South Africa's tourism industry

South Africa's scenic beauty, magnificent outdoors, sunny climate, cultural diversity and reputation for delivering value for money have made it one of the world's fastest growing leisure - and business - travel destinations. The country is highly diverse in terms of its climate, culture, tourist activities and infrastructure, catering for every tourism niche, from business, eco- and cultural tourism through to adventure, sport and paleo-tourism. Growth Business tourism Cultural tourism Eco-tourism Paleo-tourism Adventure tourism Sports tourism

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Growth
International travel to South Africa has surged since the end of apartheid. In 1994, the year of South Africa's first democratic elections, only 3.9-million foreign visitors arrived in the country. By 2004, international arrivals had more than doubled to 6.7-million. And in 2007 a total of 9.07-million foreigners visited South Africa - an 8.3% increase over 2006 - as the country broke its annual tourist arrivals record for the third year running.

International tourist arrivals (in millions) (Data source: Department of Tourism)

Tourism is also one of the fastest growing sectors of South Africa's economy, its contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from 4.6% back in 1993 to 8.3% in 2006.

Directly and indirectly, tourism constitutes approximately 7% of employment in South Africa. Ideally placed to create new jobs and to add value to the country's many natural and cultural resources, tourism has been earmarked by the government as one of SA's growth sectors. This makes the outlook for the industry extremely positive, particularly with the exposure the country will receive in the lead-up to the world's biggest sporting event, the Fifa World Cup, taking place in South Africa in 2010 - and the accompanying massive upgrades to transport and accommodation infrastructure.

Business tourism
South Africa is also increasingly targeting business travellers, who spend on average three times more than their leisure counterparts while crossing over significantly into leisure travel themselves, through tours before or after their business activities and through return trips in subsequent years. With its first-world infrastructure, balmy climate and breathtaking scenery - not to mention acres of golf courses - South Africa is an ideal location for international congresses and conventions. The country has well over 1 000 world-class conference and exhibition venues, ranging from intimate bush hideaways to large-scale, hi-tech convention centres. All of these offer a wealth of leisure activities, side-tours and events: from walking with elephants to first-hand experiences of African culture to luxury shopping and relaxation. An estimated 6-7% of South Africa's foreign visitors in 2007 were business tourists, translating to about 550 000 business tourists compared to 470 000 in 2006. Total foreign direct spend by business tourists in the country amounted to R2.4-billion in 2006, up from approximately R2.1-billion in 2005.

South Africa's conference industry moved up to 31st place in the International Congress and Convention Association's lastest top-40 list of leading destinations in the world, released in May 2007. And in the 2007 M&IT Trends & Spends Survey of readers of the influential Meetings and Incentive Travel (M&IT) magazine - circulated to event organisers throughout the UK - Cape Town topped the list of favourite long-haul destination cities, while South Africa was voted the second favourite long-haul destination country. Conferences and expos in South Africa

Cultural tourism
South Africa is home to diverse cultures, ranging from the Zulus who resisted European conquest to the nomadic San of the Karoo desert. Each culture has evolved its own distinctive art forms, music and traditional rituals, while the descendants of colonial settlers have evolved variations of their European roots. South Africa's history has been one of confrontation, but more recently one of reconciliation. Since 1994, a number of world-class sites have been established to commemorate the country's past and celebrate its new unity, while the number and quality of cultural villages, community and township tours has grown dramatically. Four of South Africa's eight Unesco World Heritage sites are cultural sites, while one is a mixed cultural/natural site. These are: Robben Island, the Cradle of Humankind, the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, the Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. South African cultural experiences

Eco-tourism
South Africa's diverse climates range from tropical in the south-east to desert in the central region. The scenery runs the gamut from spectacular mountain ranges to vast grass plains, from coastline to meandering rivers to desert dunes. The country's wildlife is far more varied than just the celebrated "Big Five", and is supported by an extraordinary biological diversity. Three of South Africa's eight Unesco World Heritage sites are natural sites, while one is a mixed cultural/natural site. These are the Cape Floral Region, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Vredefort Dome, and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. South Africa is leading the way in one of the boldest cross-border initiatives currently unfolding in southern Africa, the development of transfrontier parks. The country's own national parks - including the world-famous Kruger National Park - have grown to 21 in number, and the government is committed to increasing the country's terrestrial protected areas from the current 5.4% to 8%, and its marine protected areas from 11% to 20%, by 2010. The country's private game lodges have also grown substantially in the last 10 years, ranging in standard from middle to very upmarket, with ultra-luxury lodges catering almost exclusively to foreign tourists. South African wildlife experiences

