Tourism stands as a pillar of South Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment opportunities for millions. In 2023 alone, it accounted for 8.6% of the nation’s GDP and supported 9.2% of total employment. Among the country’s myriad attractions, Kruger National Park stands tall, drawing over a million visitors annually. Meanwhile, Cape Town has emerged as another hot destination, steadily gaining popularity in recent years.
Yet, the vast distance of nearly two thousand kilometers between these iconic locations poses challenges for travelers seeking to explore both within a single itinerary. Addressing this, FlySafair has launched its newest route, connecting Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), thereby facilitating easier access for tourists to experience the diverse beauty of South Africa.
Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, stating, “We are extremely excited to launch this new route. As a brand, FlySafair is passionate about sharing not only our love of flying, but also our love of all the beauty South Africa has to offer. Currently, options on this route are limited. By adding additional capacity and our low-cost model to the roster, we hope that more tourists, both local and international, can enjoy the wonders that each of these iconic spots has to offer.”
South Africa’s tourism industry is witnessing a resurgence, with 2.1 million international visitors welcomed in Q1 of 2023 alone, a mere 21.5% lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, the distribution of these arrivals has been uneven, with the majority flocking to Gauteng or the Western Cape. Efforts by Cape Town Tourism, including initiatives to address safety concerns, have significantly contributed to the province’s recent success.
Expanding tourism beyond these regions holds immense potential. Increased flight capacity on the Cape Town-Kruger route could encourage tourists to diversify their itineraries, fostering exploration of lesser-known destinations. Moreover, it offers local travelers a convenient and affordable means to experience both the bush and the beach without enduring multiple connections or lengthy drives.
“We are excited to bring the opposite corners of South Africa closer together, giving everyone an affordable way to do both the bush and the beach. Unfortunately, the inconvenience of multiple flights has led visitors to take an either-or approach to travel in South Africa. Hopefully, having a low-cost air travel option can help change this and encourage visitors to book even longer stays,” remarked Gordon.
To commemorate the inaugural flight on this route, FlySafair hosted an event attended by government officials, tourism stakeholders, and key team members. Participants, including premier of Mpumalanga province Ms. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, engaged in discussions about the future of tourism in the region. Emphasizing collaboration, Gordon stated, “Improving the tourism industry and encouraging more exploration of our country is something which will benefit all of us. Events like this are important in that they give us the chance to come together and find more ways to pool our resources to grow the industry together.”
FlySafair’s flights between CTIA and KMIA commenced on April 2, 2024, with tickets starting at R1,851.00 one way. Operating twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the route offers a total travel time of 2.5 hours. To book, visit the FlySafair website or download their app, inviting travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes of South Africa.