The rise of vaccine vacations

MANY destinations in the process of opening up their borders to international travellers are now sweetening the deal with vaccine vacations. These destinations kill two birds with one stone; they lure travellers to their destination and administer vaccines for a fee.

With some countries already rolling out these initiatives, people who are permitted to travel are taking full advantage of a vaccine vacation.

However, this isn’t the case for South Africans. South Africa’s vaccine rollout is slow compared to other countries in Africa.

With the country restricted from most destinations and the talk of a potential third wave this winter, South Africans’ plan to travel to get the vaccine elsewhere seems bleak. It also puts the country’s tourism industry at risk as many establishments are barely making ends meet due to the lack of international travellers.

Visit and vaccine

The US is among the countries that are leading the vaccine tourism pack.

New York intends to offer free vaccines to tourists when their summer season starts.

The mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio said at a press briefing that mobile vaccinations sites in tourist areas like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Central Park would make it easy for travellers to get the J & J vaccine.

“We want to go the extra mile, make it easy for tourists. If they’re here, get vaccinated while you’re here. It makes sense to put mobile vaccination sites where the tourists are. That is good for all of us that they get vaccinated.

“We think this is a positive message to tourists – come here, it’s safe, it’s a great place to be, and we’re going to take care of you. We’re going to make sure you get vaccinated while you’re here with us,” he said this month.

The Minister of Tourism for the Maldives, Abdulla Mausoom, announced the “3V” strategy last month that aims to lure travellers to “visit, vaccinate and vacation”.

Speaking to CNBC, he said the government would ensure that all locals had their dose of vaccines before opening the process to new arrivals.

The country did not announce the date of the 3V rollout.

Zimbabwe, one of the countries in Africa leading the vaccine rollout process, also allows vaccinations for those travelling to the country for a fee.

“This is a human element, we cannot deny anybody the vaccine, but if you are not Zimbabwean we will give you the vaccine at a cost,” Mnangagwa said at the time.

According to reports, the cost for the vaccination is between $50 to $70 (from R703.41 to R982.94).

Some travel companies have created vaccine inspired packages to boost tourism. Travel agency World Visitor launched Covid-19 vaccine trips to Russia. The €1 599 (R27 308) trip includes two medical appointments in a vaccination centre in Russia, a medical invitation from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, all transfers, accommodation and a translator during the consultation.

Reuters announced that the Republic of San Marino in Europe will launch a vaccine tourism programme to visitors from May 17.

Visitors will receive the Sputnik V Covid-19 shot.

Tourism Minister Federico Pedini Amati said tourists travelling for the vaccine would have to reserve hotel rooms at least one week before arrival. He said they would also be required to have plans in place for a second trip, around 21 to 28 days later, to receive their booster dose. Two doses would cost tourists €15 (R253.98).

Know the risks

While it may seem exciting to travel to another country to receive a vaccine, travellers need to know the risks. Experts advise treading with caution as the Covid-19 situation is ever-changing.

Lizeka Shandu, the owner of African Wild Travel, said that travellers should weigh the pros and cons of taking a vaccine vacation.

She said that while travellers may test negative for Covid-19, they could contract the virus during their travels.

“Many people are tired of being stuck at home and having the vaccine makes travel more accessible. However, they need to be mindful of the risks that come with travelling.

“In some cases, the vaccine isn’t guaranteed for travellers, which is why research is critical when embarking on this type of trip. Find out about the procedure, how long you will need to stay at the destination and how much it will cost you.

“We are still in a pandemic and need to be mindful of that when we make travel decisions. Do not be negligent with your life,” she said.

Jennifer Morris, the owner of Travel Savvy, said vaccine vacations were “another example of how strange the travel landscape is at the moment”.

Morris said travellers need to determine the legitimacy of the vaccine and whether it came with a vaccine certificate from a reputable source.

She said travellers should beware of fraudulent offers.

“Be mindful of taking a vaccine dose intended for the local population. I think that there are ethical considerations to be taken into account. For example, countries monetising the vaccine through tourism might make it harder for local people to get their vaccines, which could lead to social problems,” she said.