Dundee’s bid to re-establish itself as a tourist hub, with the famous battlefields of Northern KZN, as the star attraction, took a hit on Saturday when luggage was stolen from an international tourist bus.
The bus had stopped on Karel Landman Street at round 10am to allow the passengers, some of whom were said to from Australia, to go to Pick n Pay.
Witnesses reported that the bus was not locked. A young man was seen getting into the bus, snatching three bag packs, and fleeing. He managed to evade attempts to apprehend him.
It is not clear if the tour authorities contacted the Dundee SAPS and no official comment is yet available.
The incident has prompted Cllr Naresh Gopie, a former long serving chairperson of Tourism Dundee, to call for local government and stakeholders in Dundee to collaborate and develop strategies to revitalize the tourism sector.
“This is a shocking incident especially as we are trying to attract international tourists following the Covid-19 lockdown which decimated this industry.”
Gopie said, the local tourism sector has experienced a decline in recent years, primarily due to the decrease in international tourism, which has had a negative impact on the local economy.
“The decline in international tourism can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, global economic uncertainties and fluctuating exchange rates have made international travel more expensive for tourists, leading to a decrease in the number of visitors to Dundee. Additionally, political instability and safety concerns in certain parts of South Africa have also deterred international tourists from visiting the region.
“The decrease in international tourism has had significant consequences for the local economy of Dundee. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in generating revenue, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses in the area. With fewer tourists visiting Dundee, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses have experienced a decline in bookings and revenue. This, in turn, has resulted in layoffs, reduced income for local residents, and a general slowdown in economic activity.
“Moreover, the decline in international tourism has also impacted the preservation and maintenance of Dundee’s historical sites and cultural attractions. Many of these sites rely on revenue generated from tourism to fund their upkeep and conservation efforts. With a decrease in visitor numbers, the funding for these initiatives has dwindled, potentially leading to neglect and deterioration of the cultural and historical heritage of the area.
“To mitigate the negative impact of declining international tourism, Dundee’s tourism sector may need to focus on diversifying its visitor base. This could involve targeting domestic tourists, promoting regional tourism initiatives, and enhancing marketing efforts to attract visitors from neighbouring provinces and other parts of South Africa. Additionally, investing in infrastructure development, improving safety measures, and implementing sustainable tourism practices can help rebuild confidence in Dundee as a desirable destination.
“By addressing the challenges posed by the decline in international tourism, Dundee can work towards restoring its position as a thriving tourist destination, stimulating economic growth, and preserving its unique cultural and historical heritage.”
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