Tourism millions sail away from Bay

FAILURE of arriving international yachts to circumvent immigration obstacles related to Covid-19 quarantine regulations, will lose millions for the local economy.

With one yacht crew having already left just days after its arrival at the Zululand Yacht Club after wasting both time and money trying to get permission to set foot on land, there is every likelihood they will be followed by at least 25 others.

‘This is normally the time when our boatyard is full as arrivals have maintenance work done on their boats,’ said ZYC Commodore Jackie Smit.

‘Close to 100 employment opportunities will be denied if the internationals – including the annual Ocean Cruising Club fleet - go elsewhere, added to which is the loss of tourism income which includes township tours and game drives.

‘Every year we do a survey with our international visitors of what they spent in Richards Bay during their stay. Their response indicated they spent a cumulative R5.366-million between October and the end of December 2019,’ said Smit.

‘It’s a massive loss for us and the community, one we cannot afford in the wake of lost incomes during the lockdown.

‘We were really hopeful Level 1 would bring relief but this has not happened. Despite crews willingly undergoing Covid testing at significant cost, they still cannot disembark.’

Smit said the problem, which should be applicable to all yacht clubs in the country, had been escalated to ministerial level.

Ironically, this Saturday the ZYC will host its annual Commodore’s dinner, a highlight of the sailing season thoroughly enjoyed by the visiting yachties who rate the club the finest in the country.