Pretoria - South Africa’s nine principal airports are fully prepared to welcome the large volume of both local and international visitors who will be attending the Tourism Indaba in Durban this weekend.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) spokesperson Colin Naidoo said as the owner and operator of the country’s nine principal airports over the years, they have made significant investments in infrastructure in order to deal with growth in air traffic.
“We are ready to welcome the thousands of local and international visitors and exhibitors who will be attending Indaba 2015, as part of its role in facilitating the country’s tourism industry.
“King Shaka International Airport, which turned five years on 1st May 2015, for instance, has been instrumental in the success of Indaba.
“As our airports are gateways into the country and we are committed to our on-going contribution to the tourism industry by ensuring we continue to deliver world-class airport services.
“We also continue to work very closely with our business, tourism and government partners to make our regions and country a destination of choice for tourism and business,” he said.
The Indaba will be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Durban from 9 to 11 May. Last year over 10 000 visitors and 1 600 exhibitors visited the Indaba.
The Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three 'must visit' events of its kind on the global calendar.
Through its world-class airports network, ACSA enables convenient air travel, allowing international and local tourists easy access to South Africa’s top holiday destinations.
Naidoo said this is a critical contribution in enabling economic growth throughout the country’s thriving tourism industry.
It also stimulates other economic and social activities such as increased employment and investment.
ACSA plays a significant role in the economy, contributing 0.13% to South Africa’s GDP. In the 2014 financial year, Airports Company South Africa created 20 977 job opportunities.
It also spent R928 million on capital projects to ensure its airports remain world class facilities. This is a view endorsed by the prestigious SKYTRAX awards – which reflect global airport customer satisfaction. OR Tambo International Airport was named the Best Airport in Africa, while Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport were presented with the Best Airport Staff Service: Africa and Best Regional Airport: Africa, respectively.
Later today, ACSA in partnership with South African Tourism, will host a media welcome cocktail event at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. - SAnews.gov.za
