In Australia's outback, youth crime stymies efforts to get tourism on track
Briefly

Ben Hall, the CEO of tour bus operator AAT Kings, noted that they have seen a noticeable decrease in tours to Uluru, stating, "We've certainly seen the trips from Alice Springs to Uluru have been a little bit softer. We've added a couple of new short break itineraries for this year into the region but certainly it's been tough trading." His comments reflect concerns from tourism operators who are grappling with declining visitor numbers, attributing this partly to local issues like youth crime.
Tourism operators believe rising youth crime in Alice Springs is driving away visitors, resulting in a downturn for the local tourism industry. Many companies have reported difficulties in sales and bookings, which can be linked to these incidents, emphasizing that the negative perception stemming from crime is impacting their businesses significantly.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visits to Alice Springs demonstrate the federal government's commitment to tackling youth crime, particularly in light of increased violence and the resultant media focus on the area. Measures such as curfews for minors highlight the local and national acknowledgment of the problem and the desire for effective solutions to restore confidence in the region.
The situation surrounding youth crime in Alice Springs has garnered national media attention, especially after the Northern Territory government lifted a long-standing alcohol ban, resulting in concerns about rising violence and its impact on community safety. This public spotlight on crime exacerbates issues for local tourism operators who are trying to attract visitors to the area.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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