TBCSA, partners launch new Covid-19 protocols safety app

The industry designed tourism protocols have received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) stamp of approval. The approval further gave TBCSA issuing rights for the WTTC Safe Travels stamp, within South Africa. The specially designed stamp will allow travellers to recognise businesses in South Africa which have adopted world class health and hygiene protocols for safe travel.

The Opus4business App is a quick, easy, and paperless way to show full understanding of the importance of safe industry operating protocols and record compliance with them for tourism industry business owners. The Travel Safe - Eat Safe Certification provides evidence that health screening, distancing and cleaning procedures are in place and helps businesses seamlessly manage Covid-19 health screening for employees, suppliers, delivery agents and customers in full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The app can facilitate contact tracing if needed.

Self-regulation and travel readiness

Industry operators are invited to download the app and complete the pledge to demonstrate that the hospitality and tourism industry can operate safely, to our customers and to the authorities. This will assist in supporting safe demand growth and help us move forward to open up more tourism activity safely.

"The app is yet another way the industry is demonstrating self-regulation and a readiness to open for domestic and international travel in the country. We are encouraging businesses to download the app and take their teams through the training to increase compliance in the industry and to keep staff and customers in the sector safe," says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA.

The Travel and Tourism industry like many others, has been gravely affected by Covid-19. Many businesses have already been exposed to the safety protocols and as the industry begins to slowly reopen, the TBCSA believes that this technology puts safety in the hands of every stakeholder within the tourism value chain, which is an important part of the successful rebuilding of the sector.