By Rahul Banerji
Golf tourism continued to regain lost ground as a growing number of countries in Asia and Africa have announced further easing of Covid restrictions.
The Republic of Mauritius, responding to its successful vaccination campaign and resultant low infection rate has greatly eased restrictions and the golf paradise is now open for business.
From last Friday, requirement for facemasks were relaxed other than in public areas such as hospitals, port, airport and public transport, the IAGTO said.
On arrival tests for vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers have also been waived and its famed golf courses are back in action.
Mauritius reopened its borders on October 1 last year and over 500,000 tourists have subsequently flocked to the paradise island that has golf courses designed by the likes of Gary Player and Ernie Els.
High demand
The island nation has seen huge demand from international travellers who are choosing the destination also for its scenery, safety and security.
Responding to the developments, Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said: “We are extremely pleased to note that we have reached a milestone of over half a million visitors since October.
“I am confident that our post-pandemic recovery is well underway, and with the easing of sanitary measures bookings for the second half of 2022 will be stimulated.”
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s opening continues to be celebrated by returning golf travellers as entry procedures are nil and e-visas have reopened to all, reports leading golf operator Golfasian.
Thailand’s month-to-month slow recovery has just boomed, the operator noted with no requirement for advance registration and health insurance phased out for golfers.
Visitors will need to carry a vaccination certificate or negative Covid test report taken within 72 hours of travel. All golf destinations in Thailand have been made free of Covid-related restrictions.
As is now becoming commonplace, all requirements and restrictions related to Covid have been removed for travellers visiting South Africa and Egypt as well, IAGTO said.
South Africa has removed its final Covid restrictions, with no pre-arrival testing required for visitors. In a further step, no face masks are required and there is no limit on the size of gatherings.
Similarly, as covered in a separate news item from the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Egypt has lifted all Covid-related entry restrictions whether vaccinated or not.
Also read: Thailand’s Siam Country Club to host 2022 edition of WAAP
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