Pretoria, South Africa - The South African government has launched the National Tourism Safety Strategy, focusing on a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors to improve tourism safety and alter perceptions of South Africa as an unsafe travel destination. Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille announced this initiative while addressing the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria about tourism safety concerns.
According to South African Government News Agency, the strategy revolves around three core themes: proactive measures, responsive measures, and aftercare programs. The aim is to ensure that tourists, both domestic and international, feel secure from the moment they plan their visit. The strategy includes mechanisms for a quick and effective response to assist tourists in distress following any crime-related incidents.
De Lille emphasized the importance of stakeholder coordination and communication, noting that a committee led by the private sector under the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has been established. This committee is tasked with developing a Crisis Management Communications Plan and Protocols to ensure clear procedures during incidents and consistent messaging.
The Department of Tourism has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) to collaborate on the prevention, investigation, and combatting of crimes impacting tourism and the safety of tourists. The MoU Action Plan, currently under revision, is being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee, comprising the Department of Tourism and SAPS. This revision aims to integrate and strengthen other safety and security initiatives being implemented with the private sector.
The Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) is another significant component of this strategy, involving the training, mentorship, and deployment of unemployed youth at various tourism attractions and sites. With a government investment of R174 million for this financial year, the programme aims to enhance tourism safety awareness, upskill unemployed youth, and reduce tourist vulnerabilities.
De Lille announced the deployment of 2,300 Tourism Monitors across the country. They will be stationed in entities managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Gardens, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, national parks managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and at airports overseen by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).