Exploring Tourism Safety and Security Issues in Durban: Tourism Stakeholders’ Perspectives

The study aimed to explore tourism stakeholders’ perspectives on tourism safety and safety issues in Durban. The study utilised the qualitative method by employing interviews to solicit information from independent key informants drawn from Durban’s tourism industry. The study found that some stakeholders are not fully aware of tourism safety and security issues on the ground, the presence of criminals known as ‘Paras ‘unattended, tourists being quizzed whether they will be available on court dates when reporting crime, some beaches are safer than others in Durban, tourists who bring cars with number plates outside the province are prone to hijacking and robbery, there is less police visibility in Durban, crime has negatively affected tourism, overall stakeholders have a negative perception of crime in Durban. The study implications are that authorities would incorporate safety and security in tourism planning and development while also contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12) such as sustainable cities and communities. The study concluded that crime in coastal destinations must be reduced to attract tourists. The study is novel because it comprehensively explores safety and security from key informants’ perspectives which have not been covered before if any, and the study is multidisciplinary in approach.