Tourism 'worried about crime'
2007-11-29 10:14
Pretoria - The National President, the National Executive Council, and staff of Satsa (Southern African Tourism Services Association), have condemned the death of Franz Richter, owner of Aloe Ridge Lodge and Heia Safari Ranch in Swartkops, Mogale City, who was murdered in an armed robbery close to his property on Wednesday morning.
"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family and their staff... Richter was an iconic character of the industry, who had been involved in developing tourism to that area for the last 35 years. He will be greatly missed," said Satsa CEO Michael Tatalias.
The murder of Richter followed soon after the recent murders of the owners of the Wartburger Hof Hotel early in November and the murder of a tourist in Pennington just before the FIFA preliminary draw, and the robbery of two FIFA delegates over the weekend at the FIFA Draw itself, he added.
"As the private sector of the tourism industry we know that tourism holds a great potential to solve poverty and joblessness and the despair that surrounds it.
Crime threatens tourism
Tourism in South Africa is a R66.6bn a year industry, and is also the largest generator of foreign exchange earnings into South Africa, ahead of established industries such as gold, which is why we refer to Tourism as the new gold."
Since 2002, foreign arrivals have contributed R222bn to the South African economy. We have also shown that for every eight fly-in tourists that arrive in South Africa, one new permanent job is created.
In a statement, the tourism body said it was concerned about crime and called on all citizens and communities to get actively involved in the fight on crime.
"Satsa calls on the government and authorities to take clear and decisive action."
"The tourism industry, along with many others, is actively working with Business Against Crime to help find solutions and ways for business to assist the police. Satsa will continue with these endeavours, and will work with any stakeholders to reduce crime," added Tatalias..
"However, more needs to come from government's side. If crime is not stopped, and soon, our tourism industry may not be around to host the visitors that will come for 2010," he stressed.
- SAPA