South Africans are being asked to comment on the proposed amendments to the Immigration Regulations in regards to the Remote Working Visa.

Western Cape, South Africa (09 February 2024) – The Department of Home Affairs has released the draft second amendment of the Immigration Regulations, dealing with two key categories of visas – the remote working and critical skills visa, and ancillary matters for public comment.

This comes after extensive lobbying by the Western Cape Government since 2021 for the introduction of a digital nomad visa and reforms to the visa regime to enable South Africa to attract skilled individuals to South Africa, to help develop and grow the economy.

“To boost tourism, facilitate foreign investment, and allow digital nomads to work in South Africa, while spending their earnings here, we need to make it as easy as possible for them to access South Africa,” said Minister Wenger. “At the same time, it is essential that South Africa can attract and welcome skilled individuals that will contribute to growing the complexity of our economy, facilitate new industries and thereby create new South African jobs” she continued. 

 “The longer it takes to implement necessary changes to the current disastrous visa regime in South Africa, the more opportunities we miss out on to grow the economy and create jobs. While I welcome the progress signalled by the call for comments by the Department of Home Affairs, time is really of the essence, ” said Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

“I strongly encourage all those who wish to see our economy grow and thrive, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, not just in the Western Cape, but across this incredible country, to review the draft second amendments and submit their comments to the Department of Home Affairs, by the deadline of 29 March 2024,” concluded Minister Wenger.

Submissions can be emailed to the Chief Director: Legal Services at Luvo.vena@dha.go.za

Sources: Press Release

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The Outpost Lodge in Kruger National Park was named The 5th Most Romantic Hotel in the World for 2024 and Lion Sands got the 14th spot.

Mpumalanga, South Africa (08 February 2024) – Two incredible South African lodges have been named on the 2024 Top 50 Most Romantic Hotels list by Big 7 Travel. The lodges both landed in the top 15. They are the Outpost Lodge at 5th place and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge earned 14th place.

The award is given by Big 7 Travel on their newly updated website EnjoyTravel.com, which uses a comprehensive scoring system that analyses the number of hashtags and TikTok views per destination, sample survey results of Big 7 Media’s audiences, and from the global editorial team.

This is the 6th year that Big 7 Travel has released the Most Romantic Hotels and they’ve taken on board a lot of our reader suggestions from the previous years’ lists. Hotel inclusions were ranked based on several factors, including properties with high Tripadvisor review scores from couples, unique ‘romantic’ experiences, room facilities and luxury.

The Outpost Lodge #5

“Overlooking a valley of baobabs and the Luvuvhu River, the surrounding scenery is so beautiful that the Outpost said ‘no’ to windows and doors. All twelve bungalows, which are suspended on stilts and connected by a wooden walkway, are completely open to the elements. Think special sunrise viewing from your bed, coffee in hand. Watch elephants play in the valley below, whether that’s from the daybed on the wraparound balcony or the rounded bathtub.” – Big 7 Travel

 

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A post shared by Award-Winning Safari Lodge • Eden of Kruger (@theoutpostlodge)

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge #14

“Ivory Lodge thinks of everything – from your champagne of choice in the maxibar to unique dining under the stars. The accommodation is so geared towards romance, that they even offer a discount for newlyweds. After days spent exploring in a land cruiser, you’ll end the night listening to the not-so-distant sounds of hippos and lions. Guests can also spend a night or two in one of three luxury treehouses: Tinyeleti, Kingston, and Chalkley. The Kingston Treehouse is built on boulders, across a small drawbridge, with lanterns and the bright moon to light the way.” – Big 7 Travel

 

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A post shared by Lion Sands Game Reserve (@lionsandsgamereserve)

Sources: Big 7 Travel

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The Voetspore team are currently sharing their second season of travels in South America – The first episode contains a splash of Ubuntu in Uruguay.

Uruguay, South America (30 January 2024) – The Voedspore team have spread a bit of Ubuntu in Uruguay, helping police officers move a stuck tow truck on the border between Uruguay and Argentina. In their first episode, the team is on their way to Argentina and sees the big tow truck stuck on an embankment between the highway.

Voedspore is a travel focused travel show that guides South Africans through various driven routes in South Africa, Africa and around the world. A staple on SABC 2, the show is now also available freely on YouTube. Johan Badenhorst and the team have been on the road, sharing their expertise since 2000. The show is filmed in Afrikaans but has subtitles in English for those who do not understand, although the team often converse in “Mengles” – a mix of English and Afrikaans.

