- Tourism in South Africa
South Africa is a popular tourist destination, with around 860 000 arrivals per month ("March 2008") of which around 210 000 is from outside the African continent. cite web |url=http://www.southafrica.net/satourism/research/viewResearchDetail.cfm?Action=Download&FileID=29993&ReportTypeCategoryID=65 |title=Monthly tourism statistics June 2008 |accessdate=2008-06-23 |date=2008-06-03 |format=PDF |publisher= [http://www.southafrica.net South African Tourism] ] A revenue equaling between 1% and 3% of GDP is generated by the tourism industry. [cite web |url=http://www.investec.com/NR/rdonlyres/13AEE8DD-1266-420D-B7BE-DCF92C12967F/4035/TourismUpdateOctober2005.pdf |title=SA Economic Research - Tourism Update |accessdate=2008-06-23 |year=2005 |month=10 |publisher= [http://www.investec.com/ Investec] ] . Among the main attractions are the diverse and picturesque culture, the game reserves and the highly regarded local wines.Types of tourism
Ecotourism
It is difficult to know if there is regulation of the term '
ecotourism ' as well as what a foundation/association/company needs to do to fall into the category of 'eco-travel'. However, there is a non-profit association that represents the private sector of the "incoming tourism industry inSouth Africa " (which is a large group) called the [http://www.satsa.co.za/ South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)] , they are "dedicated to providing and maintaining the highest possible standards in the tourism industry within South Africa." (SATSA, 2007) SATSA is focused on the accountability, integrity, and quality control of the tourism industry in South Africa as well as with the companies and associations they are connected to. In addition to SATSA, the website responsibletravel.com partnered with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine have established the [http://www.responsibletourismawards.com/ Responsible Tourism Awards] . The goal of the award is to "recognize individuals, companies and organizations in the travel industry that are making a significant commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and are providing a positive contribution to biodiversity conservation." (www.responsibletourismawards.com, 2001)Visitor attractions
National Parks
In addition to the well known
Kruger National Park , South Africa has a large number of ofter National Parks to visit. A complete list of National Parks and protected areas are available inProtected areas of South Africa World Heritage Sites
South Africa boasts a range of
cultural ,historical ,archaeological andgeological sites that are protected under the UNESCOWorld Heritage Site project. See the List of World Heritage Sites in South Africa for detailsCultural and Historical sites
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Robben Island
*Voortrekker Monument Major events
Cultural
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National Arts Festival
*Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees port
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2010 FIFA World Cup
*Comrades Marathon References
ee also
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Protected areas of South Africa External links
* [http://www.southafrica.net/ Official Tourism Website]
* [http://www.satsa.com South African Tourism Services Association]
* [http://www.tourismgrading.co.za Tourism Grading Council of South Africa]
* [http://www1.southafrica.net/ South Africa article on WikiTravel]
* [http://www.sanparks.org/ South African National Parks]
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