Fatal shooting of German tourist stokes fears around SA tourism

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and the government agency South African Tourism say the sector is devastated by the fatal shooting of a German tourist in Mpumalanga on Monday.

The Department of Tourism confirmed on Tuesday that the tourist was part of a group of four travelling to one of the country’s top tourist attractions in the province.

“As a sector we would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the tourist who was killed in this incident. We call on law enforcement agencies to find the perpetrators of this violent crime as soon as possible,” notes a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

It says the country receives a large number of tourists from Germany, which is one of the ways the sector has been able to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As a sector, we are aware that crime tops the list of factors that tourists have raised as a concern when choosing South Africa as a destination.”

The agencies say tourism leaders recently gathered and called for the country’s security cluster to assist in bolstering tourism safety and fast response against acts of criminality that affect the sector’s potential.

“We wish to express our sympathy and extend our support to the family and friends who have had such a devastating experience in our country,” says South African Tourism acting CEO Themba Khumalo.

“South Africans are welcoming people, and this criminal behaviour is inconsistent with our warm and welcoming spirit which is our innate way of life.

“The protection of all tourists is immensely important to us and therefore we continue to consult the South African Police Service and all related authorities in this regard,” he adds.

“Violence against tourists is equivalent to economic crimes such as stealing copper cables and gold, and something must be done urgently,” says TBCSA CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa.

The sector says its teams will meet with security clusters to discuss how plans to ensure tourist safety can be fast-tracked ahead of the festive season.

Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.