Limpopo Tourism Agency is excited about the contribution Hoedspruit East Gate airport makes to international arrivals

Limpopo Province; Polokwane: Limpopo Tourism Agency is excited about the contribution the Hoedspruit East Gate Airport makes to tourism in the province. Tourism is one of the three pillars of the provincial economy with mining and agriculture. The tourism sector, that has displayed resilience over the years during the world economic downturn and a few years ago during COVID-19 pandemic, remains the biggest employer among all the other sectors. It is pleasing to note that the sector is doing well despite disruptions caused by the pandemic four years ago.

According to the recent survey by Statistics South Africa, the economic fallout from COVID-19 affected many industries, including South Africa’s tourism sector. A decline in revenue from domestic (resident) visitors and inbound (non-resident) visitors, exacerbated by stringent travel restrictions, saw a fall in tourism trips, tourism-related expenditure, and employment.

The survey further states that the sector has shown signs of recovery from the pandemic’s repercussions. The latest Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa (TSA) report shows how the sector is faring; in terms of tourism expenditure, direct contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and tourism direct employment.

The CEO of LTA, Mr. Moses Ngobeni, is excited by the good news about the influx of international tourists visiting South Africa as they never want to miss visiting lush and luxurious tourism establishments and accommodation facilities in in Hoedspruit under Maruleng Municipality. The town is fast becoming a haven for international tourists from the Americas and Europe who come for safaris for the big five, visiting the Kruger National Park in the main.

“We are very excited that the tourism sector has recovered to give us good numbers of international arrivals. Our various campaigns to create brand awareness about destination Limpopo during international trade shows, are coming to fruition. We cvare excited with the high number of tourists who will spread the good news about Limpopo as destination not to miss as they package their trips to South Africa. Other areas that continue to record high number of international tourists in the province include the Kruger National Park and Welgevonden Conservancy in Waterberg, and Mapunguwe in Vhembe”, said the CEO of Limpopo Tourism Agency, Mr. Moses Ngobeni.

The influx is made possible by East Gate Airport, which is the busiest in the in the province having four to five flights a day. The Municipality of Maruleng under its Mayor, Cllr. Tsheko Musolwa is currently engaging provincial and national Government to be offered an international airport licence. The airport is reported to have the longest landing strip in the country.

The surge in the number of international arrivals is attributed to safety in the area but most importantly the town’s proximity to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Food, safari tours, warm climate and general leisure are some of the reasons for the surge in international arrivals. The good news is that this will boost Limpopo’s economy thus creating much needed jobs to fight poverty and inequality. LTA welcomes the news on the increase of the international arrivals as the province was for a long period second from Gauteng in this space until the status quo was disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Issued on Behalf of LTA BY:
Surprise Moshokwa
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 015 293 3600
Cell: 077 603 1268
Email: surprisem@golimpopo.com Share this

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