HIV and AIDS as a threat to Southern African tourism

Abstract

The main objectives ofthis research were • To investigate how HIV/AIDS affect Southern African tourism, with specific reference to the tour operators. • To investigate measures taken by the Southern African tour operators and governments to combat HIVIAIDS and the chances of success. • To make some recommendations on what can further be done to fight HIV/AIDS in the Southern African tourism sector. T 0 conduct the literature study, the following methods were used: I. Literature search particularly about Southern Africa and in general, as well as news report has been conducted. H. Review ofHIV statistics. lll. Use of Internet. IV. Journals and government publications. RESULTS: The United Nations (2005: 22) indicates that Southern Africa is experiencing the highest rate of HIV infection in the world. The infection rate is particularly high among the young people (aged 15 - 49). This age group constitutes people who are economically active, and some of them work directly or indirectly in the tourism sector. THETA (2003: 4) conducted a study on a number of tourism and hospitality companies in South Africa. The study results indicate that 92% of the companies surveyed do not have HIVIAIDS educational programmes for their employees, and that 91% of the surveyed companies do not provide HIV/AIDS preventive measures like condoms to their workers at workplace.