PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers need to be scrapped as a matter of urgency, as they remain a major barrier to tourism recovery.

This is according to Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, who told Tourism Update that the organisation had focused on getting these costly tests scrapped since last year.

“We have addressed this at National Economic Development and Labour Council and National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure level and we know the Department of Health is considering proposals regarding this.” He said many countries globally were scrapping the tests, with Portugal being the latest to implement this.

“If the scientists advising policies around this have specific concerns and reasons as to why these tests should not be scrapped, they need to explain this so we can better understand what is driving these concerns,” said Tshivhengwa.

The TBCSA, he said, was also in the process of revising some of the COVID-19 health and safety protocols to ensure the industry could move forward and not be hamstrung by cumbersome regulations.

“Of course we are doing this responsibly and are mindful of maintaining traveller trust in our destination.”

In a recent Tourism Update poll, over 86% of respondents indicated that PCR tests were a barrier to tourism growth, with operators highlighting that the cost of the tests was one of the biggest obstacles.

‘Exorbitant fees’

Amanda Castleman, Owner/Manager of UmSisi House in Mpumalanga, said this was particularly a barrier when guests were travelling to multiple countries within Southern Africa.

“Guests have to pay exorbitant fees for a test to enter each country,” she said.

Owner and Director of Alpha Destinations, Angela Matthews, agreed, telling Tourism Update that a recent multi-country itinerary she’d put together for clients resulted in a bill of US$1 100 per person for PCR tests alone.

And because some of these destinations are more remote (Chobe, Okavango Delta), costs often include flying a nurse in by helicopter to conduct the test.

“Furthermore, the cost of the tests – even in similar locations – are not consistent and range from US$250 to US$450. This suggests that some of those suppliers who charge for tests are making money out of it,” said Matthews, noting that while she did not add a fee to this cost, it could seem that way to her clients.

“Many suppliers insist on pre-payment of these PCR test fees, even for bookings of up to six to eight weeks in advance,” she said.

This is problematic as regulations change so quickly. “I’ve almost lost bookings due to the need for pre-payment. I’ve since had a supplier reassure me in writing that the fees will be refunded should the need for PCR tests be scrapped in the interim,” said Matthews.