SOUTH African Airways has called on other airlines flying to the country to support the destination’s multi-million pound marketing campaign.
SAA UK marketing manager Russel Barlow-Jones said South African tourism chiefs always looked towards SAA to make a contribution, but it was up to the whole airline community to support the destination, not just one carrier.
“It would be nice to see other airlines getting into marketing the destination,” he said.
The issue of airlines support for South African Tourism’s marketing efforts came under fire at Indaba in Durban.
Michael Farr, executive director of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, said original estimates of the voluntary levy had included a £2.1m contribution from the airlines.
But the SAT marketing team had been unable to work out a formula with the airlines to introduce any extra passenger charge, which could support the marketing fund.
Hotels have introduced a 1% charge.
But David Frost, chairman of the SAT partnership committee, said talks were under way with Virgin Atlantic and SAA about contributing in some way.
“We are hopeful we will get maybe £1m to £2m back from the airlines,” he said.
Meanwhile, UK tour operators said there was confusion over how the voluntary 1% bed levy was being charged.