Policies draw tourists to SA - Cabinet

3 May 2013

PRETORIA: Cabinet says the overwhelming inflow of tourists to South Africa was a result of the success of policies aimed at entrenching South Africa's status as a major international tourism and business events destination.

This follows a vast increase in tourist arrivals in South Africa with statistics showing last week that in 2012, a total of 9.2 million international tourists visited the country. This was up from 8.3 million in 2011. Tourist figures to South Africa grew by 10.2 percent in 2012 - more than double the world average of 4%.

"This remarkable growth in tourism is tangible proof of the warm and welcoming nature of South Africans and the range of tourism experiences the country offers," Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said on Thursday, 2 May 2013.

Speaking to reporters following Cabinet's ordinary meeting this week, Chabane noted that South Africa as an investment destination had received a further boost by winning the European Outsourcing Association (EOA) Offshoring Destination of the Year Award 2013.

"This was made possible through the continued investment from global operators. The Award acknowledges destinations and operators that have excelled in servicing the European outsourcing market. The Award holds the potential for an influx of new investment in 2013 and beyond."

The 2013 Tourism Indaba in Durban from 11 to 14 May provided an opportunity to once again showcase South Africa and its people, he said.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

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