South Africa’s hosting of the eighth Cricket World Cup (CWC) in February and March has firmly positioned South Africa as a leading global sports and tourism destination, Cheryl Carolus, CEO of South African Tourism, said.
South Africa has already benefited hugely – both economically and through the quite fantastic global awareness that has been created for South Africa from hosting the Cricket World Cup. Visitors have been extremely impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality that South Africans have shown them and that high
profile on the world stage will continue to the end of the tournament — and well
beyond as fans return home having had exceptional experiences,” Carolus said.
“South African Tourism would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the organisation and hosting of the event, once again proving that South Africa is more than capable of efficiently managing events of this magnitude while at the same time ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all its visitors,” she added.
South Africa will host the World Parks Congress in September and the Presidents’ Golf Tournament in November. South Africa has also submitted a bid to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup after being pipped by Germany in the bid to host the 2006 Soccer World Cup.
Overseas visitors to South Africa soared by 19,5% in 2002 to 1 862 700, while the total number of foreign travelers (from overseas, the rest of Africa and from unspecified countries) increased by 10,9% to 6 549 916.
By contrast, Australia suffered its second consecutive fall in tourism arrivals as only 4,8-million international visitors arrived in Australia, down by 0,3% in 2002 after a 2% decline in 2001. – I-Net-Bridge