After an eventful first season of travels in South America which saw them travel through Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, the team have returned to complete their trip around the continent. They had stored their vehicles in Montevideo, Uruguay and are set to visit Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, with the possibility of continuing to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana if the border to Venezuela is open.

Kitted out with strong vehicles and all the equipment needed to tow a vehicle, it was no surprise to see Johan and the team stopping just before the border to offer a helping hand to a pair of officers who were attempting to tow a car that had been involved in an accident.

The tow vehicle had gotten wedged on the green embankment between the highway and was well and truly stuck. In a twist of fate, the rescuers become the rescued as Johan put it.

Johan and the guys got the vehicle out safely and then left the scene with hearts full and a bit of Ubuntu shared in a foreign place. The officers were beaming as the Voetspore left for what turned out to be a very long line at the border.

What we love most about the show is that there is always a sharing of stories, tales of where they have come from and where they are going. Foreigners take great pleasure in hearing the team come from South Africa and are there to tour their home country. Kindness and respect always goes both ways, even if their own word for it isn’t Ubuntu. Thankfully you don’t need a translator for kindness!

You can see the full first episode below:

Sources: Voedspore

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Cape Town earns second place in Time Out’s 2024 rankings, affirming its global allure and cultural richness.

Global (26 January 2024) – Time Out has confirmed what local Capetonians have known all along… South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ is one of the best places on the planet to live and visit.

Yes, Cape Town has secured the enviable position of second place in Time Out’s esteemed list of the 50 best cities around the globe for 2024.

Time Out, the quintessential urban culture curator that has been igniting the wanderlust of city dwellers since its inception in London in 1968, bestowed this prestigious accolade upon the ‘Mother City’ after tapping into the pulse of thousands of urbanites worldwide.

Grace Beard, Travel Editor for Time Out, emphasises, “The basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals.”

And who could be better judges of a city’s charm than those who call it home? Cape Town’s triumph speaks volumes about the allure of its scenic beauty, its melting pot of multicultural communities, and its pulsating creative scene. It’s a city where the mountains meet the sea, where diverse cultures converge, and where culinary adventures await at every corner.

“The quality and affordability of food, culture, and nightlife in their city” are key criteria that underpin Time Out’s assessment, but it’s the intangible essence of a place that truly sets it apart.

Cape Town’s residents, known for their warmth and resilience, undoubtedly played a pivotal role in securing its well-deserved spot among the world’s elite cities.

While New York City claimed the top spot, Cape Town’s ascent to second place surpasses renowned European capitals like Berlin, London, and Madrid. Its recognition as a must-visit destination highlights the city’s status as a global icon, a place that effortlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering experiences that linger in the hearts of travellers long after they depart.

For Cape Town, ranking second on Time Out’s list is more than just an honour; it’s a celebration of the spirit that infuses its streets, the warmth of its people, and the kaleidoscope of experiences that await those who venture to its shores.

Sources: Time Out’s 50 Best Cities of 2024! 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Cape Town has once again earned a spot on the 50 Most Instagrammable Places in the World List, this is its 6th time on the list.

Cape Town, South Africa (25 January 2024) – Cape Town is a beautiful place, you get beaches, forests, Winelands and more all in one beautiful bubble. So it is no surprise that the Mother City has earned a place on the 50 Most Instagrammable Places in the World list, yet again! And by again, we mean a 6th consecutive year!

The first time our Mother City made the list, was in 2019; at the time, the city earned 5th place. Every year since then, the city has bounced around but always earned a place on the list.

The reason Cape Town keeps earning a spot is because there are so many different places to go, and it really is beautifully Instagrammable. You can take your heart-worthy photos at the top of Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. You can pose on the sandy white beaches or with a cocktail in hand at a trendy cafe; you can run through the vineyards and taste cheeses and wine. The options are endless!

The award is given by Big 7 Travel on their newly updated website EnjoyTravel.com, which uses a comprehensive scoring system that analyses the number of hashtags and TikTok views per destination, sample survey results of Big 7 Media’s audiences, and from the global editorial team.

According to this year’s stats, Cape Town grabbed mentions on the biggest platforms in the millions! Instagram boasted a whopping 14,085,161 mentions and TikTok a staggering 6,600,000,000 mentions. Wow!

