Oz distorts facts: Sisulu

MINISTER TO RAISE CONCERNS WITH HER COUNTERPART We remain one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – Sisulu

From contracting HIV/ Aids to hijackings, drinks being spiked and even terrorism, Australia, in another controversial stance, has issued a travel advisory warning to its citizens that South Africa isn’t really suitable to visit.

The notice which, among others, warns of the drought in Cape Town, “murders, rape, muggings, robbery, smash and grabs, and other forms of theft often involving weapons and violence”, has however not been taken lightly by South Africa’s government.

The ministry of international relations and cooperation has in turn issued a strongly worded statement objecting to the travel advisory, which it said it takes strong exception to.

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the advisory “contains misleading information about South Africa in general and, in particular, about the experiences of foreign tourists visiting South Africa”.

She will thus raise her government’s concerns with her Australian counterpart, Julie Bishop.

“The travel advisory has the potential not only to deter Australians from visiting South Africa, but also to tarnish our country’s image,” said the minister.

“South Africa remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and tourists in most instances have pleasant experiences of our country.”

The advisory, dated January 30, appears on the website smartraveller.gov.au.

Officials in the ministry of international relations and cooperation have in the past requested, without success, that the advisory be amended to reflect South Africa’s situation as it relates to the true experiences of foreign tourists, Sisulu said in this regard.

“The decision to escalate the matter follows these unsuccessful attempts and indicates the seriousness with which the SA government values the contribution of the tourism sector to the economy.” –