The South African government has assured Nigerian travellers that the country remains safe for legitimate visitors, urging them not to allow isolated incidents reported in the mainstream and social media to shape their perception of the destination.

Acting High Commissioner and Consul-General of South Africa, Prof. Bobby Moroe, gave the assurance yesterday at the South Africa Tourism Connect held in Lagos.

Moroe, who addressed concerns over the safety and treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa, said incidents of criminality should not be used to portray the average South African or the entire country.

According to him, the South African government condemned criminality in all its forms, stressing that crime had no nationality.

He also cited the South African constitution, which he said affirmed that the country was for all who live in it, while distinguishing between illegal migration and undocumented migration.

He said: “South Africa remains safe for legitimate travellers. Incidents reported in mainstream and social media should not be taken as a representation of the average South African or the entire country.

“The South African government condemns criminality. Crime has no nationality.”

The event, organised to strengthen tourism, trade and cultural ties between Nigeria and South Africa, brought together representatives of the South African Tourism Board, South African Airways (SAA), Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and National Association of Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP).

Speaking on the need to rebuild confidence among Nigerian travellers, Mohammed Kwajaffa of the South African Tourism Board said Nigeria remained one of South Africa’s most important source markets.

Kwajaffa said there was a need for stakeholders in both countries to deepen cooperation and promote the diverse tourism offerings available to Nigerian visitors.

Also, a representative of South Africa Airways, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, improved air connectivity would be critical to growing tourism and strengthening business links between the two countries.

Leke-Bamtefa, assured that the airline was committed to providing reliable airlift and competitive fares to encourage more Nigerians to visit South Africa for business, leisure and family purposes.

Also, the President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) NANTA, Dr Yinka Folami, said Nigerian travel agencies had the capacity to promote South Africa as a major destination, but urged both countries to address historical, educational and perception gaps affecting the relationship.

He said: “At NANTA, we have the membership strength and pan-African outlook to sell South Africa. What we need is for history, education and perception gaps to be addressed squarely, to restore confidence. Nigeria-South Africa relationship strengthens Africa.”

Also, President of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Bolaji Mustapha, said tour operators were prepared to package South Africa as a safe, diverse and affordable destination for Nigerian travellers.

She called for renewed joint marketing initiatives between the South African Tourism Board and Nigerian tour operators to improve destination awareness and traveller confidence.

Executive Secretary, Nigeria–South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Iyke Ejimofor, noted that tourism and trade were closely connected, stressing that Nigerian visitors to South Africa also contributed to commercial activities between both countries.