FlySafair’s New Route Boosts Tourism and Economic Growth

South Africa’s leading low-cost airline, FlySafair, has begun flying its latest direct route from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Mbombela.

Although the route has been operational for just over a week since its formal introduction to the market on the 2^nd of August, it has already been praised by the government for its contribution to tourism.

Both the new route from OR Tambo to KMIA and its sister route from Cape Town International, launched in April this year, were applauded by Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, for boosting arrivals from various markets and thus growing the tourism sector's contribution to 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, '' she enthused.

''The goal for both routes is the same: to make it easier, and more affordable, with tickets starting from just R951*, for both local travellers and international visitors to reach the Kruger National Park,'' says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.

There is good reason to make the park more accessible - the Kruger National Park was recently named by Brand Africa as one of the top three destinations that have placed South Africa on the global map, The park is also growing in popularity, currently attracting just under two-million visitors every year, and, according to the Kruger Gate Hotel, has already attracted double the bookings from the first quarter of last year to the same time period in 2024.

This has had a knock-on positive effect on the local economy and around the Kruger National Park, as well as on the Mpumalanga province, according to the hotel.

''We are thrilled that government has recognised our efforts in making a national treasure like the Kruger National Park more accessible, as well as acknowledging our commitment to do our part to foster tourism growth, '' continues Gordon.

 

''With our new Johannesburg to Kruger Park route, as with our other initiatives such as a Business Booster campaign and Schools Booster competition, we remain committed to helping bolster the country's economy while enabling smoother, more affordable travel, to the benefit of all,'' he concludes.