Dion kicks off world tour in S. Africa

NEW YORK, March 3 (UPI) -- Canadian recording artist Celine Dion has kicked off her new world tour by performing in nine cities in South Africa.

Dion has been performing in Las Vegas for the past five years. However, it has been close to 10 years since she has toured the world, Columbia Records noted.

On her "Taking Chances" world tour, Dion is visiting many territories for the very first time, including her inaugural visit to South Africa where she holds the record as the best-selling artist of all time, the label said.

During her nine-city South African tour, Dion played to more than 300,000 South Africans.

"Starting in South Africa on my world tour has been a fantastic experience and a perfect way for my family and me to begin this new chapter on the road," Dion said in a statement. "It's a wonderful feeling to be back on tour and to be reconnecting with all of my fans around the world."

Dion is also scheduled to play dates in Japan, Korea, Australia, Malaysia and China, as well as the United Kingdom and Europe.

She is set to begin the North American leg of her tour in Boston Aug. 12.