Cape Town to host World Air Transport Summit

"South Africa will be a great location for the 2013 AGM and WATS. Air connectivity is key to South Africa's economic success, contributing 2.1% to the country's GDP," said Tony Tyler, director general and CEO of IATA. "Along with supporting South Africa's strong tourism sector, air connectivity plays a critical role in maximising growth opportunities arising from South Africa's BRICS membership and the burgeoning African economy."

Direct air access remains critical

This year's AGM and WATS in Beijing attracted some 750 airline industry leaders representing IATA's 242 member airlines. It drew a further 350 journalists representing major media outlets from around the world. South African Airways is set to be host airline to the conference and hopes to address, amongst other issues, air travel safety in Africa.

"Direct air access to and from key source markets and developing markets remains a critical issue for Cape Town. Ease of entry to our destination is essential to stimulate and sustain Cape Town's tourism sector and this is a conversation that needs to happen in tandem with airline partners. The hosting of this conference is an excellent opportunity for Cape Town to showcase our multi-faceted destination whilst also contributing to our reputation as a 365 day business destination," Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold said.