South Africa Launches Positive Travel Campaign Amid COVID-19

The South African Tourism board has unveiled an impactful campaign emphasizing the importance of self-isolation and social distancing as vital measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Titled “Don’t Travel Now So You Can Travel Later,” the initiative features two poignant videos showcasing hauntingly beautiful scenes of empty streets and landmarks, delivering a message of hope and positivity for the future of travel.

Released online recently, the videos convey a powerful message. One features a narrator stating, “This is not business as usual; no regular day of the week. This will be something else. A country closed for travel and hence closed for business. But just wait until we can travel again. Boy, are we going to travel! Long breaks and short getaways, visiting B&Bs, lodges, and hotels. Girls’ trips await us! We’ll be reintroducing ourselves to South Africa again—the beautiful people and places. But for now, stay home. Stay safe.”

The second video reassures viewers not to be alarmed by images of deserted buildings and quiet streets. It features sweeping visuals of shorelines, sunsets, trains, offices, universities, and mountains, reminding us that this is a time when humanity demonstrates strength by stepping back. The narrator shares, “We will meet again. We will partake in the things that truly matter with our loved ones once more. We will return to our favorite spots; we will even discover new ones.”

Moreover, the campaign incorporates a segment from a speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa urging citizens to remain at home, a sentiment echoed by leaders and organizations worldwide. This collective effort emphasizes the importance of safety and preparation for the day when travel can once again resume.