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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 9 • 7 - 13 May 2010

The recent signing of the airlift contract between Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency and Comair is set to radically change the method of travel between Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces, and it could have come at no better time, than when the province is hosting the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

The contract forms part of the province’s ambitious tourism strategy that was adopted by Mpumalanga’s Executive Council (cabinet) two years ago. The strategy aims to  turn Mpumalanga into a “world class tourism destination”.

The Mpumalanga Tourism Agency aims to increase the number of international tourists visiting Mpumalanga from the current 1,3 million to 2,4 million and domestic tourists from 1,8 million to an ambitious 8 million by 2016.

Earlier this year, Mpumalanga became the first province in the country to launch its airlift strategy, which aims to increase the province’s airlift capacity.

MTPA’s predecessor, Mpumalanga Tourism Authority attempted an almost similar initiative in 2005 dubbed flympumalanga.com. While it cost twice the current deal, it collapsed due to, among others, lack of political support.

The cornerstone of the tourism strategy is to create easier, affordable and faster access for visitors to the province.

According to MTPA, their research had revealed that one of the contributors to the exorbitant airfares in Mpumalanga was the cost of landing planes at the KMIA, which is one of only two private international airports in South Africa.

MTPA CEO, Charles Ndabeni told a press briefing on Tuesday that the agency has invested R2,9 million to mitigate the impact of the prohibitive airfares on the pocket of passengers.

This means that, should Comair decide to pull out of the arrangement, MTPA will not lose on its investment, and can always seek other partners.

In terms of the agreement, there will be six flights per week departing from OR Tambo International at 10:40 am and reaching KMIA 40 minutes later, thanks to the Boeing 737-300 flight that will be operating on the route.

The aircraft not only boasts advanced technologies, but those who prefer to travel business class will, for the first time, be able to do so, and for the rest there is more “leg room”

The introduction of British Airways (BA) also means that tourists from anywhere around the world where BA operates, will now be able to benefit from the online and e-reservation systems of the airline.

It will also be easier to access connecting flights between OR Tambo International and KMIA, particularly for international tourists who will be using BA.

MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Jabulani Mahlangu could not hide his excitement on the achievements of the MTPA and its board which is chaired by Sabelo Mahlalela.

“This is one board I am happy about and in particular the cordial relationship that exists between the board and the [tourism] industry.”

“We are excited. We will be in a position to surge forward,” Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu also urged the MTPA to facilitate the diversification of tourism products in the province, and capitalize on facilities such as the newly constructed Mbombela Multipurpose Sports Stadium.

“We must mobilise for mega events, such as sports as a tourism product. We must market the province and take advantage of the [Comair agreement] opportunity ” he said.