One of the Fastest Ways to Grow South Africa’s Tourism Economy

Statement by Elmarie Linde MP – DA Deputy Spokesperson on Tourism:

The DA welcomes the launch of LATAM Airlines’ direct service between Cape Town and São Paulo. It is a major victory not only for the Western Cape but also for South Africa’s tourism economy, international competitiveness, and job creation.

The new route to Brazil demonstrates what can be achieved when government, the aviation industry and the private sector work together to remove barriers to international connectivity.

Every new direct international flight represents far more than another route on an airport departures board. It means more visitors spending money in our local economy, more opportunities for businesses, stronger trade links and thousands of jobs supported across the tourism value chain.

Brazil is one of South Africa’s largest tourism source markets in South America, while São Paulo serves as one of Latin America’s most important aviation hubs, offering seamless connections to dozens of destinations across the continent. The new service therefore opens South Africa to an entire new network of travellers while strengthening business and investment ties between our regions.

Our Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tourism argues consistently that expanding international air access must become a national strategic priority. The Committee has repeatedly engaged government departments, airports, airlines and tourism stakeholders on improving connectivity, removing obstacles to route development and ensuring South Africa remains competitive against other global destinations. Cape Town has taken this plea seriously by working with airlines to increase the number of direct flights. Turkish Airlines has just announced an increase in its direct flights between Istanbul and Cape Town from October 2026, raising the frequency from 7 to 10 flights per week. Emirates is also increasing its operations on the Dubai-Cape Town route to three daily flights.

Air access is not simply an aviation issue; it is an economic growth strategy.

Without sufficient direct international flights, South Africa limits its tourism potential regardless of how attractive our destinations may be. Every additional route increases visitor numbers, stimulates investment, strengthens exports and creates employment opportunities throughout the country.

While yesterday’s launch is a significant milestone, it should be viewed as the beginning rather than the end of South Africa’s air access ambitions.

South Africa should actively pursue additional direct routes from Latin America, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to ensure that our country remains globally connected and internationally competitive.

The success of the Cape Town-São Paulo route sends a clear message: when we invest in connectivity, we invest in economic growth.

The DA congratulates all partners involved in making this new route possible and looks forward to seeing many more international airlines choosing South Africa as a destination of choice.