Paleo-tourism
South Africa boasts numerous sites of great archaeological significance. The best known of these are the Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai sites that make up the Cradle of Humankind, one of the world's richest concentrations of hominid fossils. Others include the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, host to the largest and most concentrated series of rock art paintings in Africa, and the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, site of an ancient and sophisticated African kingdom that long predated European colonisation. All three of the above are Unesco World Heritage sites. World heritage in South Africa

Adventure tourism
Being at the southern tip of a large continent, South Africa offers 3 000 kilometres of coastline along with breathtaking mountains - often side by side. The country's diverse terrain, together with a climate suited to outdoor activities, make it an ideal hunting ground for adrenaline seekers.

South Africa offers world-class climbing, surfing, diving, hiking, horseback safaris, mountain biking, river rafting - and just about any other extreme activity you can name, all supported by dedicated operators. Adventure experiences in South Africa

Sports tourism
World-class venues and supporting infrastructure, top international events, and South Africans' passion for sport combine to make the country a huge drawcard for sports fans. More than 10% of foreign tourists come to South Africa to watch or participate in sport events, with spectators accounting for 60% to 80% of these arrivals. There are numerous world-class sporting events on South Africa's calendar every year, and the country has proved that it can successfully pull off the really big events. These have included the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the Women's World Cup of Golf 2005-2008, the inaugural World Twenty20 Cricket Championships in 2007, and the only street race in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, held in Durban in 2006, 2007 and 2008 ... and for the biggest of them all, the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Sport in South Africa

Tourism in South Africa

South Africa is a popular tourist destination, with around 860 000 arrivals per month (March 2008) of which around 210 000 is from outside the African continent. [1] A revenue equaling between 1% and 3% of GDP is generated by the tourism industry. [2]. Among the main attractions are the diverse and picturesque culture, the game reserves and the highly regarded local wines. Types of tourism Ecotourism It is difficult to know if there is regulation of the term 'ecotourism' as well as what a foundation/association/company needs to do to fall into the category of 'eco-travel'. However, there is a nonprofit association that represents the private sector of the "incoming tourism industry in South Africa" (which is a large group) called the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), they are "dedicated to providing and maintaining the highest possible standards in the tourism industry within South Africa." (SATSA, 2007) SATSA is focused on the accountability, integrity, and quality control of the tourism industry in South Africa as well as with the companies and associations they are connected to. In addition to SATSA, the website responsibletravel.com partnered with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine have established the Responsible Tourism Awards. The goal of the award is to "recognize individuals, companies and organizations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation." (www.responsibletourismawards.com, 2001) Visitor attractions
National Parks Further information: Protected areas of South Africa

In addition to the well known Kruger National Park, South Africa has a large number of other National Parks to visit.
[edit] World Heritage Sites Main article: List of World Heritage Sites in South Africa

South Africa boasts a range of cultural, historical, archaeological and geological sites that are protected under the UNESCO World Heritage Site project.
[edit] Cultural and Historical sites
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Robben Island Voortrekker Monument

[edit] Major events

[edit] Cultural
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National Arts Festival Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees

[edit] Sport
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2010 FIFA World Cup Comrades Marathon

ARRIVALS International arrivals by region of origin Region 2007 2008 2009 2010[3] 2011 Overseas 2 216 99 Europe 1 331 539 North America 337 65 Central and South America 120 329 Australasia 128 149 Middle East 39 364 Asia 259 96 Africa 5 741 177 SADC 5 564 174 Other Africa 177 00 East and Central Africa 80 56 West Africa 80 27 North Africa 16 157 Unspecified 115 381 Total 8 073 55

