SA tourism 'more lucrative than gold'
Tourism has overtaken the gold industry as South Africa's biggest export, according to reports.
The South African tourism market has expanded to the point that it has overtaken the gold industry as the country's biggest export, according to research.
Figures cited by the South African Broadcasting Corporation reveal that the travel sector brings more than 66 billion rand (£4.8 billion) into the country every year.
In 2006 more than eight million people visited South Africa, leading to more than 900,000 new job opportunities.
During that year tourism contributed 8.3 per cent of South Africa's gross domestic product, according to the report, compared to 4.6 per cent in 1993.
One of the best performing areas appears to be the Gauteng province, which has experienced annual growth of more than ten per cent.
Gauteng is located in north-east South Africa and includes the major cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Travel Insurance - Holiday Extras insured over 750,000 people last year and were voted BEST Insurance provider and BEST website by the travel trade.
Related News Articles
Clocks go back October | Clocks change Autumn 2011 - 26/10/2011
Pull the curtains, grab a blanket and get cosy, on Sunday October 30 2011 it's time to put your clocks back.Summer holiday bargains | Travellers wait to grab last minute deals - 15/08/2011
UK holiday-makers are holding out for last minute travel bargains this summer, and nabbing some great deals.Glasgow Airport Roadworks - 15/08/2011
Allow more time when travelling to and from Glasgow Airport. Roadworks are expected to cause delays until May 5th.
