Members of the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) protest as they march through Durban, March 19, 2014. Durban has been bypassed by tourists due to the crime rates. — Reuters picDURBAN, March 25 — Tour operators from around South Africa have urged Durban city officials to improve security measures at tourism attractions here as many international visitors are choosing to bypass Durban because of its reputation for crime, especially on the beach front.
The owner of Wimbeger SA Tours, Gisela Wimberger, said at least 80 per cent of German tourists she hosts do not usually want to visit Durban. Although the city had revamped the beachfront, the Point area along the beach still needed a lot of attention, she added.
“I think that what they have done at the Marine Parade is a good way in making Durban better. What they should do is to have more police, more security guards at night as well as more lights. That would make a difference.”
She also said that the slum area behind the hotels was a crime zone.
Durban, which has Africa’s busiest port, is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism in the country because of the city’s warm sub-tropical climate and extensive beaches. — Bernama.
