Crime: A threat to tourism in South Africa

Abstract

Tourism can play a significant role in overcoming the many socio‐economic challenges South Africa faces, but only if the reality and perception of tourism safety are addressed urgently and adequately as a strategic priority. Here, I analyse the spatial pattern of crime against tourists in South Africa from 1993 to 1996. ‘No‐go’ areas for tourists are identified and tourist perceptions of personal safety are examined on a region by region basis. The analysis shows that, except for the Gauteng region (the inland economic core region), most other cases of reported crime against tourists are in the coastal areas of the country. Gauteng and KwaZulu‐Natal are perceived by foreign tourists to be the most ‘unsafe’ areas in South Africa. Tourists from Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Scandinavia expressed the greatest concern for their safety in South Africa. In spite of the current positive tourism marketing climate of ‘post‐apartheid’ South Africa, there is increasing concern that if the personal safety and security of tourists are not addressed in a concerned and coordinated manner, tourism to South Africa will be adversely affected.