South Africa has once more announced increasing tourism numbers: The months from January until October 2012 showed a rise of 10,4%, with 7 535 498 tourist arrivals in comparison to 6 823 517 tourist arrivals for a similar period within the previous year. a complete of 204 247 tourists from Germany visited South Africa from January to October 2012. This represents a rise of 12,2% in comparison with the corresponding period in 2011. Germany is probably the key traditional overseas markets for travel to South Africa, with the usa of America and the uk taking the lead.
Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk explains: “Positive growth from the standard markets ordinarily – and Europe especially – gives us confidence that the work we’re doing to grow tourist arrivals is paying dividends. South Africa has every reason to feel confident concerning the state of its tourism industry going forward.
“The credit should visit the tourism industry for creatively and constructively working together to grow tourism to South Africa. It’s also extremely important that we make sure that every new tourist who arrives in our country is given the very best experience, as word of mouth remains one in every of our most significant marketing tools,” Minister van Schalkwyk said during his visit to the ITB trade event in Berlin.
Minister Van Schalkwyk also underlined the significance of the German marketplace for South Africa, and stressed that the expansion of arrivals from Germany ought to be maintained. To inspire and motivate German travellers, South African Tourism continues to accentuate its marketing initiatives with German tour operators, and likewise approaches travel agents individually to teach them in regards to the destination. Media cooperation agreements created for the relevant German target groups in addition to innovative brand partnerships continue to draw German travellers to the Rainbow Nation.
The UN World Tourism Organisation’s forecast for international travel growth in 2012 is purely 4%, growth of 10,4% in tourist arrivals to South Africa over the period January-October 2012 exceeded that by far. In response to the Minister, it is a reflection at the destination itself: “South Africa is irresistible and lovely; it’s easy to access and explore, and gives excellent value for money. Notably, our friendly people and the original experiences our country offer make a trip to South Africa extra-special.”
Minister Van Schalkwyk also reiterated the significance of tourism as an economic growth engine for the rustic. Tourism was identified as considered one of six priority sectors in South Africa to attain economic growth and attract investment. Tourism attracts foreign direct spend and creates jobs. During this regard, the rustic has identified the next targets: to draw 15 million arrivals by 2020; to extend the proportion of tourism in gross domestic product from R189,4 billion in 2009 to R499 billion in 2020, and to create greater than 225 000 new jobs in tourism.
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