"In 2006, South Africa received 8.4 million international tourists, up 13.9 percent as compared with that in 2005, far higher than the 4.5 percent global growth rate in the tourism industry for the same period," said Zolelwa Mukozho.

 "We are proud of the rich and diverse natural resources that South Africa offers in abundance," Mukozho said.

"The way we develop and conserve the resources helps make South Africa quickly emerge as a star performer in the competitive world travel arena," the manager said.