Attacks on visitors leaving OR Tambo International Airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) said yesterday.
Attacks on visitors leaving OR Tambo International Airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) said yesterday.
The council's chief executive, 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 to deal with this matter. But, we think a specialised unit would perhaps look at this problem with a different view and approach." Marobe said the situation should be investigated, especially now that some countries were warning their citizens travelling to South Africa to be vigilant of gangs who might follow them and rob them.
Countries that have issued travel warnings are the US, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand - with the US issuing its alert for the second time in six months.
Marobe said the incidents scare off tourists. On average, for every eight tourists to the country one job was created.
"The country attracted more than nine million international visitors last year. We want to build on this to reach the 10million mark before 2010." - Sapa
Concern over OR gangs
Attacks on visitors leaving OR Tambo International Airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) said yesterday.
Attacks on visitors leaving OR Tambo International Airport remain a point of concern, and should be thoroughly investigated, the Tourism Business Council of SA (TBCSA) said yesterday.
The council's chief executive, 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 to deal with this matter. But, we think a specialised unit would perhaps look at this problem with a different view and approach." Marobe said the situation should be investigated, especially now that some countries were warning their citizens travelling to South Africa to be vigilant of gangs who might follow them and rob them.
Countries that have issued travel warnings are the US, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand - with the US issuing its alert for the second time in six months.
Marobe said the incidents scare off tourists. On average, for every eight tourists to the country one job was created.
"The country attracted more than nine million international visitors last year. We want to build on this to reach the 10million mark before 2010." - Sapa