Foreign arrivals

According to Stats SA, in March 2011, there were 942 748 foreign arrivals to South Africa. The arrivals were made up of 17 432 non-visitors and 925 316 visitors. The visitors consist of 293 965 same-day visitors and 631 351 overnight visitors (tourists). The breakdown of the tourists by region is as follows: 175 876 from overseas; 453 312 from the SADC countries; 14 136 from `other` African countries and 2 027 unspecified.

Greening and tourism

The National Department of Tourism, Departments of Environmental Affairs, Water Affairs and Eskom will conduct the National Greening and Resource Efficiency road shows to educate tourism product owners on the importance of using available natural resources efficiently in their sector. The road shows will take place from 5 July to October 27. The white paper on responsible tourism requires the sector to promote responsible tourism practices with a view to maximize economic, social and environmental benefits and minimize costs to the destination and as well as improve local economies. Participants at the road shows will be afforded an opportunity to learn more about resource saving measures and those who comply with the energy saving requirements will be incentivised. The focus of the road shows will be on the green economy, waste management in tourism, water conservation and demand management, energy efficiency in tourism, universal accessibility and climate change. No detail about the road shows in the Free State are yet available. Enquiries to Lizzy Suping on 012 310 3310 or 083 758 0553 or at lsuping@tourism.gov.za.