“Cape Town’s landscape is an enthralling mix of beaches, buzzy city life, and natural beauty. Capture the unique topography of Table Mountain from across the city, whether that’s the V&A Waterfront or Signal Hill. No trip to Cape Town is complete without a hike up Table Mountain, and some of the best views are only a short distance up from Kloof Corner. The Corner is a rocky ledge overlooking Lion’s Head and Camps Bay. To switch up the scenery, why not capture the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap? It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, with Table Mountain standing proud in the distance.” – EnjoyTravel.com

We are truly proud of our ever-winning Mother City and all her accolades. Which parts of the city are your favourite to capture? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: EnjoyTravel.com

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A group of teens set off on an epic adventure when they finished their Matric finals in 2023; this is how they faired on the hike of a lifetime.

South Africa (18 January 2024) – Six KZN Matrics celebrated the end of their exams by doing the rigorous 120km hike along the Wild Coast, from Port St John’s to Port Edward.

Konstantino Giokos, Michael Farrell, Mitchell Hamilton and Sam Hodes completed their Matric at Treverton College whilst Dylan Jarrett finished his Matric at Waterfall College and Warren Rossouw at Scottburgh High.

Mitchell Hamilton (18) says the dream of doing this particular hike came about in May when he was at the Wild Coast on holiday.

“I wanted to do something really epic and different straight after Matric, and upon returning to boarding school, I planned it with Sam, Konstantino and Michael. It was truly a life-changing experience.”

Sam Hodes (18) says

“The hike was incredible, such an adventure! The route was very technical and took many hours to plan with us having to study the tides in-depth. The river crossings were tricky owing to the currents, the tides as well as the sharks. We floated our backpacks in waterproof bags while we swam across.”

The adventurous six caught a local taxi to Port St John’s, and after many delays, they finally arrived at the first leg of their hike at midnight on Friday, 24 November 2023.

They then proceeded with their expedition, which consisted of crossing high mountain passes, hiking along untouched pristine beaches and having to cross 5 shark-infested rivers before arriving at Port Edward a week later.

The boys experienced many adventures such as meeting villagers along the way and being invited into their homes to spend the night. This happened on more than one occasion.

Dylan Jarrett (18) says “We got lost many times but the local people we met along the way were amazing and were always ready to assist us. We took along a satellite navigation device, which assisted in helping us keep in contact with our families who were very concerned as there was little cell phone service along the route.” The device also had a SOS option should there have been any injuries or emergencies.

“The hike was an extraordinary adventure that really challenged me as a person both physically and mentally. I really didn’t realise how remote we were going to be until day 2 where we met a guy who had never tasted biltong nor spoke any English which was a challenge to communicate with, to help show us which way we had to go. The hike took hours to plan, around studying for finals, but was well worth it.” says Michael Farrel (18).

Konstantino Giokos (19) said that going to school at Treverton College really prepared them for the trip, as the school arranges lots of hiking, kayaking and other adventures. Giokos, during his Matric year, completed the Grand Traverse Drakensberg hike, a rigorous 250km hike along the Drakensberg Escarpment, in South Africa.

“The views and being without any signal and contact with the outside world made the experience both incredible and humbling.” says Warren Rossouw (18).

The boys completed the hike in good time and arrived back sunburnt and many kilograms slimmer from their rigorous hike, ready to take the world by storm after finishing their Matric exams.

Sources: Supplied

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South Africa has been named one of the “must-visit” destinations for travellers looking to have a booze-free getaway and reconnect with nature (or one’s self).

South Africa (04 January 2024) – South Africa has been selected as one of 24 destinations that are a “must-visit” in 2024 by the team at EnjoyTravel.com. The category gave us a giggle though… South Africa has been listed as one of the “must-visit destinations for a booze-free break”. Ok so while drinking culture is quite intertwined into life in South Africa, we are here to celebrate all the good things and aside from drinking culture and the entire wine industry, there are hundreds of activities that are in fact booze-free. So let’s find out what won the judges over, shall we?

According to the online travel platform, around 40% of its travellers are looking for destinations to detox and spend time doing other activities. They decide on the destinations through a thorough evaluation, incorporating data-driven analysis of travel trends, audience opinions, and insights from the editorial team.

“Going on an alcohol-free trip is a time of pure clarity, energy, and enjoyment. But it’s not always easy, especially in destinations where drinking culture is intertwined with the holiday.”

South Africa was one of three destinations selected, including Morocco and Sri Lanka. South Africa was selected due to the safari options available, many of which are now giving booze-free options.

