SANParks sees ‘good returns in tourism income’

111208 KNYSNAÕS FOREST ELEPHANT MAKES A SPECIAL APPEARANCE JUST BEFORE THE HOLIDAY SEASON An excited forest ranger phoned in to report sightings of KnysnaÕs only forest elephant on the 26th of November. Hylton Herd from Scientific Services, SANParks Garden Route rushed to the Diepwalle Forest, near the Big Tree, and took these pictures, the best on file to date. Herd has been closely monitoring elephant sightings over the last few years, and after comparing the pictures to ones taken in previous years, taking into consideration markings on ears, etc. once again declared it the same elephant that was seen before. Photographs: Courtesy of Hylton Herd of SANParks Garden Route

Published May 13, 2013

Johannesburg - The number of blacks that visited national parks has grown over the past year, SA National Parks (SANParks) said on Saturday.

“A steep increase in total black overnight visitors in national parks grew by 19.4 percent from 40 534 to 48 390,” said SANParks executive, Glenn Phillips in a statement.

He said more than 70 percent of patrons at national parks were South African and the increased figure for black visitors was a result of efforts to transform the visitor demographics.

SANParks also said it had a good financial year despite initial fears of financial turmoil ahead.

“Despite the unfavourable global economic situation, SANParks has seen good returns in tourism income,” said Phillips. - Sapa