South Africa's ever-growing desirability as a tourist destination has been further endorsed by superstar singer Josh Groban, who names the country as his favourite place on earth in a new travel book recently published by National Geographic.

The book, titled My Favorite Place on Earth, written by award-winning travel writer Jerry Camarillo Dunn, appeared on shelves on 21 April 2009. In it, Camarillo picks the brains of 75 of the most prominent people of our time, asking them simply, "What is your favourite travel discovery?"

Those polled include the likes of film director George Lucas (favourite place: Monument Valley), comedian Robin Williams (San Francisco), cartoonist Matt Groening (Kauai, Hawaii), tycoon Donald Trump (Palm Beach), couturier Calvin Klein (Maasai country in Tanzania) and travel doyen Arthur Frommer (Ubud in Bali).

All took the time to share their experiences and recommendations, describing in detail those unique qualities of their chosen destination that are particularly appealing to them. Their engaging narrative is enhanced by the author's contribution in the form of interesting National Geographic facts and web links related to each place.

"Their choices are fascinating and quirky," wrote Dunn in the book's foreword. "I sent out hundreds of letters to people I admire," he added, "explaining the book and asking them to be part of it. Sometimes success was sublimely easy ... other times, sublime turned to ridiculous. I called on every friend who had even a sixth-degree of separation from a celebrated person I sought."

Popular singer Groban has toured South Africa on a number of occasions, most recently in March 2008, and has built a solid fan base in the country. His albums have topped the charts there, reaching platinum status.

During Groban's first South African tour in 1994 he met former president Nelson Mandela and was inspired to establish his Josh Groban Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children in developing countries with educational and healthcare necessities. Later, the revered elder statesman named Groban as an ambassador of his Aids awareness organisation, 46664.

"I had wanted to visit South Africa for many, many years," said Groban, "and it was life-changing because I made sure to take some extra time off to meet with Nelson Mandela and understand first hand what his organisation, 46664, is doing for Aids awareness in South Africa."

Since then Groban has collaborated with top local musicians such as Vusi Mahlasela, and Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Dave Matthews, born in Johannesburg but now an international star based in the US.

Article courtesy of SA Good News