South Africa ‘benefits from World Cup’

South Africa’s decision to host the World Cup appears to have resulted in a surge in tourism.Figures show that there was a 22.3 per cent increase in visitor numbers in March 2010 compared to the March 2009; overall the number of tourists rose from 493,559 to 603,479.

There was a 5.5 per cent rise in Brits taking flights to South Africa, while the build-up to the football event was highlighted as a likely reason for the 24.2 per cent rise in German visitors and the 12.4 per cent increase in travellers from Holland.

Lebohang Mokhesi, country manager UK for South African Tourism, explained events such as the World Cup appear to have played a key role in promoting the country and its attractions.

South Africa’s deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe recently said: “We can safely declare that South Africa is a better place for having hosted the 2010 World Cup.”

The 2014 World Cup will be held in Brazil.

Written by Ruth Norris.