Speaking at a summer tourism campaign launch in the Eastern Cape last month, tourism minister Patricia de Lille acknowledged a number of “legitimate concerns” caused by a number of “unfortunate" recent incidents involving tourists.
De Lille revealed that from January to July 2023, 4.8 million international tourists arrived in South Africa – a “remarkable” 79.6% year-on-year spike against 2022. But she noted overall visitor numbers were 19% down versus pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
De Lille said the best way to boost tourism figures to the country would be to address the “paramount issue of safety” raised by recent events.
Confirming the investment of R174.5m (£7.37m) into training 2,300 tourism monitors, she said: “Another one of our primary areas of focus, as we strive to boost tourism figures, is the paramount issue of safety.
“We want to provide unequivocal assurance to the public, domestic travellers, and those planning visits to our country in the near future that we are vigorously advancing our efforts to enhance safety for all.
“I am delighted to announce that we have earmarked R174.5 million for the training of over 2,300 tourism monitors nationwide during this financial year."
In the Eastern Cape, 150 tourism monitors will be deployed in addition to those at airports and national parks.
Monitors will be “strategically” placed in every South African province to help with safeguarding in the country from the end of the month.
“Their responsibilities include patrolling identified attractions, promoting tourism awareness, providing essential information to tourists, and promptly reporting any criminal incidents and other pertinent enforcement agencies,” De Lille added.
“These young individuals will receive a National Qualifications Framework 3 certification and additional training from the South African Police Service.
“Their deployment is scheduled for late October to early November 2023, perfectly aligning with the upcoming summer tourist season.”
De Lille, meanwhile, called the UK a “pivotal source market”, highlighting how 204,885 UK tourists visited South Africa between January and July this year, representing a 45.7% increase in comparison to previous years.
