South Africa has set its sights on doubling the number of foreign tourists to 15 million per annum by targeting markets unlocked by the 2010 Fifa World Cup. New markets extend across Africa, Asia and South America.

Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk told Parliament: “We aim to increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals to South Africa from seven million in 2009 to 15 million by 2020.”

“We will also be fostering new growth by accessing markets unlocked by the World Cup.”

By 2020, the government has set a target of 499 billion rands ($74 billion), up from 189 billion rands in 2009, which would create 225,000 new jobs.

“Our traditional markets in North America and Europe will remain important, particularly in terms of arrivals and spend, and these markets will certainly not be neglected,” Van Schalkwyk told the AFP.

“We will also aggressively pursue the long-term growth opportunities in amongst others China, India, South America and our own continent.”