Sisulu ‘disappointed’ by UK’s decision to place SA on ‘red list’
Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed her disappointment at the UK decision to put South Africa on its ‘red list’ of countries.
On Thursday, the UK banned all travel from South Africa and five other Southern African countries, hours after the confirmation of a new coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529.
The latest variant is behind the surge in new Covid-19 cases in South Africa.
Japan, Israel and the European Union have also moved to place stricter measures against South Africans travelling to their part of the world.
Sisulu says the SA will continue engaging with policymakers in the UK, Japan, Israel and European Union to implement the best possible interventions.
“I would like to commend the South African scientists on their diligence and all the work they have done and remain confident that all measures will be put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“We remain open for business and tourism travel and we appreciate the continued support from various partners across the world and are confident that through the tourism recovery plan in place, we will reignite demand and once more be tourism strong,” she says.
Sisulu says she will use the World Tourism Organisation Assembly to engage other countries.
“During this session, the minister will engage with her counterparts and ensure the world that South Africa is open for tourists and all measures are in place ensure tourist’s safety.”
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