Question NW314 to the Minister of Tourism
23 March 2022 - NW314
Winkler, Ms HS to ask the Minister of Tourism
What are the details of the (a) outcomes of her meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Airlines and (b) collaboration opportunities that were discussed?
Reply:
(a) The meeting with the CEO of Emirates, HH Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al, on 15 December 2021 focused on opportunities to be explored by both countries including investments, tourism and knowledge sharing around hosting of big events i.e. 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and World Expo Dubai 2020 as well as to intensify airlift collaborations. Emirates Airlines has a number of code-share agreements with South African airlines such as Airlink, Safair, etc., which cover the domestic as well as the regional (SADC) market. It was further proposed that Emirates Airlines should consider re-introducing Rooibos Tea on their airline, which is very popular in South Africa as an indigenous product of the country due to its health benefits.
(b) Both sides agreed that it is important to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Emirates Airlines and South African Tourism. Emirates indicated that with the MoU signed, they can drive demand to South Africa. The process to finalise the MoU is currently in progress and due to be signed soon.