South Africa’s leading low-cost airline, FlySafair, has launched its latest direct route from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela, marking a significant milestone in boosting the country’s tourism industry. The route, which has been operational for just over a week since its formal introduction on the 2nd of August, has already garnered praise from government officials for its positive impact on tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, lauded both the new route from OR Tambo to KMIA and its sister route from Cape Town International, which was launched in April this year, for their role in increasing tourist arrivals from various markets and enhancing the tourism sector’s contribution to South Africa’s economic growth.
“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. This is indeed a significant lever towards the tourism sector’s efforts to grow tourism’s contribution to the economy,” De Lille said.
Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, emphasized the airline’s commitment to making travel to the Kruger National Park more accessible and affordable for both local and international travelers. “The goal for both routes is the same: to make it easier, and more affordable, with tickets starting from just R951*, for both local travelers and international visitors to reach the Kruger National Park,” he stated.
The Kruger National Park, recently named by Brand Africa as one of the top three destinations that have placed South Africa on the global map, continues to grow in popularity, attracting nearly two million visitors annually. According to the Kruger Gate Hotel, the park has already seen double the bookings in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. This surge in visitor numbers has had a positive ripple effect on the local economy surrounding the Kruger National Park, as well as on the Mpumalanga province.
“We are thrilled that the government has recognized our efforts in making a national treasure like the Kruger National Park more accessible, as well as acknowledging our commitment to doing our part to foster tourism growth,” Gordon continued.
FlySafair’s new Johannesburg to Kruger Park route is just one of the airline’s many initiatives aimed at bolstering South Africa’s economy and making travel smoother and more affordable for all. Other initiatives include the Business Booster campaign and Schools Booster competition, further demonstrating the airline’s dedication to supporting the country’s economic development.