Perceived over-pricing in Cape Town has tourism authorities concerned. 

Western Cape Tourism MEC Alan Winde wants to tackle the issue head-on. He believes tourists are running scared amid high accommodation and entertainment costs.

His comments follow the release of statistics showing tourist numbers were down more than 10 percent in 2009 compared to the same period a year before.

Winde plans to meet operators of Cape Town’s most popular tourist sites and hotels to discuss over-pricing in the hospitality industry.

The sector is reflecting on a less than stellar performance in 2009 when international arrivals slumped by 12 percent.

He added, however, the recession definitely played a role but said it could not shoulder all the blame.

Winde believes prices would have to be slashed to lure back visitors.

“We are seeing in the lead up to the World Cup, things are expensive. We are a long haul destination and I think we need to really work on that,” said Winde.

The MEC hopes to get the tourism and hospitality industry to agree to certain reforms before world cup visitors arrive.