As news bulletins and newspapers in India highlight another weekend of horror violence in Melbourne, the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) warns that without urgent government action on law and order, Victoria’s tourism industry and economy will pay a hefty price for the latest incidents. The possibility of Indian travel warnings is a major worry.
With two stabbings over the weekend, one of which resulted in the death of an Indian national, Victoria’s reputation is in danger of being permanently scarred.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and families affected by these tragedies,” says VTIC Chairman, Mr Jeremy Johnson.
“What is most concerning is that these attacks are random and senseless, they are being perpetrated against people going about their business – on their way to work or returning from a restaurant, which is particularly frightening for international guests who are in Victoria to work, study or tour.
“The old ‘wrong place at the wrong time’ can almost no longer apply as with attacks occurring throughout the CBD and into Melbourne’s suburbs, just about anywhere has now become ‘the wrong place’.
With the Indian Government now considering official travel warnings for their nationals about the safety of travelling to work or study in Melbourne, VTIC urges the Victorian Government to take swift action to make Victorian streets safer as previous attempts have failed.
“The prospects of Indian travel warnings is a major worry,” says Mr Johnson.
“India is a key overseas student market and tourism market for Victoria. Between September 2008 and September 2009, there was a 33.8 per cent growth in visitor numbers – a diminished Indian tourist market would greatly impact on Victorian accommodation, tour and attraction providers.
“The flow-on effect to restaurants, retail, education providers and transport services would also be significant at a time where our economy is still in recovery mode.
“Furthermore, damage to our international reputation would impact on Victoria in bidding to host major events and conventions, gaining further direct flights to Melbourne and securing trade opportunities.
“Everyone – local residents and visitors – deserves safe streets where they can go about their business without fear of acts of random violence. VTIC has been calling on the Victorian Government for months to see an improvement in our law and order measures to improve safety on our streets and we have seen comments of ‘condemnation’ from political leaders but no results.
“These latest attacks show the urgency of an increased police presence, tougher sentencing and improved public safety measures such as better street lighting and security cameras if we hope to avoid being slapped with travel warnings from international governments,” says Mr Johnson.
Background - what is VTIC
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak policy council for the Victorian tourism industry, which represents key industry associations, operators and government agencies, providing one united industry voice.
To arrange media interviews with VTIC Chairman Jeremy Johnson, call Megan Cox on (0423) 883 945.