Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has convened the National Tourism Safety Forum in Johannesburg to strengthen and coordinate tourism safety across South Africa.
This was the first sitting of the forum under the 7th administration, bringing together MECs, provincial tourism authorities, South African Tourism, the private sector - including the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the South African Township and Village Tourism Association (SATOVITO) and a wide range of national and provincial stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Minister received a comprehensive state-of-readiness report from all the provinces ahead of the festive season.
A key element of the national safety plan is the deployment of Tourism Monitors.
A total of 40 of the 202 Tourism Monitors allocated to the Border Management Authority (BMA) have been officially deployed at OR Tambo International Airport to strengthen visibility and visitor support.
“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,” said de Lille.
She confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, has been formally delegated to chair the National Tourism Safety Forum going forward.
“Deputy Minister Sotyu brings deep experience, including her previous tenure as Deputy Minister of Police, and her leadership will be invaluable in guiding this Forum’s work,” said de Lille.
With a strong background in public safety and crime prevention, Sotyu will now lead the Forum’s coordination efforts across government, industry and security structures.
The Minister 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. – SAnews.gov.za