ECONOMIC IMPACT IN 2002,SOUTH AFRICAS TRAVEL & TOURISM IS EXPECTED TO GENERATE R108.5 BILLION (US$10.8 BILLION) OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY (TOTAL DEMAND).THE INDUSTRYS DIRECT IMPACT INCLUDES: HOWEVER, SINCE TRAVEL & TOURISM TOUCHES ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, ITS REAL IMPACT IS EVEN GREATER. SOUTH AFRICAS TRAVEL & TOURISM ECONOMY DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY ACCOUNTS FOR: 492,700jobs ___________________ representing 3.0 per cent of total Employment. R31.1billion (US$3.1 billion) ______________________ of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) equivalent to 3.0 per cent of total GDP. 1,148,000jobs _____________ representing 6.9 per cent of total Employment. R72.5billion (US$7.2 billion) of GDP ____________ equivalent to 7.1 per cent of total GDP. R43.8billion (US$4.4 billion) of Exports, services & merchandise _______________________ or 12.5 per cent of total Exports. R17.1billion (US$1.7 billion) of Capital Investment ____ or 10.3 per cent of total investment. R920million (US$92 million) of Government Expenditures ___________ or a 0.5 per cent share.

Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic sectors with excellent potential for growth. The Department of Tourism aims to fulfil the Government's role in creating conditions for responsible tourism growth and development by promoting and developing tourism, thereby increasing job- and entrepreneurial opportunities and encouraging the meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged individuals. The department also focuses on facilitating the growth of the tourism industry. The tourism sector is continuing to grow. Direct and indirect tourism contribution to the country's 2009 gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2,7% to R198,4 billion compared to 2008. This represents 7,4% of GDP. Figures for 2010 reflect continued growth as well. Tourist arrivals from January to November 2010 totalled about 7,3 million arrivals.

South Africa has already secured 95 significant meetings and conferences between 2010 and 2016. In addition to this, the country has already put in bids for an dditional 45 conferences for 2011 to 2020.

Tourism policy
In July 2010, the Department of Tourism together with South African Tourism (SAT) and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa launched the draft National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS). The strategy is a sector-wide plan and includes deliverables for all major role players in the tourism sector. Its core objectives are to grow the tourism sector's contribution to GDP, achieve transformation, provide people development and decent jobs and entrench a culture of travel among South Africans. One of the highlights of the strategy is the establishment of the National Convention and Events Bureau, which will be responsible for business tourism and events marketing at national level. The NTSS has identified the following medium-term actions and targets to be reached by 2015: y y y y y to grow tourism's direct contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) from an estimated R64,5 billion or 3,2% of GDP in 2009 to R125 billion or 3,5% of GDP to grow tourism's total (direct and indirect) contribution to GDP from an estimated R173,9 billion or 8,7% of GDP in 2009 to R338,2 billion or 9,4% of GDP to increase the number of foreign arrivals from 9,9 million in 2009 to 13,5 million in 2015 to increase the number of direct jobs supported by the sector from an estimated 575 000 in 2009 to 800 000 to increase the number of total (direct and indirect) jobs supported by the sector from an estimated 1,4 million in 2009 to 1,9 million.

The final strategy was expected to be ready in 2011/12. Did you know? The number of South African adults who undertook domestic trips increased from some 14 million in 2008 to some 15 million in 2009. This represented about 48% of the population undertaking an average of 2,1 domestic trips in 2009. The number of trips taken, however, decreased from about 33 million in 2008 to 30 million in 2009. The average nominal spend per trip also declined from R780 in 2008 to R730 in 2009 as consumers tightened their belts. This is a continuation of a trend that started in 2007 as a result of economic pressure on consumers.

WORLD CUP 2010

South Africa recorded a remarkable 15% increase in tourist arrivals to the country in 2010 outperforming the global average by 8%. And while the Fifa World Cup in June and July played a role in the increase, tourist arrivals were buoyant all year round. Last year saw just over eight million (8 073 552) tourist arrivals compared to slightly over seven million (7 011 865) in 2009, comparing well with international standards. Figures from the UN World Tourism Organisation showed that global tourism arrivals were estimated to have grown by 6.7% in 2010. This meant that South Africa outperformed the global market by 8%.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, announcing the figures in Cape Town on Tuesday, said he had "no doubt of further growth this year". "We are delighted with these strong growth figures, particularly as it comes so soon after a global economic recession," he said.

