South African Airways is preparing to launch its first intercontinental flight since the Covid-19 lockdown, reinstating direct flight service between Cape Town and São Paulo, Brazil on October 31, 2023. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first such connection in over a decade.
Successful Tourism Campaign
The decision to re-establish this vital link between two vibrant cities is backed by the resounding success of a tourism campaign that targeted key international markets. The campaign garnered over 23 million impressions on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, exceeding its target by a staggering 500%. In Europe, the promotional efforts reached more than 25 million views, surpassing the goal by three million views.
Surge in Inbound Travel
These impressive results paved the way for a surge in inbound travel to Cape Town, with the USA leading the charge at an incredible 155% recovery rate. Alderman Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, believes that the campaign’s success in the US market and Europe can be replicated in Brazil, ultimately driving up bookings and fostering positive sentiment among potential travelers.
Direct Flight between Cape Town and São Paulo
To explore the possibility of a direct flight between the two cities, Alderman James Vos and Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy, met with Brazilian airline executives, tourism bodies, and investment agencies in April. The Air Access team at Wesgro, a key player in establishing the route, engaged with aviation stakeholders over an extended period to ensure that all necessary requirements were fulfilled.
Benefits of Seamless Connectivity
Brazil is South Africa’s largest trading partner in Latin America, and the two nations share a strong bond through tourism. The introduction of this direct flight is expected to enhance relations between the regions significantly, boosting trade and tourism while benefiting Cape Town’s economy. The new route will also contribute to the creation of tourism-related jobs, solidifying Cape Town’s position as a global tourism hotspot.
Bright New Era in South American Tourism
As the highly anticipated launch date approaches, Alderman Vos and his team are determined to keep the route in operation and attract more South American travelers to Cape Town. With optimism running high, this new connection is set to usher in a bright new era in South American tourism, transforming the landscape of international travel and forging stronger ties between Cape Town and São Paulo.
