During the State of the Nation Address earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed that: “We must now promote our unique cultural, historical and natural attractions that reflect the country’s identity. This can include traditional festivals, local crafts, historical sites and natural landscapes across our country and in rural areas as well.

“The launch of the route comes as government continues to implement the Cabinet-endorsed Tourism Route Development Marketing Plan, which seeks to expand direct air access to South Africa through coordinated route development, strategic destination marketing, and collaboration with provincial partners,” said Minister de Lille

As Deputy Minister of Tourism, I remain committed to ensuring that tourism growth translates into meaningful opportunities for ordinary South Africans. Growth must be inclusive. Growth must create pathways into the economy. Growth must support transformation. And growth must improve lives.