This week, over 700 leaders of the global aviation industry gathered at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre for the 69th International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM to discuss the sector’s major issues. IATA represents some 240 airlines comprising 84% of global air traffic.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Alan Winde, who attended the IATA AGM over the weekend, said that hosting the event was strategically important as it placed our destination on the radar of the airline industry’s top bosses.
In another coup for the local tourism industry, it was announced yesterday that South African Tourism and Singapore Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) with South African Tourism (SAT) and the Changi Airport Group to promote travel to South Africa.
“The groups have agreed to invest R10 million in cash and in-kind over the next year to drive tourist traffic between Changi Airport and Cape Town and Johannesburg. This gives us increased access to key markets. Our tourism industry employs more than 150 000 people and last year visitors spent over R18 billion during their time in the province. This MoC will result in increased tourism to the Western Cape.
“IATA coming to Cape Town and SAT’s agreement with Singapore Airlines will play a significant role in growing tourism to our region,” said Minister Winde.