South Africa has for the first time broken through the 2.5 million mark, recording over 2.7 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2006.

The theme "Tourism Enriches" was reflected upon by countries across the globe on World Tourism Day 2006, hosted in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday.
 
According to South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South Africa emerged as a star performer once again in the world tourism arena. There's been a favourable improvement in figures regarding influx of tourists to this ever popular pulsating destination.

With our continuously elevated international profile, the benefits are clearly being reflected in the statistics. And with the FIFA Soccer World Cup just under four years away, it's set to continue soaring.
 
In comparison to the same period of 2005, South Africa has seen a thrilling 16% increase in arrivals across it's terrain, which translates into almost 377 000 more visitors.

It's truly been a worldwide contribution to this growth, as we find increases from the Middle East, to the UK as well as the rest of Africa. The UK, Germany and the USA remain South Africa's most important long-haul markets.

Take a look at how some of the figures have leapt:
Middle East and Africa - 21.9%
Asia and Australasia - 7. %
Europe - 3.6%

The growth in South Africa's international tourism base is certain to expand as its soccer profile is raised. The first quarter of 2006 has seen a fantastic 32% increase in the number of Brazilian tourists flocking to our shores.

With regards to global competitiveness, data shows that South Africa compares favourably with other countries. For example, Australia is experiencing a downward trend in arrivals, with 1.9 million visitors in the first four months of 2006, whilst Mzansi had 2.7 million visitors over the same period and is experiencing an upward trend.
 
A number of events are in the pipeline for the next month which will focus on World Cup 2010 readiness. Minister Van Schalkwyk will be hosting the National 2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament Accommodation Workshop on 12 October during which a strategy is to be created to shape South Africa's approach to meeting the accommodation requirements for the World Cup. A national workshop on economic opportunities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is also planned for 24 October 2006.

All in all, 2006 is set to be another bumper year for South African Tourism. As noted by Minister Van Schalkwyk, this year's first quarter figures indicate that we are well on target to surpass last year's record tourism arrival figure of 7.3 million.
 
Source: BUA News / 29 Sept 2006
 
More Holiday in South Africa:
Cape Town Magazine Newsletter on South Africa
Accommodation & Travel Specials South Africa
FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup South Africa News