More tourists flocking into South Africa

SOUTH Africa has recorded a 12% increase in tourist arrivals.

A total of 822 416 tourist arrivals were recorded for July‚ an increase of 12.2% compared to the same month last year‚ the Department of Tourism said.

This is equal to 89 525 more visitors. It brings the total tourist arrivals for the period January-July 2016 to nearly 5.8 million‚ 14.9% (751 388) more than the same period last year.

“We are greatly encouraged that all regions are experiencing an increase in tourist arrivals‚” said director-general of the Department of Tourism Victor Tharage.

“This can only serve to motivate both government and the tourism industry to increase its efforts in terms of marketing the country as a value-formoney destination‚ ensuring that once tourists arrive‚ they receive excellent service across the board.”

When comparing July 2016 with July 2015‚ the increase in tourist arrivals for the following regions are: Asia increased by 47.7%‚ followed by the Middle East (35.1)‚ North America (26.1%)‚ Central and South America (24.4%)‚ Europe (17.5%)‚ Australasia (16.4%).

The least increase was recorded in Africa including Indian Ocean Islands (9%).

All SA’s major overseas markets performed well in July 2016‚ the department statement said. Among traditional overseas markets‚ the US grew by 19.8%‚ while Germany increased by 21.1% and the UK by 11.7% from January to July 2016. Nontraditional source markets such as India (28.1%) and China (63.7%) also experienced growth.

Most tourists from Africa are from Lesotho while most overseas tourists are from the US.

Compared to July 2015‚ the Netherlands moved from the ninth to eighth as a source market, replacing Namibia. China replaced India by moving from 16th place to become SA’s 15th source market. –