SA record number of tourists

CAPE TOWN – Record numbers of tourists flocked to South Africa last year and visitor numbers are expected to reach 10 million in 2010 when the country hosts the soccer World Cup.

Tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said Tuesday that there were just over nine million foreign visitors last year, an eight per cent increase on 2006. Arrivals from the United States rose by 8,7 per cent, from China by 13 per cent and India by 17 per cent and from Europe by 2,3, he said.”I am very pleased to announce that Destination South Africa is well on its way to reaching 10 million arrivals by 2010,” he told parliament.After decades of isolation due to apartheid, South Africa is trying to position itself as a leading international destination.Nampa-APArrivals from the United States rose by 8,7 per cent, from China by 13 per cent and India by 17 per cent and from Europe by 2,3, he said.”I am very pleased to announce that Destination South Africa is well on its way to reaching 10 million arrivals by 2010,” he told parliament.After decades of isolation due to apartheid, South Africa is trying to position itself as a leading international destination.Nampa-AP