South Africa’s official World Cup logo has been unveiled, all the host stadiums and cities have been announced and sponsors have come to the party. Indeed, South Africa intends to make 2010 the most successful World Cup ever. As Thabo Mbeki mentioned in his recent speech in Berlin, it will be a celebration of Africa’s "splendour, its vibrancy, its uniqueness and its diversity." "This is our chance to pull out all the stops and show the world the full range of beauty in the country; the variety of the different cultures of our rainbow nation and just how South Africa will host the cup in its own distinctive way," said Christine Searle of SA-Venues.com. According to South African Tourism’s latest annual report, over 7.3 million international visitors entered the country last year. With South Africans’ eyes set on the World Cup, investment in guesthouses, lodges and bed and breakfasts is on the increase, which translates into economic growth and job creation. Tourism is already outperforming other more traditional sectors, like mining, in the local economy and South Africa, although already a vacation favourite for Europeans, is now becoming the focus of other nations in the wake of soccer fever. "People are discovering that we have world-class attractions at surprisingly affordable prices," says Searle. South Africa is home to some of the world’s greatest wildlife refuges, such as Kruger Park and Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserve. These vast parks are filled with the Big 5 along with exotic birds and other animals. Game lodges and animal preservation are important in South Africa and a huge draw card for international visitors. "More and more malaria-free wildlife viewing is becoming available in a safe, comfortable and politically stable environment, which is significant for visitors," adds Christine. Soccer fans can travel the region easily, from Cape Town to Cairo, Kruger Park to Kilimanjaro. South African Airways and other international airlines offer regularly-scheduled flights between the major centres. South Africa Travel is an easy-to-use online guide, designed to help anyone effortlessly plan their trip to South Africa. There are comprehensive, searchable directories of hotels and accommodation, as well as advice on how to rent cars, book safaris and more. The extensive site hosts accommodation ranging from world-class hotels to luxurious African game lodges. See the site at http://www.SA-Venues.com/ Contact: SA-Venues.com, +27 21 434-9605