ECPTA advocates for tourism safety and has the following Provincial tourism safety initiatives:
• Collaboration with SAPS: A strong working relationship with local police ensures quick responses to incidents
• WhatsApp Communication Group: A group has been created, involving SAPS, local municipalities, and accommodation establishments, to improve communication
• Community Tourism Safety Meetings: Regular meetings with traditional authorities have been conducted to address the root causes of crime in the communities.
• Victim Support Services: Available for tourists in need of accommodation, counselling, or other assistance.
• Provincial Tourism Safety Forum in place consisting of stakeholders such as SAPS, local government and the private sector
• Tourism Safety Plan in place
• Deployment of 150 Tourism monitors at identified hotspots
• Awareness campaigns and safety tips for tourists
• Tourist Guides compliance checks
Tourism Safety
Due to the anticipated influx of visitors, certain plans and programmes are put in place. These include Capacity Building, Tourism Safety Measures and Events as outlined below:
1. Skills Development
In preparation for the festive season, ECPTA collaborated with various stakeholders in implementing the following training programmes:
ECPTA conducted a First Aid training for 22 Tsitsikamma Tourism Association members
Facilitated a First Aid Training for Tourist Guides in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.
Facilitated Service Excellence training for Coffee Shack Backpacker’s staff in Coffee Bay, Mthatha & Komani.
Customer Care Training for Homestays in Qunu
Facilitated training of 20 Kayak Guides from the Wild Coast, East London and King Sabatha Dalindyebo area.
Currently training 20 Lifeguards from Gqeberha & Port Alfred
Engaging the District & Local Municipalities for the appointment and deployment of lifeguards at all beaches under their jurisdiction
ECPTA will facilitate tourism safety awareness campaigns in Collaboration with the Law Enforcement Agencies, Tourism Industry, Department of Tourism and Local Government.
Click on this link for a downloadable brochure with safety tips, important emergency contacts and a map of the Eastern Cape