“Best time to visit South Africa: There is no bad time to visit South Africa, but if you want to visit for a safari, the best months are from May to September. June and August also happen to be the most affordable times to visit Cape Town, but safaris will increase in price.

Experience South Africa’s pristine landscape with clarity. Despite the country’s abundance of vineyards, it’s a wonderful choice for those looking to take a break from alcohol on holiday. Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are heightened by good sleep and a clear mind. Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the savannah, and connect to like-minded travellers doing the same thing. With an increase in ‘sober safaris’ and alcohol-free retreats in South Africa, more people are in search of creating clear, full-sensory, memorable, and adventurous moments. Going on a booze-free holiday doesn’t mean you have to swear off alcohol for good, but it does mean that you return home armed with stories to tell.” – EnjoyTravel

While we absolutely agree, that going on safari is epic, one can also take up surfing along some of the best beaches in the world, go hiking in the Drakensberg, travel along the Panorama Route, tour the forests of the Western Cape and forage for mushrooms, go scuba diving or free diving with the incredible marine life, road trip along some of the best routes in the country and so much more!

Sources: Enjoy Travel Group – Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Passport Index for 2024 has been released, and South Africans can now travel to 62 countries without needing a visa beforehand; this year, Ghana has been added to the list.

South Africa (03 January 2024) – The 2024 Passport Index has been released and South Africa can now travel visa-free, to 62 countries around the world! Dust off your passport, it’s time for an adventure.

The Passport Index details the ranking of every passport in the world. As it stands, the South African passport has a global ranking of 45 out of 91 and a world reach of 54%. That means you can travel over half the world without having to fork up funds for a visa. Which is great news! Even better news, this year we get one extra country that we didn’t get last year.

Since we started reporting the numbers in 2017, the number of countries we could access has increased each year.

According to the website, we have access to 45 countries (up from 43 last year) where one only needs to pay for a visa upon arrival. There are, however, still 86 countries (down from 90) where you will need to undertake the full visa process and 5 where you can complete the process online. If you are curious about these stats, check the website using the link above. We will be highlighting the 62 countries where travel is visa-free.

This year Ghana has been added to the list, yay Ghana!

Visa-Free Travel Destinations:

• Angola – 30 days
• Antigua and Barbuda – 180 days
• Argentina – 90 days
• Bahamas – 90 days
• Barbados – 180 days
• Belize
• Benin – 90 days
• Botswana – 90 days
• Brazil – 90 days
• Chile – 90 days
• Costa Rica – 90 days
• Dominica – 180 days
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador – 90 days
• El Salvador – 90 days
• Eswatini – 30 days
• Fiji – 120 days
• Gabon – 30 days
• Gambia – 90 days
• Georgia – 360 days
• Ghana – 90 days
• Grenada – 90 days
• Guatemala – 90 days
• Guyana – 30 days
• Haiti – 90 days
• Honduras – 90 days
• Hong Kong – 30 days
• Ireland – 90 days
• Israel – 90 days
• Jamaica
• Kenya – 30 days
• Kosovo – 90 days
• Lesotho
• Macao – 30 days
• Malawi – 90 days
• Malaysia – 90 days
• Mauritius – 90 days
• Micronesia – 30 days
• Mozambique
• Namibia – 90 days
• Nicaragua – 90 days
• Palestinian Territories
• Panama – 180 days
• Paraguay – 90 days
• Peru – 180 days
• Philippines – 30 days
• Qatar – 30 days
• Russian Federation – 90 days
• Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days
• Saint Lucia – 42 days
• Senegal – 90 days
• Singapore – 30 days
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines – 30 days
• Tanzania – 90 days
• Thailand – 30 days
• Trinidad and Tobago – 90 days
• Tunisia – 90 days
• Uruguay – 90 days
• Vanuatu – 30 days
• Venezuela – 90 days
• Zambia – 90 days
• Zimbabwe – 90 days

Where are you planning to travel during 2024? Let us know your travel bucket list in the comment section.

Sources: Passport Index

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The figures show a 51.8% increase in tourists compared to the period between January and November 2022.

South Africa (29 December 2023) – South Africa is a land rich in contrasts and diversity, emerging as an exceptional tourist destination where natural beauty, history, and a mix of cultures converge to offer a unique experience. This fusion not only enriches the lives of those who visit but also plays an essential role in the local economy, generating opportunities and sustaining communities across the country.

