(TAN): Emirates and the South African Tourism Board have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly promote tourism and boost visitor arrivals and inbound traffic to South Africa from key markets across the Emirates network.
The MoU was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates’ SVP commercial operations for Africa, and South Africa Tourism Board’s acting CEO Themba Khumalo in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline & Group and South African Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
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Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer said: “For more than 25 years we have invested in, and grown our operations to, South Africa. We’re working hard to restore our services to pre-pandemic levels to help generate more opportunities for travellers from around the world to experience South Africa’s unique natural experiences, world-renowned cuisine, and local culture. Emirates is well-placed to support the recovery of South Africa’s tourism sector and help raise the profile of the destination again.”
Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said: “We want to continue ensuring ease of access into South Africa for Middle Eastern travellers and this collaboration will assist us in elevating our trade efforts; in terms of packaging the destination. We look forward to welcoming more travellers from the Middle East, to experience the various quality assured products and experiences that cater for this market, including; family friendly accommodation establishments and activities, a diverse offering of cuisine as well as wildlife and safari.”
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“The Middle East is a critical market for South Africa so this partnership will be very instrumental in ensuring ease of access to and from South Africa for travellers from this region. This will increase direct airlift, making room for more travellers, and as our tourism sector recovers we look forward to welcoming more visitors from the Middle East,” said South African Tourism Acting CEO Themba Khumalo.
