Air transport’s contribution to the South African tourism industry has helped tourism become the only sector that has grown in gross domestic product (GDP) and in employment contribution to the economy, according to Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe.
Speaking of the Airlift Strategy 2006 at the Airlines and Air Transport Africa 2006 Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday, Radebe said that air transport generates about 470 000 direct and indirect jobs across Africa, contributing over $11,3-billion to African GDP.
”If we add air transport-dependent sectors such as tourism, then the number of jobs increases to about 3,1-million and the contribution to African GDP reaches [about] $55,5-billion,” he said.
Since 2000, tourism has grown at rates averaging between 4% and 6% per year.
The number of tourist arrivals has grown considerably from one million in 1990 to over seven million in 2005. He said that it is estimated that the growth of tourism arrivals contributes one new direct job for every 12 new tourists in South Africa.
With respect to the Tourism Growth Strategy, the Airlift Strategy document said that the mission for air transport is to ensure an enabling environment that responds effectively to the needs of domestic and international users and air-service providers.
But Radebe said that even in this context of growth, the department has identified certain aviation constraints potentially hindering the development of the tourism sector.
Such constraints are: Instances where the absence of an integrated network approach towards air services serving South Africa and its key markets has created problems of capacity; gaps appearing between bilateral air-services frameworks and national policies and strategies; and the role of government in allowing for flexibility to serve unique markets.
Radebe also said that safety and security in aviation, in the air, on aircraft and on the ground remains a top priority and must remain at the forefront of proactive intelligence work, planning, training and implementation.
He said that infrastructure investments to assist the programme include R96-million for the renewal of terrestrial aeronautical navigation systems and R160-million for replacement of existing, older radar systems in certain areas of South Africa.
”We are delighted that [The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company] can offer its specialist services in its newly appointed capacity as the Aeronautical Regional Monitoring Agency for Africa. These are exciting technology developments that we are proud to support,” he added.
Radebe also said that the face of South African-African aviation relations is about to change forever.
He indicated that he already has unlimited capacity agreements with six African countries, including, Kenya, Ghana and Ethiopia.
”Let us all work towards improving air access to all African countries by easing regulatory constraints, lowering air-travel costs, facilitating airline partnerships and promoting regional operating consortia, while instituting fair competition and operating frameworks.”