South African Tourism has reported a 9.1% increase in visitor numbers between March 2007 and March 2008.
A better understanding of the destination by customers and agents may also have contributed to the rise in visitor numbers, with South African Tourism’s Fundi training scheme providing agents with a strong base on which to sell holidays to South Africa.
South African Tourism country manager for the UK, Lebo Mokhesi, said the destination’s diversity was also a key factor in the boom.
“The variety on offer means that we are seeing a range of holidaymakers, from luxury seekers and adrenalin junkies to families and culture vultures, all wanting to experience their very own unique taste of South Africa.”
South African Tourism’s My South African Feast 2008 campaign focuses on the country’s food, drink, weather and landscape in order to further boost the country’s tourism.