The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Presidency has congratulated the tourism industry following news that South Africa has increased its tourism figures.

The latest tourism figures show that tourists arrivals to South Africa grew by 10,5% for the first six months of 2012 which is double the tourism growth rate of 5%.

 

Statistics SA tourism figures further indicate that South Africa experienced an excellent first half of the year attracting 4 416 373 tourists to the country between January and June 2012 compared to 3 996 760 tourists arrivals for the same period in 2011.

 

President Zuma said he had been pleased to hear that growth in tourists coming into South Africa had been strong in all regions.

 

"This shows that South Africa continues to be the preferred destination for people from all walks of life in all corners of the globe," said the President.

 

He added: " We have managed to achieve this increase despite the global economic downtown. We are pleased with the positive news and it shows that our marketing efforts are bearing fruit."

 

President Zuma said the news was good for industry sentiment and for the growth of the country's market.