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Traveller attacks 'worrying'

25/03/2008 19:01 - (SA)

Johannesburg - Attacks on visitors leaving O R Tambo International airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) said on Tuesday.

The council's chief executive officer, Mmatsatsi Marobe, said a crime fighting unit such as the Scorpions should take a leading role in dealing with this matter.

"The tourism industry is not doubting the ability of the police in dealing with this matter. However we think a specialised unit would perhaps look at this problem with a different view and approach."

Marobe said the situation should be investigated, more especially now that there were countries warning their citizens travelling to South Africa to be vigilant of gangs who may follow them and rob them.

Countries that have issued travel warnings are the United States, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand - with the US issuing its alert for the second time in six months.

Marobe said this was a point of concern for the industry as effects of a downturn in tourism due to these incidents could be devastating.

"The country attracted more than nine million international visitors last year. We want to build on this increase in an effort to reach the ten million mark before 2010.

"Therefore, fighting the scourge of these attacks has become even more important."

On average, for every eight tourists to the country one job was created, therefore any negative event would most likely affect the livelihood of a huge percentage of ordinary citizens, she said.

[Whippy 0]

I wonder how much longer before the FIFA pulls the 2010 games...

[Ta Ta 1]

This sucks and hurts tourism so badly. They are cutting their own throat in the long run.

[Nick/Nadia Bluma 0]

I wonder how much longer before the FIFA pulls the 2010 games...

This makes me sad! We have such a beautiful country but elements such as this damage our international stand and economy. Very sad!

[totes 0]

My SO and I were just talking about this very thing today! All the crime in these countries make it very difficult on the really good and derserving people! Makes me very angry!

[Norman and Dijani 0]

My fiancee and I were talking about this yesterday as well!! Being a USC and having visited SA twice (once for two weeks and once for a month and a half) it makes me so sad and angry to know that such violence and crime have taken over such a beautiful place. SA is definitly the most gorgeous place I ahve ever seen, but I always tell people not to go there unless they know someone that can show them where to go. It is sad to say, but it is true.