The Department of Tourism has not been spared from extortion syndicates.

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says many businesses, particularly in townships and remote areas are being forced into paying protection fees to extortionists.

The revelation was made during a Parliamentary briefing on Friday where the minister expressed her concern that her department could not protect Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the sector.

The severity of small businesses falling victim to extortion gangs varies from province to province.

De Lille stressed that more efforts are needed to ensure the safety of tourists visiting attractions countrywide.

The minister added that it’s unrealistic to claim that every place is safe because criminals are always one step ahead.