Knysna Tourism Membership

The Tourism Safety and Support Programme is a free service offering support and assistance to tourist who are victimised while visting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

The negative perceptions about crime and safety in South Africa threaten the stability and growth of the hospitality industry, a vital sector for economic development and job creation.

A Tourist Safety and Support Programme (TSSP) effectively counters these negative perceptions and creates a positive and caring atmosphere throughout the tourism industry.

Tourists in unfamiliar surrounds can feel alone and vulnerable. By dealing with the practical issues associated with a crime or an accident, a more positive emotional state can be restored. TSSP acts as a base where problems facing a tourist in the aftermath of a crime can be addressed promptly with the view to getting holiday plans back on track and to enable tourists to return home with a more positive attitude to their experience to the Western Cape and the South African people.

TSSP offers comfort, support and hope to tourist who otherwise may leave South Africa and never wish to return.

WHAT WE DO?

The Role of the Tourist Safety and Support Programme Service:

24/7 hour response capability 7 days a week

Adequate resources & logistical support

Promotion of awareness & lobbying

Intervention or representation at different levels

TSSP provides the following support services:

Practical & Emotional support for tourists in need

Facilitate trauma counselling

Visiting hospitals or facilitate medical treatment

Help with short-term accommodation

Help with contacting family or friends

Facilitate embassy / consular involvement

Assist with language difficulties

Assisting with legal processes where possible including SAPS (SA Police)

Assistance acquiring replacement documents (e.g. flight tickets)

Facilitate transport arrangements

TSSP does not offer:

Financial assistance

Replacement of lost items

Provide medical attention

Compensate for loss

Offer legal advice

What to do if you are a Tourist Crime Victim? Even with the best advice and planning, anything can happen when you’re on holiday. If you are a tourist victim of crime, report the incident in person to the nearest South African Police Service (SAPS), who will contact the Tourism Safety and Support Programme. Reporting crime increases the chance of the perpetrator being caught and in some instances of getting property returned. It also increases the safety of visitors to South Africa.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS OBTAINABLE FROM:
Tourism Safety and Support Programme
Cape Town Routes Unlimited
Website: Tourism Safety and Support Program
80 St Georges Mall, Cape Town, 8001 South Africa