While the impact of COVID-19 has been devastating, it has provided opportunities to explore alternative source markets, according to Private Safaris CEO, Monika Iuel.

Speaking during last week’s SATSA town hall meetings, Iuel also said she was hopeful that there would be some enquiries and booking conversions for the upcoming Easter period.

“This is based on the booking patterns seen by Private Safaris ahead of the December high season where the first signs of pent-up demand for travel were seen from source markets.

“Unfortunately, the second wave and new strain, followed by restrictions on travel to South Africa by the governments of many source markets, put paid to those first green shoots. But the interest shown at the time makes me hopeful for Easter bookings,” said Iuel.

She also noted that the second half of 2021 would see some “degree of blood flow” in terms of bookings and interest from the international market but said recovery was only likely from 2022.

SATSA held three regional virtual town hall meetings last week to discuss the impact of the resurgence of COVID-19 over the past festive season as well as the challenges around key source markets being affected, the extension of travel restrictions and the alcohol ban.