South African Tourism has reported a 9% increase in the number of UK visitors to the country in May as the country warms up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
UK country manager Lebohang Mokhesi said 28,294 Brits visited South Africa during May as it prepares to spend £1.3 billion on transport infrastucture and a further £1.1 billion on other projects in the run up to the global football show-piece.
After England beat Andorra 2-0 and Wales beat Azerbaijan 1-0 in their opening qualifying games for the touranment over the weekend, South African Tourism is hoping to see further growth among football fans wanting to visit the country.
Mokhesi said: “The 2010 FIFA World Cup will provide South Africa with a lasting legacy and with less than two years to go before we welcome the world to our wonderful country, it’s encouraging to see the visitor numbers continue to grow.
“As the home nations follow their teams’ progress we hope that a number of first time visitors will be considering a trip to South Africa in 2010 – not only to view world class football, but to take in all that the country has to offer its visitors.”