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Tourism officials in South Africa are not convinced that the authorities are wining the war on crime ahead of the football World Cup in 2010.

The concerns of industry figures were raised during the annual provincial tourism conference, which was held in Durban on 20 November, reports the IOL news agency.

Tour operators have voiced their doubts over the police's ability to reduce tourist-crime in the country, despite government assurances that the rates are already falling.

Ismail Nxumalo, manager of community policing in the community safety and liaison department, moved to reassure people that efforts are being stepped up to increase security before and during the tournament.

He promised increases in police numbers across a number of regions and revealed statistics which show a drop in crime.

Mr Nxumalo pointed out that the number of reported crimes in Durban had almost halved between 2005 and 2006.

Despite these assurances, a number of tourism officials remain unconvinced and many recalled experiences which they say have left the industry in the country damaged.

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