Eye on Africa

The South African Football Association is worried that the current violence against foreigners could compromise the 2010 World Cup. South African Tourism is “extremely concerned about the potential impact” violence against foreigners will have on general tourism growth.

In terms of tourism, the main concern should not be the future. The main concern should be the present. Violence against foreigners is already beginning to affect the tourism industry. South Africa Sucks reported that of the 250 delegates invited to the Leading Women of Africa Forum in Cape Town, only 160 showed up. Other people who were invited sent emails to the organizer stating that due to the xenophobic violence, they could not come, the blog says.

People considering or who are scheduled to visit South Africa, are probably paying vivid attention to news reports and searching for other sources to brief them on the atmosphere.

Although the situation should not be undermined, there are some points that may not be clarified enough in media reports and government announcements. An example is that the violence that is displayed on the front pages of newspapers and during news broadcasts is township and squatter camp violence. This is not something that the city dweller witnesses or experiences first hand unless he or she has ventured to a low-income area

To find out more about the violence against foreigners and what it means for tourists, read the article at: http://hubpages.com/hub/Should-South-Africas-Violence-Deter-Tourists.

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