SA is experiencing a bumper tourism year as the easing of visa restrictions, a weak rand and the disappearance of Ebola from the continent have removed previous barriers to tourists visiting the country. The government is working with CEOs to find ways to boost the tourism industry. The Department of Tourism wants growth to be inclusive and last week started an incubator in the Pilanesberg area — the first of a number across the country — to help about 50 small businesses develop. Foreign arrivals climbed about 24% in the first eight months to August. The overall figure, including visitors from the rest of Africa, rose about 14%, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said in an interview on Monday. Strong growth in numbers from China — up 66% in August compared with August 2015 — and India is encouraging. Also, a 300% increase a month in visitors from Saudi Arabia is welcome, Hanekom says, as these visitors come in the off-peak season. This keeps the industry afloat when tourists stay away...
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