Based on the latest data from Statistics South Africa, the nation is showing sustained growth in the global travel industry, with the ambitious goal of surpassing pre-COVID figures and reaching over 10 million arrivals by March 2024. But how are the numbers looking?

With the year coming to an end, South Africa experienced a significant tourism rebound with 7,620,873 visitors, reflecting an impressive increase of 51.8% compared to the previous year. It is important to note the key contribution of African tourists, leading with 5,754,625 arrivals, marking an impressive growth of 53.4% compared to 2022.

Tourists who visited South Africa in 2023

Within the African region, the highest number of arrivals came from people from:

• Zimbabwe (1,898,136),
• Mozambique (1,212,559), and
• Lesotho (1,057,040)

The arrival of tourists from other regions was led by 1,114,293 from Europe, 370,514 from North America, 40,740 from Central and South America, 94,806 from Australasia, 51,779 from the Middle East, and 182,497 from Asia.

Additionally, the report from the agency provided more detailed information on visits received during November 2023, revealing a total flow of 2,582,023 travellers, considering arrivals, departures, and transits. Of this total, 647,542 were South African residents, and 1,934,481 were foreign travellers.

In this respect, this month, South Africa received a total of 195,549 international tourists, with Europe leading the visits with 129,036 arrivals (66%). The top list is followed by North America with 33,022 (16.9%), Asia with 17,073 (8.7%), Australasia with 8,199 (4.2%), Central and South America with 5,450 (2.8%) and the Middle East with 2,769 visits (1.4%).

Top source countries markets for South African tourism

Among the top 10 international tourism source countries, the United Kingdom leads the ranking with 32,561 visitors (16.7%) from that nationality. The list is completed with Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, France, India, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, and Belgium. These countries were responsible for 73.8% of the total foreign tourists and, all of them reported an increase in the number of visits when compared to November 2022. In that sense, France shows as the country with the highest year-on-year growth (41.4%)

Tourist arrivals of top 5 overseas countries

Zimbabwe (170,082), Mozambique (119,328), and Lesotho (83,982) led the SADC contribution, accounting for a solid 71.8%. Furthermore, tourists from other African countries outside the SADC totalled 14,647, equivalent to 2.0%. Among them, Kenya (4,396), Ghana (2,987), and Nigeria (1,679) stood out, contributing to 61.9% of this group. It is worth mentioning that 1,159 tourists (0.2%) did not specify their country of residence.

“The rest of the African continent has always been vital to our tourism industry. It is clear that more reviews and revisions of immigration regulations and visa requirements are needed, as evidenced by the increase in arrivals from Kenya. As of January 1, 2023, Kenyans can travel to South Africa without a visa for a period of 90 days per year. I look forward to continuing to work with the rest of my colleagues in the government in this regard so that we can all reap mutual benefits from our collaboration initiatives,” said Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille last year.

Means of Transport

Regarding mobility, the report showed that roads emerged as the main means of transport for 1,694,176 travellers, representing 65.6% of the total of 2,582,0230. While a plane trip was the choice of 873,981 travellers, constituting 33.8%.

In the breakdown of South African resident arrivals, it is observed that 26.3% (267,437) opted for air transport, 73.3% (744,628) for the road, and less than 0.3% (3.519) by sea. Regarding departures, 43.1% (139,291) preferred the plane, 55.9% (180,750) the road, and less than 0.1% (3,222) by sea. In the case of transit travellers, all 482 used the plane.

In the case of foreign travellers, 23.6% (267,437) of them arrived by plane, 73.3% (744,628) by road, and 0.3% (3,519) by sea. Compared to planes and roads, a minority of travellers, 0.2% (4,371), chose the sea to enter and exit South Africa.

The demographic profile of foreign tourists highlights a significant distribution by age and region. Among visitors, individuals aged 25 to 34 represent a considerable proportion, evidencing the generational diversity of travellers.

Purpose of visit of tourists

In the age analysis, demographic diversity among tourists is evident: 25,614 (3.7%) were under 15 years old; 50,749 (7.4%) were between 15 and 24 years old; 171,220 (25.0%) ranged from 25 to 34 years old; 204,800 (29.9%) were in the range of 35 to 44 years old; 121,635 (17.8%) were between 45 and 54 years old; 67,054 (9.8%) belonged to the 55 to 64 years old range, and 43,088 (6.3%) were 65 years or older.

Regarding travel purposes, most African tourists, specifically 505,558 (96.4%), chose South Africa for vacationing. However, notable differences emerge between SADC tourists and those from “other” African countries in terms of their specific objectives.

