Tourism in South Africa
Growing at three times the world average, tourism has become one of the most important sectors in South Africa following the end of apartheid, creating almost a million jobs and even overtaking gold exports as an earner of foreign currency. Foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa grew by 13.9% to almost 8.4-million in 2006, driven by increases of 16.9% in tourists from within the African continent, 11.2% from the Americas and 5.6% from Asia and Australia. Arrivals from Nigeria, Kenya and ...

SA tops for business travel and accommodation
South Africa has always been popular with international leisure travellers, but it is also fast becoming a preferred business tourism destination. Large international companies are eager to host international events, conferences and trade expos in the country, and business travellers are as just as willing to attend. The Department of Trade and Industry has identified business tourism – commonly referred to as the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) industry –...

Gautrain rolling along smoothly
The Gautrain’s airport link is on track for completion by the end of 2009, according to a statement released by Gautrain. This will signal the end of the first phase of the controversial multi-billion-rand rapid transport system. With the 2010 Fifa World Cup kickoff just a few days away, the vital stretch of track between OR Tambo International and Sandton Station will transport an expected 500 000 Fifa World Cup visitors between 11 June and 11 July – not to mention 19 000 members...

Hosting a Successful Conference Or Event
Setting up a conference or event can be a major undertaking. There is a lot to be prepared and arranged in the build up and it can be a mammoth task for a person. However the kudos and rewards for a successful one can be well worth the endeavour. You must consider a variety of factors in the process such as the venue, facilities for the conference goers and specialist and technical equipment required. The last of these can be a major issue if it is not your area of expertise. Fortunately th...

SA restaurants are world's best
Five acclaimed South African restaurants, all located in the Western Cape province, have made it to the latest edition of San Pellegrino's prestigious list of the 100 best eating establishments in the world. They are Le Quartier Français in Franschoek (37); La Colombe in Constantia (38); Jardine (79) and Aubergine (96), both in Cape Town; and Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch (98), whose converted cellar setting is also a national monument. Only five southern hemisphere restaurants made...

Life is a beach in South Africa
It's summertime in South Africa, and time to head for the beach. The country has more than 2 500 kilometres of coastline, stretching from the cold waters off the arid West Coast region, southwards around the tip of Africa, and heading up again all the way to the lush St Lucia estuary in the east.   Here’s some insider info on South Africa's best beaches, to help you make the most of your time at the seaside.   West Coast   The West Coast is less crowded than most of th...

SA vendors prepare for World Cup
Informal traders are learning foreign languages in preparation for the thousands of visitors from all over the world expected during this year’s Fifa spectacular.   Thulani Mabhena arrives early to secure his spot and start laying out his merchandise outside the Hector Peterson Museum, in Orlando West, Soweto South Africa’s biggest township. “Bonjour ma soeur [Hello my sister],” he says to a lady passing by rushing to catch a taxi to work. “Bonjour Thulas [He...

Kruger Park booked out for 2010
South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park is fully booked for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. All accommodation in the main camps was snapped up a mere two hours after the reservations office opened on 1 July.   South African National Parks (SANParks) reports that even though booking for July had opened a month earlier than usual, visitors were alert to the fact and wasted no time.   Normally booking opens 11 months in advance for one month at a time, but with the W...

Relocation of Durban International Airport
On 1 May 2010, the new King Shaka International Airport becomes operational for all Durban-bound air travel. The current Durban International Airport will be decommissioned on midnight, 30 April 2010. All flights into Durban up to and including Friday 30 April 2010 will operate from the current airport. From 1 May 2010, all flights will officially operate out of the new airport which is located approximately 35 kilometers north of the Durban city centre. Customers travelling into Durban befor...

How to Get the Best Hotel at the Best Price
The following are some tips that might be helpful in making your choice of hotels.   1. Hotel Ratings: The initial step in choosing a hotel is to make a list of hotels that are in the area you plan to visit. Then find out about each one. There are several ways to do this. One method is to simply ask someone who's been there. Another way is to do an online search for guest ratings. While on line, you can also read reviews by former guest. In addition you could call the Tourist Bureau ...

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