Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) is thrilled about the positive impact that Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport is having on international arrivals in the region. According to LTA spokesperson, Mike Tauatsoala, the airport has been instrumental in bringing in tourists from all over the world visiting the Kruger National Park and the luxury safari lodges in the Greater Kruger. An application for an international licence to receive flights directly from overseas is currently in process with local and provincial authorities working towards it.

The airport is reported to have the longest landing strip in the country. CEO of Eastgate Airport, Esmeralda Barnes, told travelnews. co.za in December last year that the airport shares its facilities with the SANDF, and the rules and regulations stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will also have to be complied with for the issuing of an international licence. These implementation processes take time, Barnes told the online site.

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Tauatsoala said the LTA is excited about the opportunities the airport presents for the local economy. “With more direct flights to and from major cities, it has become easier for tourists to access the beautiful attractions and wildlife that Limpopo has to offer. “This has helped boost the local economy and create more job opportunities for the residents of the region.” Tourism, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, remains the biggest employer among all the other sectors.

“According to a recent survey by Statistics South Africa, the economic fallout from the pandemic led to a decline in revenue from domestic (resident) visitors and inbound (non-resident) visitors. “It was exacerbated by stringent travel restrictions, and led to a fall in tourismrelated expenditure and employment,” he said. “The latest Tourism Satellite Account for South Africa (TSA) report shows improvement in terms of tourism expenditure, and its direct contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) and tourism direct employment,” Tauatsoala said.

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LTA CEO Moses Ngobeni said the influx of international tourists to the luxurious tourism establishments and accommodation facilities in Hoedspruit is encouraging. “The influx is made possible by Eastgate Airport, which is the busiest in the province,” he said. Ngobeni said the number of international arrivals can also be attributed to safety in the area. “Food, safari tours, warm climate and general leisure are some of the reasons for the surge in international arrivals. “The good news is that this will boost Limpopo’s economy thus creating muchneeded jobs to fight poverty and inequality,” he concluded.