The introduction of a possible Air China flight from Beijing to South Africa (see more here) could help revive tourism from China, industry players have told Tourism Update. Tourism numbers from China recently dropped significantly as a result of the new stringent biometric visa requirements announced by Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba.
Kris Van Goethem, Managing Director Asian Trails China, says he is very pleased to hear Air China is considering direct flights to South Africa and says the direct link will definitely help to boost interest in both directions.
Jeanine Tönnesen, Manager China Experience Trade & Tours, says South Africa could even become an important gateway for travel from China into Africa if the Air China route to South Africa becomes a reality. “The trade between China and Africa is on the rise and China is becoming one of Africa’s largest trading partners. China is doing business with most of the regions in Africa. South Africa will definitely benefit as South Africa will be used as a hub.”
Tönnesen says: “On the leisure travel side, more direct flights will promote more travel opportunities. It will definitely increase the number of people visiting South Africa from China. South Africa is still an affordable destination if you compare it to many European destinations,” she says, adding that an additional carrier on the route will also make the airfares more competitive.
