Ministry responds to tourism crime
Following yet another robbery of tourists this weekend at Dune 7, the tourism ministry has urged the public to rededicate itself to the protection of tourists.
The tourism ministry has appealed to the Namibian nation to rededicate itself to protecting its international visitors, its economy, international image and its ranking as one of the top five safest countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry's public relations officer Romeo Muyunda said in light of the recent spate of attacks on tourists Namibia is struggling to uphold the image as a safe destination.
“The success or failure of a tourism destination depends on being able to provide a safe and secure environment for travelers.
“The ministry believes that changing the growing negative perception must be of priority and we must collectively and aggressively work on that.
“The cost implications for not taking care of our visitors will result in unrecoverable damage as a tourist destination, loss of jobs and revenues. It is therefore vital that we all work together to combat crime so we create a safe heaven and memorable moments for visitors to our beautiful country,” he urged.
Muyunda added that although these attacks are regrettable they are not unique to Namibia at all, but the Namibian government remains committed to the safety of its international visitors.
“The ministry together with the police and other stakeholders are working to put in place all necessary interventions to curb crime against tourists' attacks and road accidents. The government has already put a number of measures in place to protect tourists, such as establishing dedicated Tourism Police Units. Police presence on the ground may be insufficient at present but plans are in place to increase the coverage of tourist hotspots in and around towns in all regions and the country at large.”
Muyunda added that while statistics are currently not available to do a proper comparison, the fact remains that tourism has grown phenomenally in Namibia over the past ten years.
He noted however that until such statistics are available, care must be taken not to create undue alarm.
“These tourists go back to their country and write stories in their own words about the natural beauty, the wildlife, historical places and the people of Namibia.
“Their praise of Namibia's natural diversity and uniqueness in their own countries helps grow tourism to Namibia. Nobody should be allowed to spoil such experiences,” he urged.
Efforts that have been implemented to curb the recent attacks on tourists include the introduction of closed circuit cameras by the City of Windhoek in and around the city.
Highway patrols are increased and are conducted around the clock.
“Further work is currently being done to formalise a joint strategy to further improve tourist safety, involving a significant number of stakeholders.
“New initiatives under consideration include the improvement of security at airports; stricter measures concerning taxis and other public transporters; providing for a reward system for information about crime against tourists; creating a hotline for reporting incidents; improve signposting at tourist hotspots; and further expansion of patrolling and surveillance,” said Muyunda.
STAFF REPORTER
In a statement yesterday, the ministry's public relations officer Romeo Muyunda said in light of the recent spate of attacks on tourists Namibia is struggling to uphold the image as a safe destination.
“The success or failure of a tourism destination depends on being able to provide a safe and secure environment for travelers.
“The ministry believes that changing the growing negative perception must be of priority and we must collectively and aggressively work on that.
“The cost implications for not taking care of our visitors will result in unrecoverable damage as a tourist destination, loss of jobs and revenues. It is therefore vital that we all work together to combat crime so we create a safe heaven and memorable moments for visitors to our beautiful country,” he urged.
Muyunda added that although these attacks are regrettable they are not unique to Namibia at all, but the Namibian government remains committed to the safety of its international visitors.
“The ministry together with the police and other stakeholders are working to put in place all necessary interventions to curb crime against tourists' attacks and road accidents. The government has already put a number of measures in place to protect tourists, such as establishing dedicated Tourism Police Units. Police presence on the ground may be insufficient at present but plans are in place to increase the coverage of tourist hotspots in and around towns in all regions and the country at large.”
Muyunda added that while statistics are currently not available to do a proper comparison, the fact remains that tourism has grown phenomenally in Namibia over the past ten years.
He noted however that until such statistics are available, care must be taken not to create undue alarm.
“These tourists go back to their country and write stories in their own words about the natural beauty, the wildlife, historical places and the people of Namibia.
“Their praise of Namibia's natural diversity and uniqueness in their own countries helps grow tourism to Namibia. Nobody should be allowed to spoil such experiences,” he urged.
Efforts that have been implemented to curb the recent attacks on tourists include the introduction of closed circuit cameras by the City of Windhoek in and around the city.
Highway patrols are increased and are conducted around the clock.
“Further work is currently being done to formalise a joint strategy to further improve tourist safety, involving a significant number of stakeholders.
“New initiatives under consideration include the improvement of security at airports; stricter measures concerning taxis and other public transporters; providing for a reward system for information about crime against tourists; creating a hotline for reporting incidents; improve signposting at tourist hotspots; and further expansion of patrolling and surveillance,” said Muyunda.
STAFF REPORTER
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