SOUTH African Tourism and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism are currently briefing industry members on the preliminary outcomes of the first phase of their competitiveness study. The study, which was launched earlier this year, is aimed at investigating how the tourism sector is performing against its global competitors and other industries in South Africa and how the industry has fulfilled the five objectives that were identified in the International Growth Strategy developed in 2001. Phase one of the project has addressed the drivers and barriers of growth in tourism to South Africa; product positioning, configuration and development; and the transformation of the South African tourism industry, among other issues. Included in the study were questions on the following: awareness among travellers in key foreign markets as compared to competitor destinations; travellers' perceptions of safety and security, value for money, welcoming locals and authentic travel experiences; global best practice; market access and capacity including issues of airlift, accommodation, car rental and service levels; product development and current channels used to market South Africa’s tourism product to the inbound trade. Among the gaps identified by the research were the perceived lack of diversity in tourism products, limited public transport facilities and the need for consistent and comprehensive communication between tourism players. (Natalia Thomson)