Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu Says German Tourists Are Not Deterred by Murder

• Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said German tourists have not cancelled their trips to South Africa
• The minister said there are discussions around increasing hotel security for the safety of tourists
• Department of Tourism said incidents of crime directed at tourists tarnish the reputation of the country

MPUMALANGA - Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu noted that there were no cancellations by German tourists who planned to vacation in South Africa. She was speaking at a media briefing following the murder of a German near the Kruger National Park.

Sisulu said the government is “on top” of the situation. She said discussions around increasing hotel security for the safety of tourists are also being had.

The minister said a few years ago tourists would allegedly be followed from Johannesburg airport and robbed along the way to their hotels, according to News24. She said since the claims emerged, measures were put in place to ensure people are warned about the possibility of them being followed.

Read also

Tourism Minister Sisulu tells parliament arrests for German tourist murder will be made soon

German Ambassador Andreas Peschke said Germany is the third largest tourism market for South Africa. He said the country still plans to bring a direct flight from Germany to Mbombela to increase the possibilities of exploring the country.

“Tourism safety has been consistently identified across a number of studies, media and crime reports as a challenge which threatens tourism growth and therefore, foreign direct investment, visitor spend and employment,” said Sisulu.

According to the Department of Tourism, crime incidents directed at tourists tarnish the country’s reputation and create a negative perception. However, Sisulu added that South Africa is a peace-loving country.

Citizens react to the minister’s remarks:

@NoVoice2Small said:

“How about, if something happens to another tourist we hold Sisulu responsible in a court of law?”

@bush_wings commented:

“You think it’s only German tourists that could cancel. Eish this will affect tourism in its entirety including European and American tourists not just Germans. I’ve already had clients’ queries change their itineraries to East Africa and Zambia. Seems you know nothing of tourism.”

Read also

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi justifies passport hikes, says government was “heavily subsidising” holders

@adiel_pc added:

“Tragedy will plague SA for many years, those who are in charge of the country were never the custodians and it’s a psychology of finance and injustice to capitulate SA back into the dark ages.”

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu says SA is a safe destination following death of German tourist

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported Minister of Tourism Lindiwe Sisulu did damage control on Wednesday, 5 October, following the death of a German tourist near Kruger National Park in Numbi.

She reassured tourists that the country was a safe travel destination. During a media briefing, Sisulu said only three tourists were killed in the country in the past 27 years. However, only the murder of the German tourist was due to insecurity.

The minister said the country has a record of safety, which she plans to keep. Sisulu said South Africa is safe for tourists, and maximum security is provided, News24 reported.

Source: Briefly News