|
JOBS | TENDERS | DATING |
|
|
THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 11 2012 02:49 | LAST UPDATED Feb 11 2012 02:49 |
|
South Africa received a record 9,5-million tourists in 2008, up 5,5% annually, but is counting on the World Cup to reverse a slowdown felt this year, the tourism minister said on Friday. Marthinus van Schalkwyk told a tourism trade conference that spending by the visitors jumped more than 23% last year, to R74,2-billion. But he warned that the global economic crisis was hurting tourism this year. "The tourism industry in South Africa has also been exposed to the global volatility," he said. "The numbers for this year are therefore bound also to reflect the international trends that put arrivals, occupancy and spending under pressure." Van Schalkwyk said the ministry expected the 2010 Soccer World Cup would reverse the trend and restore tourism's shine. "We have all been working very hard to make it a success, and I also realise that the next few months will be challenging, but our industry and country will reap innumerable rewards," he said. South Africa expects 450 000 people to visit the country during the competition, which runs from June 11 to July 11. -- AFP  CONTINUES BELOW TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
comment guidelines
|
Client Media Releases
IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER
SUBSCRIBE: - Paper edition - iPad edition (NEW!) - Kindle edition - Digital edition Read stories online  @mailandguardian - Top stories & newsflashes @NicDawes - M&G editor Nic Dawes @ChrisRoperZA - Editor, M&G Online @amabhungane - M&G Centre for Investigative Journ @mgfeed - Our whole news feed Advertisements |
Contact Us | About Us | Story Tip-offs | Social media policy | Online Advertising | Print Advertising | Subscriptions | Topics A-Z | Mobile Sites | Privacy Policy | RSS Feed
All material © Mail & Guardian Online. Material may not be published or reproduced in any form without prior written permission.
 |
 |