The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is advocating for the removal of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests from the industry and, from what we understand, higher-ups in government are giving this a great deal of consideration.
Are PCR tests going to be removed from SA’s tourism industry?
As reported by Tourism Update, TBCSA has been on a relentless pursuit of having the COVID-19 rapid test scrapped, since 2021.
CEO of the organisation Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa confirmed the matter has been raised with the National Economic Development and Labour Council, as well as NATJOINTS and the Health Department, which has recently been considering a number of proposals regarding PCR tests.
“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,” Tshivhengwa said
Chief to TBCSA’s concerns are the costs involved in obtaining a PCR test. Every country requires a negative COVID-19 result taken from a PCR test and for tourists looking to visit multiple destinations in Southern Africa, for example, this becomes a very pricey affair that may drive away interest and further hamper process in the tourism industry’s resurgence.
Portugal scraps COVID-19 testing, but not for Southern Africans
For accommodation businesses relying on tourist traffic, PCR tests are an annoying expense that leave some owners susceptible to supplier price hikes.
Therefore, in a bid to lower the hurdle, TBCSA wants PCR tests scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers. This, of course, is supported so long as it does not cause financial harm or mistrust in South Africa as a COVID-19-safe destination.
“Of course we are doing this responsibly and are mindful of maintaining traveller trust in our destination,” TBCSA said.
Currently, Portugal is the only country in Europe that has scrapped PCR testing for fully vaccinated travellers. The relaxed rule, however, does not apply to Southern African travellers with proof of vaccination.