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Allegations of Sexual
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Newstalk ZB New Zealand's image as a safe
place to visit is under threat, partly because tourists drop their guard and
fail to take enough precautions. The issue is back under the
spotlight after a British tourist was attacked in Paihia in the Bay of
Islands, close to the area where a Dutch couple were assaulted almost two
years ago. The 27-year-old was walking between the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
and the Haruru Falls when the incident happened. George Hickton, CEO of Tourism New
Zealand, says the problem is that some people see New Zealand as a very safe
destination and become complacent. He says they then become the victims of
petty crime, such as theft from vehicles. Mr Hickton says Tourism New
Zealand is trying to get the safety message through to visitors through warnings
on its web site. Police are putting information in rental cars not just about
crime, but also about safety in places such as mountains. He says tourists
are warned to take reasonable care, including locking vehicles and motel
rooms and not leaving cars in isolated areas. Mr Hickton says it is a concern
when attacks on tourists are reported in the international media because
articles could have an impact on people's decisions to come to New Zealand.
He says usually, such publicity is short-lived. Mr Hickton says in the recent
incident in the Far North, it is not known whether the person was attacked
because they were a tourist or whether they were just in the wrong place at
the wrong time. He says New Zealand is not dangerous by world standards. |
