South Africa's tourism competitiveness declined in 2010, according to an index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
South Africa is ranked 66 out of 139 countries on the fourth Travel and Tourism Competitive Index released by the WEF at the Global Tourism Forum 2011 in Andorra.
In 2009, South Africa was ranked 61.
Switzerland, Germany and France have the most attractive environments for developing the travel and tourism industry.
They are followed by Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Spain and Singapore.
The tourism and travel industry in South Africa directly contributed US10.085 billion to the gross domestic product in 2010.
It also provided for 372,000 jobs, according to the index's country profile. - Sapa