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Dubai: The number of UAE nationals visiting South Africa for business and tourism increased by 123 per cent in June and July 2008 compared to the same period last year, according to the South African Consulate General in Dubai.
South African Airways (SAA), the country's national carrier, increased its capacity from the Middle East by 81 per cent due to the increase in demand from this part of the world.
"There has been a considerable increase in the movement of passengers travelling to South Africa from the Middle East compared to last year. The same has been reflected in the number of passengers taking South African Airways to South Africa. Due to increased demand from this part of the world, our capacity from the Middle East to South Africa has been raised by 81 per cent," said Rajendran Vellapalath, SAA Middle East manager.
The increase in capacity was an example of SAA's market penetration, he said.
"There is clear evidence that South Africa is gaining in popularity as a destination. We wanted to make it a first-choice destination, irrespective of the purpose of travel," he said.
SAA has code-share agreements with Emirates on its flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town from Dubai, with Egypt Air on its flights from Cairo to Johannesburg and with Saudi Arabian Airlines on its flights from Jeddah to Johannesburg.
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