The conference follows after the Western Cape Tourism Safety Forum was established two years ago. The forum is a joint platform where tourism role players, the SAPS and community safety role players in the Province together address issues relating to tourism safety, such as supporting tourists who have fallen victim to crime, liaison with consulates and embassies, tourism bureaux and hospitals and coordinating media-liaison.
Throughout the world there is a growing awareness in tourism about the importance of safety and security perceptions when selecting a tourism destination. Says Ms Itumeleng Pooe of the Western Cape tourism department and driver of the tourism safety project, "It has become clear that safety is high on the priority list when selecting a destination."
"The outcome that we would like to achieve from this conference is to identify all the risks that are involved in keeping tourists safe, assess the real threat, assess the probability of events, identify how we could prevent these events, how we could recover from such events and most importantly, develop a mechanism to develop and continuously improve upon."
Western Cape Minister of Tourism and Gambling, Joyce Witbooi, said "International terrorist attacks and the SARS-virus have re-positioned the Cape as a relatively safe international tourist haven. Although crime in this country remains a challenge, we have a responsibility to understand and accommodate tourists' safety and security needs. Through hosting this conference, we are saying we are being pro-active and taking responsibility by exploring the measures needed to put together an executable tourism safety action plan."
The conference theme is "Safety and Security: New driver of Tourism Economies". Conference speakers include international speakers, Dr Abe Pizam, tourism safety and security specialist of the University of Central Florida, USA, Mr Michael Ononaiye, former Nigerian representative to the United Nations and Ms Carol Jones, University of Plymouth, UK.
Other well-known speakers are Dr Ali Bacher, former United Cricket Board chairman on the Cricket World Cup, Mr Chris Nissen of the Cape Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Mzwandile Petros, SAPS Provincial Commissioner. National Deputy Minister of the Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, and the Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk, will also address the conference.
Said Minister Witbooi, "From the overwhelming interest in the conference, it is clear to us that there is a need to discuss tourism safety issues. The conference is not a talk show. Delegates will develop working partnerships and compose a workable tourism safety plan for our region, to be used as a model in other provinces and nationally."
She welcomed all high commissioners, delegates from Africa and other parts of the world, and wished them a prosperous stay in the Cape.
Issued by: Western Cape Ministry of Tourism and Gambling
Contact person: Helene Rossouw, cell: 082 771 8834
