The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has lowered its COVID-19 risk rating for South Africa from level 3 to level 2. The CDC now rates SA’s COVID-19 status as ‘moderate’.
This should bode well for increased travel from the US – which was officially SA’s top source market for 2021, according to an SA Tourism report released this month.
The report showed that the US not only showed a 14% increase in arrivals – primarily first-time travellers – but that it was also top of the charts in tourism spend recording R2.3 billion (€295m) in 2021.
Jerry Mpufane, President South African Tourism North America Hub, said: “South Africa remains a bucket-list destination for the US market. When you couple that with increased connectivity provided by our airline partners at United and Delta and the consistent energy and enthusiasm for the destination shown by US travel agents and tour operators, the future looks bright as we continue our recovery efforts.”
During Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022, several operators highlighted to Tourism Update that the majority of queries and interest came from the US market.
Acting CEO of South African Tourism, Themba Khumalo, said over 50 US buyers had attended Indaba – the highest number of buyers from any single source market – a clear indication of increased interest.
He pointed out that there were, in general three types of US traveller:
- The luxury traveller who wanted only the best and was prepared to pay for it.
- The young, up-and-coming traveller looking for deep immersive experiences, including cultural and historical experiences.
- Those looking for more meaningful experiences where they can add value.