World Cup tourists, new markets

The Department of Tourism said 90% of the tourists who came for the World Cup had indicated that they would want to come to South Africa again, as the tournament had created a better image of the country. "From the results of our survey on arrivals during the World Cup, we know that more than 309 000 tourists arrived in South Africa for the primary purpose of the World Cup," Van Schalkwyk said. "The World Cup arrivals therefore represent about four percent of the total arrivals for 2010." He said the legacy of the World Cup was a major boost for the tourism industry and had cemented a foundation for sustained investment and growth in the industry. "In terms of reaping the rewards of the World Cup, now is not the time to sit back," Van Schalkwyk said. "I would like to call on the entire industry to continue to build on this positive affirmation of our country and to aggressively entrench our core tourism markets and attract exciting emerging markets." New markets such as Brazil, China and India played a big role in growing the industry in 2010, he said. "In terms of growth from the regional markets, the Americas grew the fastest at 37.4% compared to 2009," he said. This was followed by Asia and Australasia at 34.6%, with long-haul markets showing an increase of 21%.

Solid base to build on

The UK, US, Germany, the Netherlands and France remained South Africa's top five overseas source markets. In emerging markets, notable growth came from Brazil with growth of 66.7%, China with an increase of 62.3%, India with 29.7% and Nigeria with 10%, albeit from relatively low bases. "These figures provide a solid base on which we can build in term of our growth targets for emerging markets," Van Schalkwyk said. "From a tourism perspective, we stand to gain tremendously from our recent inclusion in the BRIC partnership, and we are aligning our planning and strategies accordingly."

World Cup 'worth every cent': survey

Over 309 000 tourists, together spending around R3.6-billion, more than 95% saying they would visit again a study of the impact of the 2010 Fifa World Cup on South Africa's tourism industry shows that the event was worth every cent invested in it, says Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk. The results of the study, which was conducted by the Department of Tourism, were presented by Van Schalkwyk in Johannesburg on Monday. It revealed a radical change in attitudes displayed by foreigners towards South Africa, with those attending matches at stadiums being happy with the country's security personnel and hospitality, and more than 95% of visitors saying they would be returning to the country in the future. "The survey results show that more than two-thirds of the tourists who visited South Africa during the World Cup rated the country as an extremely good host ... and others felt we were better hosts than other countries they had experienced," Van Schalkwyk said.

Total awareness up by 9%
Total awareness of South Africa as a leisure destination increased by 9% following the event, the study found. About 59% of the people interviewed said they were visiting the country for the first time. According to the survey, more than 309 000 tourists arrived in South Africa between June and July for the primary purposes of attending the World Cup, and contributed about R3.6-billion to the domestic economy through spending.

Before the global financial crisis of 2008-09, some analysts had put the expected number of visitors for Africa's first Fifa World Cup as high as 450 000. Van Schalkwyk said, however, that even this final visitors' figure was good news for the country, adding that it was a "very conservative" figure that excluded the Fifa family.

'Worth all the time and money spent'

"There were many numbers that were thrown around before and after the tournament, but what we are announcing today is the figure of people who came to South Africa only for the purposes of the World Cup, and it is good news in terms of our tourism ... it was worth all the time, the investment and the money," he said. The total expenditure in South Africa by tourists who came specifically for the tournament was R3.64-billion, with Europeans leading the pack, followed by the United States. The overall average spend per tourist was R11 800, which was higher than the average tourist spend of R8 400 in 2008. Van Schalkwyk said South Africa had worked tirelessly, from the moment it was announced as the host in May 2004, to make sure it hosted the best World Cup ever. "We planned, invested and implemented our vision in the face of fierce scepticism, even outright disbelief that we could deliver on our commitments," he said. The World Cup, he said, had been about building a legacy for South Africa and the continent. He called on the tourism industry to be encouraged by the statistics, and to take advantage of the ongoing positive spinoffs created by the tournament.

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/2010/survey-071210.htm#ixzz1VsiZqIf8