International Air Travellers Boost Western Cape Economy with R24.3 Billion Revenue

The international air travel sector plays a decisive role in asserting economic prosperity in Cape Town and the broader realms of the Western Cape, according to contemporary data presented by Cape Town Air Access, in association with Wesgro. Inclusive of job creation, direct tourism expenditure, GDP growth and air freight logistics, aviation emerges as a significant contributor to the region's economic fortitude.

The inflow of 605,000 foreign passengers during 2022 considerably fortified Western Cape's economic framework, directing R24.3 billion into it while concurrently sustaining 10,600 job opportunities. The figures translate into R2.1 million in direct tourism spending and R1.4 million in air cargo revenue being generated for every batch of 100 international passengers landing in the region.

Highlighting on these statistics, Wesgro emphasised the critical influence of the aviation sector in nurturing commercial growth with every 100 incoming passengers bolstering the provincial GDP by a notable R500,000 via both direct and indirect aviation value chains, thereby creating two local employments.

A demographic breakdown of these travellers indicates that out of 100 passengers, 39 are South African residents, while the remainder 61 constitute foreigners hailing from an array including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia.

Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, acknowledged the significance of these figures for the project's continued role in galvanizing air connectivity and setting off a ripple effect on tourism and wider economic spheres.

A firm supporter of aviation's role in the region's economic development, Alderman James Vos, a mayoral committee member responsible for economic growth in Cape Town, stated that the local tourism sector and broader economy appreciated significant improvements through the Air Access initiative. Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, further recognised aviation as a key driver of economic development and catalyst for economic activity across various sectors.