Tourism council concerned about 2010 safety

businessday.co.za

THE Tourism Business Council of South Africa said today it was concerned about safety during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Reacting to the release of the police’s latest crime statistics, council spokesman Reynold Thakhuli said he was disappointed by Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula’s failure to mention strategies for the event.

"As police are declaring war on criminal elements and employing additional resources in areas that pose the biggest problems, priority should also be placed on the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament."

Thakhuli said while the ministry was applauded for a clear and accurate picture of the crime situation in the country, the fact that serious and violent crimes continued to be very high was unacceptable.

"... One of the major impediments of tourism growth in South Africa is the high levels of crime... I am afraid that the confidence of the world in our country will be placed in serious doubt."

According to Thakhuli there were various interventions that the tourism industry were making to enhance projects to prevent and combat crime.

"We are in the first instance, mobilising members of the tourism industry to participate in efforts that provide safety and security to our nationals and visitors."

He said the industry was working very close with the police. "Already, in North West, the industry is piloting a tourism safety and security project which will be rolled out in other areas of the country in no time."

Federated Hospitality Association of SA chief executive officer Brett Dungan said the statistics were quite disappointing.

"The tourism industry has a plan in place as far as crime is concerned, but it needs to be a joint effort between all nationals and government," said Dungan.

Printable Version | published Jul 05, 2007

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