South Africa gains from US downturn

South Africa gains from US downturn

SOUTH Africa claims it is benefiting from the downturn in demand for the US and Middle East following the September 11 attacks.

Tourism leaders claim bookings from the UK jumped more than 10% in 2000 with demand from Europe growing 6.3%.

UK, Ireland and Nordic managing director Willem Eksteen said demand for South Africa has increased even more since the terrorist attacks as people desert the US and Middle East in favour of alternative long-haul destinations.

“Interest since September 11 has leapt by as much as 100%,” he said.

Bluebird Holidays managing director Stephen Powell reported South Africa bookings up 87%.

The number of cruise ships docking in Cape Town has also risen dramatically – from only 11 in the whole of 2000 to 38 in the past six weeks.

Meanwhile, South Africa has signed a deal to continue its London taxi campaign for another 18 months.

It has also revamped its training for agents and is targeting 2000 agents to become South African specialists.

“It is a formal course for agents and those scoring 75% will receive a certificate recognising their specialisation,” said Eksteen.

On the up: Cape Town has seen a huge rise in cruise ship traffic since September 11