Department of Tourism launches monitors to tackle travellers’ safety

The Department of Tourism in South Africa has taken a significant step towards enhancing the safety of tourists visiting the country by launching a new program aimed at providing job opportunities for unemployed youth while also addressing safety issues. This development comes in the wake of a recent robbery incident involving a group of Dutch tourists that threatened to disrupt the positive momentum in the country's tourism sector. The program, a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the Gauteng Tourism Authority, has set aside a budget of 52.7 million to train and deploy monitors to various tourist destinations. The initiative is part of the Expanded Public Works program, with each participant set to receive a stipend of about 3,600 a month. The goal is to have 200 trained young men and women serve as tourism monitors, tasked with providing guidance to tourists and assisting them in avoiding becoming victims of crime. MEC for Community Safety, Elen Gossima Lobani, highlighted the importance of equipping the monitors with skills to ensure the safety of tourists. These monitors will not only offer safety tips and guidance but will also escort tourists to areas deemed unsafe, ultimately acting as ambassadors for safety within the tourism sector. South Africa faces a significant challenge of youth unemployment, with the country having one of the highest rates in the world. The tourism industry holds promising prospects for job creation and could play a pivotal role in addressing the issue of joblessness. By providing training and employment opportunities to young individuals, the Department of Tourism's initiative not only aims to enhance safety but also to contribute to the country's efforts in reducing unemployment. The impact of the program extends beyond job creation and safety measures. It has the potential to rebuild trust and confidence in South Africa's tourism sector, which has been facing challenges in recent times. By investing in the training and deployment of tourism monitors, the country is taking a proactive approach towards ensuring a positive and secure experience for visitors. The Tourism Brigade, as the group of monitors is called, will undergo extensive training over a three-year period, enhancing their skills and providing them with accreditation. This comprehensive training program is designed to equip the monitors with the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle various situations effectively, ultimately contributing to a safer and more enjoyable experience for tourists visiting South Africa. In conclusion, the Department of Tourism's launch of the monitors' program signifies a significant step towards enhancing the safety of travellers and boosting job creation opportunities in South Africa. With the tourism industry being a vital sector for economic growth and employment generation, this initiative holds great promise in not only improving safety standards but also in revitalizing the country's tourism sector.