SA tightens tourist safety strategy
The Minister said a forum has been established -- which includes representatives from various stakeholders in the tourism industry representing airlines, rail operators and accommodation -- to address the safety of tourists.
TOURISM minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has announced that R40 million has been ring-fenced to improve safety, especially for tourists visiting SA.
The funds have been reprioritised from the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) levy, which is meant for tourism services in South Africa.
Last week Kubayi-Ngubane said safety issues have negatively affected the country’s major markets. A Tourism Safety Plan has now been crafted to ensure the safety of tourists.
Related story: Decline in number of tourists visiting SA
The Minister said a forum has been established — which includes representatives from various stakeholders in the tourism industry representing airlines, rail operators and accommodation — to address the safety of tourists.
“The strategy to guide our response to the spiraling challenges of tourism safety, which impacts on the country’s tourism potential, was developed in consultation with the various structures,” Kubayi-Ngubane said.
The Minister said the strategy has been costed and they are confident of its implementation this festive season and over the next six months as a pilot programme.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said as part of ensuring the safety of tourists during the festive season more than 5 000 new police officers are going to be deployed throughout the country at various strategic places.
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