96.5% of SADC tourists entered the country for vacation purposes, compared to 89.4% from “other” African countries. Specifically, 92.3% of tourists from East and Central Africa opted for vacations, followed by those from West Africa with 87.2%, and North Africa with 76.8%. In terms of business purposes, they represented 3.1% of SADC tourists, compared to 5.9% from “other” African countries.

In the educational field, students constituted 0.4% of SADC tourists, compared to 4.3% from “other” African countries. North Africa stood out with the highest proportion of tourists for study purposes, reaching 12.5%, followed by West Africa with 6.1%, and East and Central Africa with 2.2%.

This varied demographic profile and different travel purposes contribute to enriching the tourist experience in South Africa, where diverse offerings are available to those seeking everything, from natural adventures to business opportunities and studies, perhaps even funded with personal loans tailored to their needs.

Sources: Department of Tourism | QuotesAdvisor.com | Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South Africa Was Visited by Almost 8 million International Tourists in 2023! appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Embark on a breathtaking nine-month journey across seven continents with South African traveller Amike Oosthuizen, as she shares the awe-inspiring highlights of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise.

Global (17 December 2023) – The Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise has just kicked off its nine-month odyssey that promises a kaleidoscope of experiences across all seven continents and a South African traveller, Amike Oosthuizen, is giving us front-row seats on this unprecedented journey, using her social media as a public diary of all the breathtaking highlights.

The voyage began on a high note, departing from the vibrant shores of Miami, Florida, on the 10th of December, 2023. Over the next nine months, guests will traverse 65 countries, witness 11 World Wonders, and dock at 150 ports of call.

@amike_oosthuizen Check-in & room reveal little vlog #worldcruise #royalcaribbean #travel #vlog #SAMA28 #travelvlog #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Blue Moon – Muspace Lofi

The Global Trip

The first leg of the journey, the Ultimate Americas Cruise, unfolds like a living tapestry of wonders. From the idyllic ABC Islands in the Caribbean to the majestic landscapes of Antarctica, guests are treated to an awe-inspiring array of scenes. South America beckons with its iconic landmarks, from the colossal Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro to the ethereal Machu Picchu in Peru, a testament to the continent’s rich cultural tapestry.

The voyage then shifts to the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, where the allure of Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands takes centre stage. Travellers explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, savour the natural beauty of Bali, and stand in awe before the Great Wall of China. The journey also encompasses the modern marvels of Tokyo and the timeless elegance of India’s Taj Mahal.

As the cruise ventures into the Ultimate Middle East and Med Cruise, passengers are treated to the glitz of Dubai, the ancient marvels of Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, and the classical wonders of Athens, Ephesus, and Rome. The lesser-explored gems of Olympia, Split, and Cannes add a touch of exclusivity to the itinerary.

The grand finale, the Ultimate Europe and Beyond leg, takes passengers on a cultural extravaganza. From the architectural wonders of Barcelona to the culinary delights of Morocco, the journey weaves through the fjords of Norway, the vibrant streets of Copenhagen, and the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. The adventure culminates in the iconic cityscape of New York before a blissful retreat to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay before ending back in Miami on the 10th of September, 2024.

The Cost

This once-in-a-lifetime experience comes with a price tag reflecting its unparalleled grandeur. The Ultimate World Cruise offers a range of accommodations, from the affordable Interior Stateroom at $59,999 to the lavish Royal Suite at $760,000. Alternatively, travellers can opt for individual segments at a reduced cost. Additional fees, taxes, and port expenses apply.

Following the journey

Lucky for us, Amike has transformed her social media into a captivating portal, offering a front-row seat to the mesmerising chapters of her Ultimate World Cruise adventure.

Through her lens, followers can witness the breathtaking landscapes, cultural gems, and exclusive experiences that define this unprecedented journey. Each post serves as a virtual passport, allowing us all to traverse the seven continents alongside Amike, savouring the excitement and marvelling at the diversity our planet has to offer.

Check out her latest post below answering some of the questions she has received:

@amike_oosthuizen Here’s a few answers to your questions! I am so thankful for this oppertunity in my life #SAMA28 #worldcruise #travel #travelvlog #royalcaribbean #foryou #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Amike Oosthuizen

Sources: Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise | Amike Oosthuizen Tik Tok 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post South African Adventurer’s 9-Month Global Odyssey on Ultimate World Cruise! appeared first on Good Things Guy.