As part of SATSA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and well-being of tourists, the inbound industry association has introduced a new resource for tourism establishments and their staff: the Victim Support Checklist.
SATSA said the easy-to-follow checklist had been designed to empower tourism businesses to provide immediate, effective, and compassionate assistance to tourists in the unfortunate event of an incident.
“Whether tourism establishments or their staff are on the scene of an incident or tourists are reporting an incident, this checklist will serve as a comprehensive guide to ensure that victims receive needed support with the professionalism and care that defines our industry,” SATSA said in a newsletter.
Key features of the Victim Support Checklist include:
- Step-by-step guidance: The checklist outlines clear, actionable steps for anyone to follow, ensuring that assistance is delivered efficiently and sensitively.
- Flexible application: Understanding that incidents can vary widely in nature, the checklist is designed for flexibility. This means some steps may be skipped if not applicable, allowing businesses to adapt the response to the specific needs of the situation.
- National support contact details: Included in the checklist is the Tourism Safety Hotline number. Through this centralised service, the National Response Group will kick into action, and businesses can access all the support they and the tourists might need.
“While we have endeavoured to make this checklist as thorough as possible, the dynamic nature of our environment means there could be room for enhancement. We encourage businesses to engage with this new tool actively,” said SATSA.
Implementation and training
To ensure that tourism businesses are fully equipped and confident in utilising the Victim Support Checklist, SATSA recommends that they incorporate it into their existing training programmes.
“Familiarisation with the checklist should be a priority so that, in the event of an incident, tourism establishments’ response is swift, co-ordinated, calm and effective.”
The association added that it hoped to roll out general training on victim support in the near future and would share information as soon as it was able to do so.
Industry’s role
SATSA highlighted that industry’s engagement and feedback were crucial to the success of this initiative.
“By integrating this checklist into tourism establishments’ operations and sharing their experiences and suggestions, they contribute significantly to the safety and satisfaction of tourists across southern Africa.
“Let us remember that the safety and well-being of our visitors are paramount. The Victim Support Checklist is more than just a tool; it reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that southern Africa remains a welcoming, safe, and unforgettable destination,” SATSA concluded.
Click here to access the Victim Support Checklist.
