The Cape Town International Airport will be receiving a major upgrade in an effort to improve on of the most important economic growth drivers – the tourism sector.
The upgrade includes an extra long runway able to accommodate large planes like the A380, according to a statement, after environmental approval was received to proceed with the new developments.
Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Tourism, James Vos, says that removing the current limitations at Cape Town International would allow for more opportunities and more direct flights to the Western Cape. Upgrades to OR Tambo International were crucial too, as it’s the gateway to Africa.
“We also need to look at upgrading rail and roads if we want to grow domestic tourism. Affordability is an issue and flying is very expensive in South Africa. We also need to streamline aviation taxes to make flying more accessible to more people. Currently we pay VAT, airport tax and a fuel levy on a single airfare,” he said.
Vos reiterates the words of head of SA Tourism, Sisa Ntshona, who said earlier that the tourism body wanted to increase domestic tourism by an extra one million people within five years.
He said further that the transformation of the tourism sector was crucial to South Africa’s future. “We have to break down the barriers. Tourism must be inclusive and we should be developing tourism entrepreneurs from the ground up, so small businesses can become big business.”
Photography Buzz South Africa