He said the growth in African air markets was led by healthy increases out of Kenya at 15,4%, and Nigeria at 14,8%.
Arrivals from the Americas had shown consistent growth since 2002, and now stood at 255 822, making this region the second largest source market for South Africa.

Arrivals out of Europe were up by 2,6%, driven largely by the significant increase of 9,6% out of France.
"We believe that this is due to the turnaround strategy implemented in this market. However, air capacity issues may inhibit further growth," the minister says.

Growth out of Asia was led by expansion in India at 19,1% and China at 11,8%. In 2006 more than 846 million international arrivals were recorded in Africa alone represented an additional 44 million arrivals over 2005’s 803 million - marking a new record year for the tourism industry.  Of these 44 million, 22 million were from Europe, 12 million from Asia and the Pacific, and 3 million from each of the remaining regions namely the Americas, Africa and the Middle East.

The minister says tourism has become an effective tool to fight poverty while at the same time aiming to improve the capacity of the African destination so that we can respond adequately to the increasing demands of the increasingly competitive international market.

“It also creates an opportunity for the establishment of many small and micro entrepreneurs and enterprises in both the formal and informal economy. Not only does it provide material benefits by alleviating poverty but it also instils and grows Cultural and national pride."

“Tourism creates a greater awareness of the natural environment and its economic value and most importantly creates a heightened sense of ownership.  And let us not forget the enormous investment opportunities that this can attract. It will all ultimately support the development of Africa as a leading international tourism destination,” he says.

Keywords: South Africa Travel