FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The tourism sector in the Eastern Cape is disheartened by the recent spate of crimes committed against tourists that include acts robbery, hijackings, ATM scams and abductions. ECPTA strongly condemns these criminal acts and extends its deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. The agency stands in solidarity with the Eastern Cape tourism industry as they work to combat these incidents.
To address this issue, a meeting was held by the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, between representatives from various government departments such as Dept of Community Safety, SAPS, Dept of Transport, DEDEAT and private business owners and tourism associations of the Gqeberha and Wild Coast regions.
During the meeting, participants discussed various incidents that had occurred in the province, highlighting the negative impact they had on the tourism industry. The meeting was a call to action to address these issues collectively as a sector, to protect the industry and ensure it remains a preferred destination for tourists.
Ideas were presented on how the tourism sector and the public can work together to help combat crime against tourists. This includes lobbying for more visible policing at tourists’ hotspots which was a noticeable issue across the virtual room, lobbying for more infrastructure and access upgrades as they hinder turnaround times for assistance, lobbying for more technologically advanced mechanisms for surveillance and monitoring, effective victim support mechanisms, provincial coordinated communication around the incidents and a more open communication system of collaboration between all stakeholders to help each other fight crime.
It was also acknowledged that all stakeholders, the public, government departments, private business owners and tourism associations all have a significant role to play in the fight against criminal elements directed at tourists. It was emphasised that proactive measures, such as
improving security at tourist destinations and educating visitors on how to stay safe during their travels are also critical.
Meeting participants strongly condemned the crimes committed against tourists in the Eastern Cape, highlighting the negative impact it had on the province’s economy and reputation. “Tourism is our bread and butter, some of the business you see here are the only employer for large communities in our areas hence we cannot afford to close shop, we have to work together to protect our tourists”, said William Ross of the Wildcoast Association.
The participants vowed to work together to protect the province’s tourism industry and ensure that visitors can enjoy their stay without fear of crime. Both OR Tambo Deputy District Commissioner, Brigadier Vukile Ntandane and Nelson Mandela Bay’s Metro Police chief, Brigadier Trevor Smith, committed to proactively strengthen cooperation between SAPS and the EC tourism sector to prevent reoccurrence of such incidences. A committee including all stakeholders is to be set up to form part of the long-term strategy of tourists safety for EC.
ECPTA CEO, Mr Vuyani Dayimani concluded the meeting by urging all stakeholders to work together to create a safer environment for tourists in the Eastern Cape. “We call on all stakeholders in the Eastern Cape tourism industry, including hotel owners, tour operators, and local authorities, to work together to ensure that our province is a safe destination for all.
He continued to encourage everyone to report criminal activities they witness or experience and to work with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice. “We also recognize that the impact of these crimes goes beyond the immediate harm caused to tourists. They have a detrimental effect on the growth of the tourism industry, which is a critical driver of economic development in the Eastern Cape. By working together to address these issues, we can help ensure that the Eastern Cape remains a preferred destination of choice for tourists from around the world”.
ECPTA also committed to supporting stakeholders in the tourism industry by providing resources, training, and support where applicable to help and keep tourists safe in partnership with relevant stakeholders such as SAPS.
For more information, please contact: Oyanga.Ngalika@ecpta.co.za/ 0798918624
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency
