Destination Guide: South Africa

• Over 47m population
• South Africa covers an area of over 1 200 000 km2, nearly 5 times the size of the UK!
• 11 official languages, English is widely spoken
• 3 capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria and Bloemfontein
• Easy access with 70 direct flights from London daily
• 3 International airports - Cape Town, Johannesburg & Durban
• No visa required from the UK & Western Europe, USA and Japan   
• With a good currency exchange, South Africa offers true value for money
• UK delegates can also claim back the 14% VAT on their personal purchases over R250
• Over 1,000 graded properties including luxury hotels & private game reserves
• More than 1,600 conference centres in South Africa
• International Convention Centres located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and now East London.
• Over 130 adventures and counting, there is something for everyone from mountain walks to shark cage-diving
• 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Cradle of Humankind and Robben Island
• 9 locations where the 2010 FIFA World Cup TM matches will be played
• Time difference of just GMT +2 - the same as Athens, Helsinki and Cairo
• Experience the Big 5 - Lion; Leopard; Buffalo; Elephant; Rhino

South Africa's exceptional facilities, outstanding attractions and convenient location make the country an ideal destination for successful and unforgettable business experiences.

Along with its award-winning conference and exhibition centres and hotels, South Africa boasts stunning scenery, a constantly pleasant climate, world-class sporting events, unforgettable adventure activities and unique wildlife attractions.  South Africa offers luxury at an affordable price with the added bonuses of easy access, no language barrier and no jet lag!

The destination has over 1,800 conference facilities, ranging from large city venues that can cater for up to 5,000 delegates to small exclusive resorts.  Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria all feature in Africa's top 10 most popular convention cities, with Cape Town named as the number one city destination for long-haul incentive travel in Africa.

In 2010 South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup^TM, putting the country at the centre of the sporting calendar.  Visitors to the country are also tempted by exclusive safaris, wine tours, whale watching, luxury spas and adrenaline fuelled adventure trips. 

Amongst many other accolades South Africa boasts the World's Leading Boutique Hotel (Johannesburg's Saxon), the World's Leading Conservation Company and Safari/Game Reserve (Shamwari Game Reserve) and the World's Leading Luxury Train (Rovos Rail).

For further information on how South Africa can benefit your business please visit www.southafrica.net or contact:

Donna Abberley

South African Tourism

donna@uk.southafrica.net

+44 (0) 20 8971 9354

Lisa Donohue

FD

lisa.donohue@fd.com

+44 (0)207 269 7129