Bric visitors to SA boost tourism
Healthcare, holidays among attractions
The Chinese seem to prefer our nips, lifts and tucks while the Brazilians love our mountains and wildlife.
This is according to the latest PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report which examined how Bric – Brazil, Russia, India and China – nations have made significant inroads in South Africa’s tourism industry.
It found that Chinese tourists chose SA as their destination of choice for the affordable state-of-the-art medical facilities the country offers.
The report also includes their perceptions, nature of their visits and a breakdown of tourist expenditure.
SA is currently hosting the 10th annual Brics Summit.
According to the report, the summit will not only bring hundreds of visitors from the Bric nations to SA, but is expected to further stimulate the growth already seen in overall inbound tourism from these four countries.
Based on figures from two years ago, PwC estimates Bric visitors spent about R3-billion while in SA in 2016. Tourist arrivals from these nations increased by 6.1% last year – higher than the average of tourist arrivals – to 275 521 visitors.
The report shows that Chinese tourists stay longer in SA for medical procedures and personal shopping.
“Chinese nationals are taking advantage of South Africa’s growing reputation as a destination for medical tourism,” the report said.
“For travellers from Europe and Asia, South Africa is an affordable alternative to more expensive healthcare systems in the northern hemisphere.
“Furthermore, in addition to its state-of-the-art medical facilities, South Africa also offers inbound visitors the opportunity to recuperate from their medical procedures in a variety of leisure settings.”
SA is ranked among the leading destinations for medical travellers who want various procedures, including cosmetic surgery.
Competitive procedure prices has resulted in Chinese tourists visiting SA for medical reasons staying in the country for more than two months. Jewellery and luxury brands are also luring Chinese tourists to SA.
Brazilians are the least likely to travel to SA for business, with visitors coming here primarily for leisure.
They are the most likely among Bric visitors to shop, enjoy the wildlife, visit natural, cultural, historical and heritage attractions, do wildlife viewing, go to the beach or theme park and undertake an adventure activity.
Indian visitors come to SA mainly for business, while Russians visit to see the sights, wildlife and heritage sites.