More tourists heading to South Africa

South Africa's environment and tourism minister has revealed that the number of foreign tourists visiting the country increased by ten per cent in the period from January to May this year.

Marthinus van Schalkwyk revealed the statistic yesterday (Tuesday) at the launch of South Africa's Tourism Month at the Nelson Mandela Museum at Qunu in the Eastern Cape, the South African Press Association reports.

"South Africa is following the global trend with a rise in travel and tourism to our country. Overall foreign arrivals grew by ten per cent from January to May 2007," he said.

"The increase comes from arrivals from all the regions of the world in particular air markets. This reflects the growing awareness of South Africa as a tourism destination."

The minister noted that the majority of overseas tourists who had helped to increase visitor numbers to the country were from France, America, Canada and Brazil.

Mr van Schalkwyk also noted that local travellers were helping to bolster South Africa's tourism industry.

"Domestic travel increased by 2.7 per cent in 2006 as 37 million domestic trips were undertaken."

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