Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille on Tuesday called on communities across the country to work with government and the private sector to ensure that South Africa maintains its global appeal and remains a destination where visitors feel safe, welcomed and supported.
The Minister made the call at the National Tourism Safety Forum, held in Johannesburg.
The Minister convened the forum in a bid to strengthen and coordinate tourism safety across South Africa.
“Safety is the foundation of tourism growth and our ability to collaborate effectively determines how well we protect both visitors and the jobs that depend on them,” De Lille said.
At the Forum, the Minister announced that Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has been formally delegated to chair the National Tourism Safety Forum.
De Lille said Sotyu’s extensive background in public safety, including her previous tenure as Deputy Minister of Police and her leadership, will be invaluable in guiding this forum’s work.
"With a strong background in public safety and crime prevention, Deputy Minister Sotyu will lead the Forum’s coordination efforts across government, industry and security structures. I have full confidence that under her stewardship, we will enhance coordination, strengthen response mechanisms, and build a more unified and resilient approach to tourism safety,” De Lille said.
Joining the meeting virtually, Sotyu said she looked forward to working with highly passionate, committed and professional group of stakeholders “to rewrite the tourism safety fortunes of our country and position South Africa as a top must-visit destination.”
This was the first sitting of the Forum under the 7th Administration, bringing together MECs, Provincial Tourism Authorities, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO), and a wide range of national and provincial stakeholders.
At the meeting, the Minister received a comprehensive state-of-readiness report from all the provinces ahead of the festive season. – SAnews.gov.za
