This follows confirmed news that the bustling city has been ranked the most visited in Africa.
According to global banking giant MasterCard, Johannesburg outnumbered other prominent African States during the survey.
Despite its economic challenges, growing unemployment, urbanization and other contributing factors, Jozi came out tops.
“We are using this popular global destination as an attract brand in our marketing and promotional drive, especially with our international and regional marketing initiatives. After immersing visitors with the city’s countless offerings we disperse them to the rest of the city region. In this way visitors receive a fulfilling all-round experience,” explained Dawn Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Gauteng Tourism.
Africa’s economic, trade, tourism, investment and business activities starts here as Gauteng accounts for over 10% of Africa’s GDP. The province continues to house over 40 international banks and remains the headquarters of business and a place where business and investment decisions are made.
Jozi outclassed the likes of Town, Cairo, Nairobi and Durban for the second year running.
According to the index, Johannesburg expected 4.3 million international overnight visitors in 2014, compared to last year’s 4.1m visitors. International visitors were expected to spend around R35.6 billion (US3.2bn) compared to around R34bn last year.
The index ranked 132 cities in terms of the number of internal visitor arrivals and cross-border spending by these visitors in the destination cities.
Thirteen African cities were ranked in the index: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Cairo, Casablanca, Accra, Nairobi, Beira, Dakar, Kampala, Lagos, Maputo and Tunis.
“This year’s index points to a continued strong demand for, and interest in air travel, both for business and personal reasons,” explained MasterCard’s South Africa Division President Mark Elliott.
Most visitors to Johannesburg travelled from London with increase by 3% from 444,000 last year to 485, 000 this year.
Londoners would spend around R5.1bn (US458m) which was around R223m (US20) less than 2013.
Frankfurt, Harare, Maputo and Paris were the other top cities from which visitors to Johannesburg arrived.
Recently, through GTA (marketing agency of the province) the city hosted and activated various events as part of promoting the city and the province both in the country and internationally.
Various people we interviewed; admitted the city is facing challenges despite being well visited over other cities in Africa.
