While the advisory maintains its Level 2 rating, which advises travellers to “Exercise Increased Caution”, the update has reignited discussions around safety and the global perception of travel to SA.

In response to the renewed attention, SA’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety of international visitors and promoting a welcoming environment across all tourism hotspots.

“SA remains one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. We are known for our natural beauty and all of those things, and we are making sure that all our travel visitors that do come to SA, that first of all, we do share information with them,” De Lille stated.

She noted that the government has established a 24/7 national tourism safety help line and that hospitality sector stakeholders also issue advisories and safety tips to incoming travellers.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--