Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the travel and tourism industry.
For the first time since opening on December 19 2000, the entire GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World complex in Goodwood is closed.
“It was obviously disappointing to have to close”, said PR Elouise Mattys, “but we appreciate the severity of the situation. We also support President Ramaphosa’s call for a lockdown and applaud him for acting so decisively.”
Front office supervisor at Protea Hotel Tyger Valley, Lorenzo Fortune, said their doors have been closed since lockdown began.
The Airbnb website said their establishments are closed, however, they have a global initiative in which they are partnering with hosts to connect healthcare staff and first responders with places to stay. This allows them to be closer to their patients – and safely distanced from their own families. They are waiving Airbnb fees for the first 100 000 bookings through this programme.
Lisa Schipper advertises her upmarket “Intimate Plattekloof Stay” on Airbnb.
Operating as Thyme Wellness Spa & Guesthouse, they have been operational in Plattekloof for almost a decade and have grown tremendously over the last few years, she said. “As with every other small and/or non-essential businesses, the pandemic’s resultant lockdown has unfortunately forced us to temporarily close our doors for in-house treatments and guest stay-overs. However we’re in the process of introducing online sales for essential products our clients may need. All our staff is currently at home, besides the ones resident on the property,” said Ms Schipper.
There are two houses with a spa, boardroom, swimming pool and deck with views of Table Bay and Table Mountain. “We’re looking into offering value-adds to our guests who pre-book when lockdown is over. Such as tours/transfers, wine-tasting at nearby De Grendel and dinner options to avoid them having to go out”, said Ms Schipper.
Hector, who did not want to provide his surname, of “Bustling Burbs” is an Airbnb superhost. According to their website, superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests. Hector has a background in restaurants and hospitality but he is experiencing a double blow. Not only has he had to close his accommodation but also his liquor distribution.
“We decided a year ago to start Airbnb as our eldest son was leaving for the UK for a gap year and needed funds to subsidise his costs. It was successful immediately and we have maintained 93% occupancy since. Then came corona and we went from thriving to zero overnight. Since mid-March we’ve not had any bookings despite a few inquiries for the end of the year,” said Hector. He has moved his domestic worker and her family into the space for lockdown, he said, because it would be safer for them.
Mayoral committee member for economic opportunities, James Vos said the Covid-19 crisis has had a severe impact on travel and tourism businesses.
Air travel has been hit very hard, but airlines are predicted to recover faster than the cruise industry, which will suffer from a longer-term reputational damage.
Mr Vos said the City of Cape Town has set up a tourism task team with Cape Town Tourism (CTT) and the Department of Enterprise and Investment.
The National Department of Tourism has set up a Tourism Relief Fund to provide once-off grant assistance to small, micro and medium-sized businesses in the tourism value chain. Mr Vos said the fund can be accessed by accommodation establishments, hospitality and related services, and travel and related services, such as tour operators. He said it is capped at R50 000 per entity.
Mr Vos said there will be distinct changes in the way that people travel after lockdown. “We expect people to take shorter trips, closer to home, driven by a desire to support local businesses suffering from the fallout of the crisis,” he said.
His advice is for local tourism businesses is to be prepared to compete with other destinations as soon as travel becomes possible again.