In a move to boost South Africa’s tourism industry, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has congratulated Safair on the launch of new direct flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. The new routes will connect the Kruger region with OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport, enhancing access to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The launch of these direct flights is expected to increase the number of visitors to the Kruger National Park, a world-renowned wildlife reserve, and surrounding attractions in Mpumalanga. Minister de Lille expressed her excitement about the development, emphasizing the importance of air connectivity in driving tourism growth.
“This is an exciting development, and we wish to congratulate Safair on this outstanding achievement. We are extremely pleased about these additional flights to our popular Kruger National Park, which is enjoyed by so many in our country and by visitors from all over the world,” said Minister de Lille. “Visitors will now be able to get to the Kruger National Park much easier. This is indeed a significant lever towards the tourism sector’s efforts to grow tourism’s contribution to the economy.”
Minister de Lille also highlighted the broader efforts of the tourism and aviation sectors in expanding air access to South Africa, noting the positive impact this has had on the country’s tourism arrivals.
“We thank the entire tourism sector and aviation sector for all their hard work in consistently working to grow tourism. Many other airlines are also working on route expansion, and this work has paid off with substantial increases in arrivals to South Africa over the past year,” she concluded.
The direct flights by Safair are expected to not only facilitate easier access for domestic travelers but also attract more international tourists to the region, bolstering economic growth and creating job opportunities in the tourism industry. This move aligns with the South African government’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s appeal as a top global travel destination.
