Issued by: SA Communication Service
THREE-WAY PARTNERSHIP MAKES PRETORIA CBD SAFE FOR TOURISTS, SAYS TSTG
Partnership initiatives between the community, police and business have reduced crime against tourists by up to 90% in certain areas, bringing the crime rate in line with safer cities elsewhere in the world, says Tourism Safety Task Group (TSTG) chairman Hendrik Steyn.
The Pretoria CBD initiative is one such partnership with average attacks on tourists decreasing from approximately four or five per week in June 1996, to one per fortnight.
Steyn says the TSTG - established by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to address the negative effect of crime on tourism - welcomed the formation of partnerships to combat crime, particularly where tourists were concerned.
Steyn says the effect of crime on tourism has prompted other communities to take personal control of their neighbourhoods to create "safe areas" by establishing integrated partnerships to reduce crime against tourists.
Pretoria's tourism safety route, which maps out the areas in Pretoria frequented by tourists, was launched in July 1997 by Senior Superintendent Kobus Ebersohn, Commander: Crime Prevention at SAPS Pretoria Central.
The initiative makes use of 59 strategically positioned safety ambassadors who wear specially marked jackets, and advise tourists on the safest route to Pretoria's attractions. The ambassadors' visible presence aims to deter criminals from targeting vulnerable tourists.
Shop owners have also become involved in the initiative and have placed posters on their shop windows to highlight the programme and offer assistance in the event of a crime being committed.
Steyn says South Africa's economy can't afford to lose out on he tourism industry's potential because of tourists perceptions that they are not safe walking down the street.
"No organisation can solve the crime problem single-handedly. There is a need for integrated programmes that involve all sectors of the community and that benefit the community directly.
"The TSTG encourages any initiatives that bring people together to make a meaningful contribution to reducing the risk of tourists becoming victims of crime," says Steyn.