"South Africa is continuing to attract Indian tourists in great numbers, with 67 039 Indian tourists travelling to South Africa between January and September 2011, 29% more than over the same period in 2010," he said in Mumbai during a two-day visit to India, according to a statement issued by his department.

He was visiting India to promote South Africa as a destination.

India was currently ranked the seventh biggest source market for South African tourism.

"The importance of India as a source market for South Africa cannot be underscored as India is an emerging travel market with massive growth potential."

He said India's economic growth was predicted to continue over the next 40 years and, by 2050, was expected to be among the top-three global economies.

Tourist travel to South Africa was also boosted by South African Airways flying between the countries four times a week, and India's Jet Airways having five flights a week.

In addition there were daily flights connecting via eight other global cities, the department said.