Over the past few weeks, headlines making the news were all about the xenophobic attacks against foreigners by South Africans. As a student reading tourism management at the University of Cape Coast, I was particularly interested in the senseless attacks and the impact they had on tourism. Although key tourism industry leaders have expressed concern over the attacks, I would also like to share my opinion regarding this issue.
To begin with, xenophobia can simply be defined as "having abnormal fear or hatred for strangers or foreigners". Tourism has grown to be a major social and economic force in the world today. However one of the major impediments to tourism in achieving its economic and social roles is Xenophobia.
Xenophobic attacks puts tourism in a difficult trading environment as it scares tourist away and further instill fear in visitors from other countries. Under apartheid, South Africa’s immigration mirrored the narrow mindedness and prejudice of the National Party. Several laws made visits to South Africa unpalatable to many, particularly those of non-European descent. At the dawn of the “new South Africa” in 1994, the country became an important tourism destination in Africa. While saying it is far too early to gauge the impact of xenophobic attacks on travel to South Africa, It will definitely raise a red flag for the tourism industry. According to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), tourism contributes close to 10% of the country’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) and employs more than two million people in the sector with almost 12.1 million people having visited South Africa last year. South Africa’s 60% of tourists come from other African countries which makes me wonder why black South Africans are attacking foreign Africans but not foreign whites. I’m not saying they should kill or beat the whites, but why should a black man get raided and beaten up, while a white immigrant roam the street comfortably. Why many South Africa’s attacks enterprising African immigrants from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Nigeria and Malawi; often running shops, stalls and other businesses. All that I’m trying to say is Xenophobia destroys the nation's economy structure that tourism might have built. It also reduces socio-economic benefits accrued to community residents through tourism enterprises. There could be cancellations and other concerns expressed by would-be tourists. These recent attacks should be a point of worry to the tourism industry as they impact negatively to the South African brand and reputation. Take a stand now.
Let Us all Unite and #SayNoToXenophobia
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