Traveller attacks 'worrying'
25/03/2008 19:01 - (SA)


Johannesburg - Attacks on visitors leaving O R Tambo International airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) said on Tuesday.

The council's chief executive officer, Mmatsatsi Marobe, said a crime fighting unit such as the Scorpions should take a leading role in dealing with this matter.

"The tourism industry is not doubting the ability of the police in dealing with this matter. However we think a specialised unit would perhaps look at this problem with a different view and approach."

Marobe said the situation should be investigated, more especially now that there were countries warning their citizens travelling to South Africa to be vigilant of gangs who may follow them and rob them.

Countries that have issued travel warnings are the United States, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand - with the US issuing its alert for the second time in six months.

Marobe said this was a point of concern for the industry as effects of a downturn in tourism due to these incidents could be devastating.

"The country attracted more than nine million international visitors last year. We want to build on this increase in an effort to reach the ten million mark before 2010.

"Therefore, fighting the scourge of these attacks has become even more important."

On average, for every eight tourists to the country one job was created, therefore any negative event would most likely affect the livelihood of a huge percentage of ordinary citizens, she said.



News24

If you fly into Jo'berg I highly recommend you stay at the Afton House.

They will take you to shop, out to eat etc. to safe places.

They will pick you up at the airport, and take you back on the day you fly out.

They assist you on arrival and with departure.

They are also excellent folks. I stayed there and used their services on all 3 of my trips there, traveling through SA to Zimbabwe.

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quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
If you fly into Jo'berg I highly recommend you stay at the Afton House.

They will take you to shop, out to eat etc. to safe places.

They will pick you up at the airport, and take you back on the day you fly out.

They assist you on arrival and with departure.

They are also excellent folks. I stayed there and used their services on all 3 of my trips there, traveling through SA to Zimbabwe.

Premier First Class Service, at a most reasonable price.

DOUBLE DITTOS!!