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South Africa, often described as "a world in one country" is one of the world’s great tourist destinations. An excellent climate, natural beauty, first-rate infrastructure and welcoming people made this country the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination in 2002. Added to these attractions are value for money and the fascinating story, accessible through ordinary people and historical monuments, of the transition from apartheid to democracy.
Tourism contributes about 4.9% of gross domestic product. Foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa increased by 10,1% for the first 10 months of 2002 – 478,580 tourists – compared to the same period the previous year. October 2002 recorded the highest monthly foreign tourist arrivals in 2002. A total of 579,355 foreign tourists visited the country in October last year, against 480,464 in October 2001, recording a 20.6% (98 891) growth – the highest since 1998. It is projected that in 2010 the South African tourism economy will employ more than 1.2 million people directly and indirectly.
The fastest-growing segment of tourism in South Africa is ecological tourism (ecotourism), which includes nature photography, bird-watching, botanical studies, snorkeling, hiking and mountaineering. National and provincial parks in South Africa, as well as private game reserves, involve local communities in the conservation and management of natural resources. These communities are not only benefiting financially from ecotourism, but are also becoming aware of their responsibility to the environment.
Community tourism is becoming increasingly popular, with tourists wanting to experience South Africa in the many rural villages and townships across the country. Whether foreign tourists want endless beaches, birding, sports tours, the Big Five, historic battlefields, hunting, mountains, bush or forest, millions of people are discovering that South Africa is an exceptional holiday destination.
SA Tourism's primary goal is to market South Africa internationally as a unique, quality destination for the benefit of the entire community, while conserving culture and the environment. The Board is also responsible for promoting standards, specifically in respect of the accommodation sector.
South Africa is marketed in terms of its key tourism features and SA Tourism aims to create a positive marketing environment in which the trade can market its products.
SA Tourism marketing strategy emphasizes theme marketing - scenic beauty, wildlife, heritage and culture, sport and adventure tourism.
SA Tourism is currently undergoing a transformation process aimed at developing a streamlined tourism body along sound business principles. The Organization will be characterized by joint venture partnerships and an increased capacity for income generation.
Click here for more information about SA Tourism
Things to do in South Africa
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of a holiday in South Africa is deciding what to do and where to go. Not surprisingly, repeat visitors make up an increasing proportion of South Africa’s foreign tourists. Just a few of the attractions that make South Africa such an exceptional destination:
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breathtaking Cape Town nestling at the foot of Table Mountain
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Cape Point, where two oceans meet
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Cape Town’s laid-back, welcoming attitude and fabulous nightlife
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Robben Island, the prison in Cape Town’s Table Bay where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated
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the delights of Sun City and many first-rate casino resorts
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walking in the spectacular Drakensberg mountains
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the chance to learn how to say "hello" in 11 or more languages
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the lilac-breasted roller, the blue crane and the other 900 species of bird to be spotted in southern Africa
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the Big Five and other wild animals that abound in the many parks and game reserves
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the strange halfmens (half-human) and the exotic baobab, just some of South Africa’s many amazing trees and plants
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evocative battlefields on which imperial Britain fought Zulus, Xhosas and Boers
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the dazzling floral displays which carpet Namaqua-land once a year
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Johannesburg’s moving, state-of-the-art new Apart-heid Museum
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the mountains, forests and beaches of the Garden Route
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the silence and solitude of the Karoo’s wide-open spaces
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country hospitality (and home cooking) in hundreds of picturesque towns and villages across South Africa
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the endless golden beaches of the Eastern Cape
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the Big Hole in Kimberley, the world’s biggest man-made hole
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fly fishing in stunning scenery with first-class accommodation
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the fabulous golf courses that produced the likes of Gary Player and Ernie Els.
