aims to build on South Africa’s Safe Travels certification from the WTTC.
The Opus4business app allows businesses to record compliance with new Covid protocols, such as health screening and cleaning procedures, and manage contact tracing.
It will also feature up-to-date information and industry updates, and offer training on key aspects of the protocols, as well as a PPE marketplace.
Travellers, meanwhile, will be able to download the app to check the status of various tourism sector businesses as the industry gears up for an increase in intra-provincial leisure travel and eventually, international tourism.
“The app is yet another way the industry is demonstrating self-regulation and a readiness to open for domestic and international travel in the country," said Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, chief executive of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA).
"We are encouraging businesses to download the app and take their teams through the training to increase compliant in the industry and to keep staff and customers in the sector safe."
Tshivhengwa added: "The travel and tourism industry, like many others, has been gravely affected by Covid-19.
"Many businesses have already been exposed to the safety protocols and as the industry begins to slowly reopen, the TBCSA believes this technology puts safety in the hands of every stakeholder within the tourism value chain, which is an important part of the successful rebuilding of the sector."