By: Natasha Archary
Following the senseless murder of a German tourist in the country, the Department of Tourism is proposing international tourists be met with a safety video on arrival in South Africa.
The proposal comes following a standing committee with Parliament, where concerns of tourists’ safety this festive season was raised.
A Festive Season Safety Awareness campaign will launch in November and will include a message by the Tourism Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu which will likely play on airport TV screens.
The department will need to engage the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) to approve space on airport screens to air the message.
Sisulu’s message will include safety advice to tourists upon arrival in the country, such as watching their belongings, being mindful of smash and grab hotspots etc.
Government is also considering closing the notorious Numbi Gate which is the route the German tourist was killed at.
The tourist was part of a group of travellers heading to their lodge inside the Kruger National Park when they were confronted by armed men.
A number of international countries including the US and Australia have warned their citizens travelling to SA to avoid Numbi Gate and to take other precautions whilst on holiday here.
Further interventions will also be put in place to safeguard tourists visiting SA, which will fall under the National Tourism Safety Strategy.
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