By Staff Reporter
Safety and security play an integral role in the tourism industry in this period of 4th Industrial Revolution as they are factors that determine whether to travel to s certain destination or notor not.
According to the LTDC, the two have always been its main concern for travelers in Lesotho.
LTDC said the unbecoming behaviour and harassment of tourists by some members of the community dent the image of Lesotho as a preferred destination for tourism.
“A rider got lost during the recent Roof of Africa race and was harassed by villagers of Ramontšuoe and Nqethu at ′Matholoana area. This incident went viral on social media, portraying the inhospitality of the villagers in the ′Matholoana enclave.
“Therefore, the LTDC in collaboration with Sefikeng Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and Lesotho Off Road Association (LORA) embarked on a community gathering at Ha ′Matholoana to sensitise community on the importance of good hospitality and tourism projects that can generate revenue for their families,” the corporation said yesterday.
Addressing the community, LTDC public relations officer, Molapo Matela, said due to its multiplier effect, tourism is identified as a weapon that can be used to fight poverty and create employment.
“It is important to develop a variety of mesmerizing, nature, adventure and cultural based activities that will elongate the visitor’s stay in a Lesotho,” Matela said.
He appealed to the community to embrace hospitable behavior because the Kingdom of Lesotho is branded as peaceful and flaunted as a tranquil country for travelers who want to unwind from the clatters of the city life.
A member of Community Policing Committee (CPC), Mokete Sehlabaka, said the committee strongly condemn any kind of harassment meted towards travelers.
“The culprits who were revealed on the video clip that is circulating on social media harassing a rider during Roof of Africa Race have been identified with the help of the community.
“The CPC advocates punishment to perpetrators to discourage future violation by villagers,” Sehlabaka added.
In an interview with Lesotho Off-Road Association (LORA) executive member, James De Jesus, explained that the association is an organizer of the Roof of Africa Rally, a motorbike tourney which is held annually in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
“The event began in 1967 and attracts professional riders across the globe, South Africa and the SADC region and multitude of international and local travelers to spectate this renowned event.
“If our host nation conduct is unwelcoming to riders and visitors there is a high possibility that we will lose the benefit of hosting this prestigious event.
“The hospitality of the citizens translates into improved livelihoods through creation of direct and indirect jobs and lots of revenue generated by holding an event,” De Jesus said.
Sergeant Khethang Thamae of the Sefikeng Police indicated that the area has captivating panorama which lures travelers to visit, view and take pictures.
“All that is needed is to be hospitable and protect tourists visiting your area so that they can leave behind financial footprints” Thamae observed.
During the gathering, Inspector Tumo Makhatseane of Sefikeng LMPS said harassment of tourists taints not only the image of ‘Matholoana but Lesotho as a whole.
“Lesotho is a member state of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and any act misdemeanor to tourists discourages tourism in Lesotho,” Makhatseane warned.
“In an endeavor to curb criminal activities the LMPS – Sefikeng has assisted in the formation and training of CPC to work collaboratively with the police.
“Further investigations will be conducted so that the alleged perpetrators in the harassing of the motorbike rider can be brought to book. Today I proudly announce that a toll free number 112 is now available on which the police can be contacted in case of emergencies, however this essential service is being misused by children and I strongly appeal to parents to rebuke their children to refrain from engaging in irresponsible behavior,” Makhatseane concluded.
