South African tourism unaffected by Trump comment

Source: Tourism Update, 24/08/2018

Industry stakeholders reassure trade that tourism remains unaffected
despite the recent Tweet by US President, Donald Trump.
In the face of escalating concerns over a Twitter post by US President
Donald Trump on August 22, regarding the contentious ‘land
expropriation without compensation’ issue in South Africa, the SA
tourism industry is united in its response.
“South Africa is open for business, and the current political and
social dialogue is not disrupting the product and services we offer
travellers,” stated Sisa Ntshona, CEO of South African Tourism.
The tweet read as follows: “I have asked Secretary of State @SecPompeo
to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and
expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers. ‘South African
government is now seizing land from white farmers’.”
The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) met
with the US Embassy on Thursday, August 23, to seek clarity on Trump’s
views, with Minister Lindiwe Sisulu saying she would “discuss the
saga” with Pompeo. “SA has good political, economic and trade
relations with the United States of America, and diplomatic channels
remain open to provide clarity on issues of mutual interest,” she said.
The South African tourism industry has spoken out firmly to address
fears and concerns over how the perception of the effects of land
expropriation without compensation could negatively impact tourism to
the country.
CEO of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (Satsa), David
Frost, says: “Clearly the SA government has to progress with the
policies they deem appropriate to take the country forward �` the land
issue being one of those. And that process shouldn’t be contorted or
obstructed in any way because of the perception and comments that
people internationally may make. Having said that, we’ve gone through
a learning curve in terms of the water crisis in Cape Town and the
lack of a tourism-appropriate message that should’ve been communicated
early on in that process.
“Certain elements amongst potential tourists to South Africa can get
‘spooked’ by erroneous comments on the land issue. As such, we need to
work together through the organised private sector, in collaboration
with our public-sector tourism colleagues, to craft a message that is
both informative and seeks to allay any irresponsible or incorrect
perceptions. This then needs to be shared with our international tour
operators and agents,” continues Frost.
While land distribution is at a very sensitive stage in the dialogue,
Ntshona reiterates that the topic is one that is still under
discussion and debate, and freedom of movement remains unhindered for
travellers and citizens alike. “We are proud of the fact that we have
the most robust Constitution in the world, creating an environment for
all to enjoy our country.
“We will continue to monitor the discussions around land
distribution,” says Ntshona, “and are committed to updating our
partners. Operators, tourists and the world can rest assured that any
changes to our promise of South Africa being a safe and secure tourist
destination will be communicated transparently.”