Organisers of events in Cape Town are shipping in water to help do their bit in the effort to conserve supplies.
The move is part of a bigger effort to address the current water crisis in the city, according to South African Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona, who is on a ‘global tour’ to speak to travel partners about the situation.
Ntshona said: "CT is experiencing a drought. We have not had decent rain in the last three years. As a result our water levels in dams are at 24%, which is not the level that we are comfortable with.
"There is water in Cape Town, but there are guidelines and we want people to be aware of them."
Tourists are being asked to follow new rules issued to residents, which limits them to 50 litres of water per person each day. Water-saving measures include limiting showers to 90 seconds.
Ntshona added: "We are really seeing civil society coming together and being part of the solution.
"For example, some of South Africa’s famous musical artists are recording 90-second songs that people can listen to while they’re taking their shower.
"We have a busy events calendar and organisers are telling us they want to be ‘water-neutral’ and to contribute towards the effort they will ship water in."
He said one example is Cape Town Cycle Tour, March 11, which is part of the city’s Lifecycle Week from March 3-12.
A campaign is ongoing to encourage residents to conserve water in order to avoid ‘Day Zero’, when supplies in reservoirs drop to just 13% full.
Ntshona added: "Day Zero has been reported as though it’s Armageddon, but it’s a dramatic campaign targeting Capetonians so they can change their water consumption habits.
"Day Zero is a variable date. It was originally in April, then May. Now it’s been pushed back to June 2.
"We are learning many lessons and we want to share them as well. This is a global conversation.
"Water crisis issues and climate change issues are not just isolated to Cape Town. It’s a global phenomenon and we have the opportunity to show how global cities respond to water crises.
"We’ve been asked how we can still promote the city to visitors. Our response is that there are 700,000 jobs that depend on international tourism. And a 45-minute drive outside of Cape Town there is water."
Ntshona said the city is forecast to have a healthy rainy season this year and Cape Town is also making long-term plans by investing in desalination plants.
"Even if it were to rain buckets tomorrow and the dams fill up, it’s the new norm of the world."
More information for tourists can be found at waterwesterncape.com.
