South Africa made a very favorable impression on foreign visitors during the June 11-July 11 FIFA World Cup, according to a survey released on Friday.

African Response, the company that conducted the survey, said in a statement that nine out of 10 foreign visitors for the World Cup will recommend South Africa to family and friends as an ideal holiday destination.

According to the South African Press Association (SAPA), a total of 722 tourists were interviewed in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria.

The survey investigated perceptions of the various elements of the South African experience, including roads, accommodation, stadiums, policing and safety.

Beatrice Kubheka, managing director of African Response, told SAPA, "Post World Cup press has been very positive about the success of the tournament and its implications for tourism and foreign investment. It is very pleasing to see our survey confirming this view."

Since 2006, the company has been tracking the perceptions of readiness leading up to the 2010 World Cup.

It said it witnessed doubt slowly becoming confidence as the kick-off approached.

"But having 92 percent of visitors saying that they would recommend South Africa as a destination is more than (what) we bargained for and (it) is great news for our future," Kubheka said.