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World Cup boost

South African Tourism acting CEO Didi Moyle pointed out that South Africa was on the brink of one of the most significant global events in its history, the 2010 Fifa World Cup, would could draw about 450 000 fans to South Africa - bringing the total number of visitors next year to 10 million.

"We have a rare opportunity over the next 12 months to show these millions of people just how friendly and welcoming we are," she said. "It's an opportunity to show our country off to the world, and to make our very best impression."

"We are all responsible for driving the 2010 legacy and for industry competitiveness long after the fans have left to go home."

While South Africa's natural beauty and diversity are beyond dispute and had long since been acknowledged as significant traveller draw cards, it remained the responsibility of every citizen to develop a warm and enabling attitude towards visitors to establish South Africa as the most welcoming destination on earth, she said.

Moyle explained that it simply meant that everyone should do their bit, greeting visitors, helping them with directions and making recommendations about good places to experience in your town or city.

"By travelling at home, South Africans contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry and its competitiveness as well as local economic growth and job creation," Van Schalkwyk said. "As you travel in your own country, you learn more about its diversity and tourism offerings."

Last year South Africa welcomed just over 9.5 million foreign visitors. Fourteen million adult South Africans undertook a trip in South Africa over the same period, contributing R25.8-billion to the economy. In total, tourism has contributed R356-billion to the national economy since 2003.