Hon House Chairperson, hon members, if this country is to meet the President's target of 21 million tourist arrivals by 2030 we must get tougher on crime and the promotion of tourist safety in this country.
South Africa does not want to find itself on international country lists under the heading, Travel Advisory, like the one issued by the United States Department of State on the 19 October last year advising US citizens visiting South Africa to, "Exercise increased caution due to crime and civil unrest."
Tourists are advised to avoid walking alone, especially after dark, to avoid visiting informal settlement areas, to not display cash or valuables and to always drive with doors locked and windows closed. Tourists are further advised that:
"Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles are very common and that there is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark."
This does not sound like a place I would want to visit with my family if I was a foreigner. South Africa has it all in terms of
nature, beauty and biodiversity and yet our weak stance on crime will prevent tourists from visiting the country.
Joint Consultative Workshop on Tourist Safety and Security in South Africa such as this one which brought together all interested and affected stakeholders concerned about the crime committed against tourists in South Africa and with the stated goals and intention to find lasting solutions to mitigate the impact of crime on the tourism industry in the short term and completely eradicate tourism crime in the long term is most necessary.
We must also learn from countries like Iceland, Portugal, Japan, Ireland and Australia where tourists are welcomed and feel and are safe and secure. Technology must be embraced and utilised to its maximum in countering criminal activity.
Partnerships must be forged between business, community policing forums, SAPS, and all spheres of government as through an integrated approach will be necessary. So, by saying that, ...
IsiZulu:
... i-IFP iyawuseka lombiko futhi icela ukuthi izinto zonke ezakhulunywa kwingqungquthela ziyenziwa ngendlela efanele kube yiyo. Ngiyathokoza.