South Africa rivals Dubai as Shopper's Paradise

Holiday tourists preferred the nightlife, visiting natural attractions and wildlife, whereas VFR (visiting friends and relatives) tourists preferred social activities.

NVDL: Hmmm...imagine tourism picking up to South Africa as the global economy worsens. It's possible, but as a long haul flight destination, not sure if it's likely. We'll probably have a good idea post 2010 World Cup.

clipped from www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com One of the reasons why South Africa is popular is that it is considered a value-for-money destination. Mudunwazi Baloyi, general manager for investment and trade facilitation at the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, said South Africa’s exchange rate makes it a relatively inexpensive destination. “This makes it very attractive for business hosting events and for personal travel. It really counts in our favour,” Baloyi said. Professor Deon Wilson of the Department of Tourism Management at the University of Pretoria added that South Africa’s well-developed safari tourism industry, conservation areas and sunny climate are big draw cards. Interestingly, it appears that South Africa is also starting to give shopping destinations such as Dubai a run for its money. The 2006 Annual Tourism Report, compiled by the South African Tourism Strategic Research Unit, indicated that shopping was the most popular activity across all purposes of visit.