The South African government strongly objects to a Travel Advisory issued by the government of the Commonwealth of Australia, which contains misleading information about the country and the experiences of foreign tourists visiting.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will raise the concerns of the South African Government relating to the advisory with her Australian counterpart, Minister Julie Bishop.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the travel advisory has the potential not only to deter Australians from visiting South Africa, but also to tarnish the country's image.
“South Africa remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and tourists in most instances have pleasant experiences of our country,” Minister Sisulu said in a statement on Wednesday.
Officials from the department have in the past requested, without success, that the advisory be amended to reflect the situation in South Africa as it relates to the true experiences of foreign tourists.
“The decision to escalate the matter follows these unsuccessful attempts and indicates the seriousness with which the South African government values the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
