Cape Town International Airport’s international arrivals have boosted the economy of the Western Cape, injecting over R24 billion in 2022.
These findings were jointly revealed by Cape Town Air Access and the Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, known as Wesgro.
In 2022, Cape Town International Airport welcomed 605 000 foreign passengers and their arrival had far-reaching economic implications. The injection of R24.3 billion into the Western Cape economy not only supported thousands of jobs but also contributed to various sectors.
For every 100 international passengers travelling to Cape Town and the Western Cape, a staggering R2.1 million was generated in direct tourism spending.
Moreover, the same 100 passengers facilitated the movement of R1.4 million worth of air cargo for the province.
For every 100 passengers, an impressive R500 000 was injected into the provincial GDP. This direct contribution, coupled with the indirect value chains associated with aviation, led to the creation of two local jobs.
The breakdown of these travellers’ demographics reveals that out of every 100 passengers, 39 were South African nationals, with the remaining 61 originating from foreign countries. Among the top five source markets, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia featured prominently.
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These results highlight the significance of the Cape Town Air Access project, which has consistently expanded direct air connectivity. The positive ripple effect of this project extends to the broader economy, particularly the tourism sector.
As the upcoming peak summer season is expected to surpass 2019 passenger levels, it is clear that the economic impact of international arrivals will continue to grow in 2023. The resurgence of air travel and tourism bodes well for the Western Cape’s economic recovery and growth.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, emphasises the importance of aviation in Cape Town’s destination offering. He aims to create a tourism-related job in every household in the metro, recognizing that increased flight arrivals benefit multiple industries.
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, says the aviation sector has a growing significance as a major engine of economic development. Beyond direct benefits, it catalyses economic activity across various industries.
Cape Town Air Access’s diligent efforts since 2015 have yielded substantial dividends for the province. Notably, it has enabled the Western Cape to capture a significant share of South Africa’s business and tourism traffic.
Additionally, improved passenger and cargo connectivity has positively influenced foreign direct investment, trade and export competitiveness, ultimately strengthening the local economy.
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Picture: Unsplash