TOURISM IS slowly improving in SA from internationals.
This week German’s Eurowings Discover, landed at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), Mpumalanga.
The airline will operate 3 weekly direct flights between Frankfurt and KMIA with a year-round.
This is sign of vote of confidence by internationals following the unfortunate incident of a German tourist who was murdered en route to the Kruger Park, recently.
Fortunately, the suspects were caught and appeared in court.
Safety will be paramount in all tourist destinations; and the only way is to involve more communities instead of them being spectators, says Oupa Pilane, from Mpumalanga Tourism Federation.
As for Eurowings Discover, Lufthansa Group’s leisure airline, has a strong commercial focus on leisure destinations on the African continent. Kruger Mpumalanga is the seventh destination on the continent after already starting services from Frankfurt to Mombasa, Zanzibar, Mauritius, Windhoek, Victoria Falls and Kilimanjaro.
Welcoming the landing of the first ever Eurowings Discover direct flight from Germany to the province, Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Nompumelelo Hlophe, says: “As Mpumalanga, we are very much excited about the landing of the first ever direct flight from Germany; this is a sign of trust and confidence in our tourism industry.
We’re very delighted that this will further expose and promote the destination of Mpumalanga as an international tourist destination of choice. We’re quite certain that the direct flight by Eurowings Discover will increase the number of international tourists from Germany and Europe in general.
We welcome the initiative, and we encourage other airlines to also consider flying directly into our province. Indeed, when we unite in purpose, we will surely be greater than the sum of our parts. I believe that this partnership will not only accelerate economic activity through tourism, but will also bring Europeans and our people closer, for future collaborative efforts”.
“We are both thrilled and proud to start flight operations between Frankfurt and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport as the first intercontinental airline ever.
For me personally, it is a special pleasure to be on board of today´s Eurowings Discover inaugural flight. It is a truly unique addition not only to our own leisure portfolio but also to the whole Lufthansa Group network.
It was never easier for travellers from all over Europe to experience the beauty and diversity of this stunning nature and wildlife reserve which is particularly popular with holidaymakers from Germany,” says Helmut Woelfel, Chief Commercial Officer at Eurowings Discover.
The province is synonymous for signature tourism spots.
“The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is excited to see the fulfilment of this dream of landing the first direct flight from Frankfurt to Mbombela. This is a game changing achievement for the province.
This direct flight from Frankfurt to KMIA will promote the destination and increase tourist numbers to the province. We look forward to providing our tourists from Germany with a memorable experience of wildlife, scenic beauty, adventure, culture and heritage,” commented Mduduzi Vilakazi, acting CEO at Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
“Germany is a key source market for South Africa. We know from our insights and from our engagement with German tourists that they want to be outdoors exploring and enjoying nature.
Mpumalanga offers this and more. The province has a wide variety of experiences in wide-open spaces, wildlife as well as quaint little towns characterised by unique South African cultures with warm and welcoming people always ready to receive and cater to tourists.
South Africa is indeed open for business and we invite visitors from this market to use South Africa’s extensive network to also explore the other parts of our country as we have a wide variety of tourism products and experiences,” says Nomasonto Ndlovu, chief operating officer at SA Tourism.
The arrival of the flight was welcomed with a water salute and a festive ceremony.
“On behalf of all of us at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, I would like to extend a very warm and truly unique welcome to Eurowings Discover and their inaugural flight between Frankfurt and Mpumalanga.
Watching the wheels touchdown today was an incredible moment for all of us. We are proud of our role in this game changing route development and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to fully realise the potential of our region’s wonderful tourist assets and the sustainability of this direct intercontinental schedule to and from Europe,” commented Grant Ponting, CEO – KMI Airport.
“This is really good news. Both for South Africa as a tourism destination, and for German visitors who want to enjoy this part of this unique country.
Welcome, Eurowings Discover, to Kruger Park! Namukelekile!” added German Ambassador Andreas Peschke.
Eurowings Discover will operate at KMIA from November 15.
Meanwhile, a lodge will also be unveiled later this month by well-known businessman Dr Rueul Khoza in Graskop.
Image (Safe landing at KMIA).
