The impact of crime on security in tourism

Abstract

Objectives: Tourism has become one of the main economic sectors of the 21st century. Today, tourism is facing various security threats such as terrorism, crime and potential armed conflicts, and the most common security threat to tourism is crime. The aim of this paper is to analyse how crime affects security in tourism and to describe the consequences of crime for tourism. Methods: A descriptive method was used in this paper to explain the concept of security in tourism and to analyse the relationship between tourism and crime. The data was drawn from the scientific and professional literature and policy documents on this subject. Results: The impact of crime on tourism can be seen on two levels: the macro and micro levels. The impact of crime on the macro level refers to its effects on society in general, on the social community or tourist destination, and the impact of crime at the micro level refers to the effects of crime on individuals. The most significant impact of crime on a tourist destination is the negative image of the destination, resulting in reduced tourist demand. The impact of crime on the micro level is evident in the influence on the behaviour and attitudes of tourists, and their decision to visit or revisit a destination where criminal incidents happen. Conclusions: Crime can have a very negative impact on tourism and security in tourism can not be taken for granted, so it is necessary to make significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for tourists. In order to prevent crime and to create a safe environment for tourists, it is necessary to ensure the cooperation all stakeholders involved in tourism: the tourism industry, local community, national authorities, police and state agencies.

Safety and security concerns at the beach: Views of migrant visitors in Ghana

“…Extant literature indicated a significant relationship between tourist victimization and SnS in the context of tourism (Baker and Stockton, 2014;Boakye, 2012;Brunt et al, 2000;Lisowska, 2017). Matakovic and Cunjal-Matakovic (2019) identified four patterns of crime victimisation within the tourism literature. These include tourism and crime rates (De Albuquerque and McElroy, 1999;Johnny and Jordan, 2007), relationship between tourism, crime and socio-economic indicators (Biagi et al, 2012;Palanca-Tan et al, 2015).…”

“…This is because they carried foreign currencies, credit cards and personal belongings such as mobile phones, cameras, wrist watches, etc. Other studies have found that tourists became victims because of their country of origin and their way of dressing (Matakovic and Cunjal-Matakovic, 2019). Other tourists were seen to be careless and indulged in anti-social and selfdestructive behaviours, such as drug consumptions and prostitutions (De Albuquerque and McElroy, 1999).…”

AN AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTIVE LAG ANALYSIS OF CRIME & TOURISM IN THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

“…The author further substantiates that tourists prioritize security issues when making a vacation choice as the majority of them are derive total satisfaction from positive aspects of life. Indeed, much attention should be given to the safety of the tourists so as to attract both domestic and international tourists (Mataković and Mataković, 2019).…”

Policing Tourism: Findings From an Evaluation of a Tourism-oriented Policing Training Program in the Caribbean

“…According to Mataković and Cunjak Mataković (2019), crime affects tourism at two observable levels-the micro level and the macro level. At the latter, this refers to crime disturbing society in general, the social community and/or a particular tourist destination.…”

“…As a result of the negative effects associated with elevated crime at tourist destinations, both travel and security in tourism cannot be taken for granted. Therefore, it is necessary to make significant efforts to ensure a safe environment for tourists (Mataković and Cunjak Mataković 2019)-hence, the importance of TOP units and evaluations of TOP training.…”