Crime as deterrent to sustainable tourism growth? : perspectives on the impact of crime on tourism in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:This study analyses the impact of crime on sustainable tourism growth in the WesternCape. It investigates tourists' perceptions of crime in the province and the role of themedia in creating or influencing these perceptions. This study also provides anoverview of the most important government initiatives and policies that have beenundertaken and implemented at local, provincial and national levels. These policiesare discussed and evaluated to determine whether it has in fact brought or encouragedsustainable tourism growth in the Western Cape.A survey, with a sample size of 25 respondents was undertaken during the period ofApril to June 2005 and comprised 13 tour operators, eight tourism bureaus and fourtravel agencies, which are all based in the Western Cape. The aim of the study was togain insight into the travel motivations and patterns of the thousands of tourists thatvisit the province every year and their perceptions regarding crime, from theviewpoint of these primary producers (i.e. the travel intermediaries) in the tourismproduction system.Crime does not only affect residents, but also has an impact on tourist behaviour anddeters visitors from visiting a country, as most tourists are risk-aversive and considersuch factors when deciding on a destination. Only a small number of tourists aredisappointed with the crime situation when visiting the Western Cape, but themajority of tourists still regard it as a serious problem, and possible deterrent, of theprovince. These perceptions do have a tendency to change more positively oncetourists have visited the area. Nevertheless, respondents feel obliged to warn touristsagainst crime or give them advice about their safety and security.The various levels of government are committed towards improving safety andsecurity in South Africa and numerous policies and initiatives have been developedand implemented. However, most do not specifically focus on crimes against tourists.Safety and security is considered as a prerequisite for a successful tourism industry,thus both local residents and tourists should receive equal attention with regards tosafety and security from the government. However, many respondents are unaware ofthe existence of the government's initiatives to combat crime, which raises doubtsabout the effectiveness of these initiatives, their implementation and their intendedbenefits. The government should formulate comprehensive and constructiveprovincial policies in order to address the potentially detrimental impacts of crime onsustainable tourism growth in the Western Cape.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University