Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, has welcomed news that Qatar Airways will be launching a direct Doha-Cape Town route.
The airline this week announced that from 3 November 2014, it will operate direct flights five-times a week between the two destinations.
Minister Winde said the decision spoke to the confidence the airline had in Cape Town as a world-class business and leisure destination.
“Improved air access is linked to increased jobs and growth in our tourism and conferencing industry. That is why we have developed an air access strategy which outlines the benefits of further direct routes between Cape Town and strategic destinations.
“Unfortunately, these exciting developments come during a troubled time for our tourism industry. The new visa regulations continue to negatively impact tourism bookings and investment into our region. Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will be cancelling its Cape Town-London route. I have lodged a petition with Parliament to intervene in these regulations and it is my hope that Minister Malusi Gigaba suspends them pending review before even more damage is done,” said Minister Winde.
Enquiries:
Bronwynne Jooste, Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
