New York direct flights a boon for Cape Town tourism

The launch of United Airlines first-ever direct flights between New York and cape town in December has already led to an 11% increase in forward bookings by US tourist to the mother city for this summer season!

The united airlines will take off from Newark liberty international Airport in New York in December and it’s said that there will be 3 flights a week. This will all lower cost and time in a major way. The US is a key tourism source market for Cape Town and the Western cape, with around 200 000 American tourists coming here annually.

Tim Harris CEO of Wesgro says: We have been targeting this route for years, so it is a significant development for Wesgro and our Cape Town air access initiative, which is a joint venture with the private sector to secure more international air routes for the city.

The Western Cape has been in drought and this great rise has not come in a better in as the Western Cape has just come out of droughts and it hits straight into summer. All this is going to no doubt bolster tourist arrival numbers to Cape Town and the country as a whole. We believe that we are turning the corner.

United Airlines plans to operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on the route, with a seating capacity of 252 passengers. This will include 48 Business class seats, 88 economy-plus seats and 116 economy class seats.

This is all new and exciting things for us all and 2020 does not stop there. We cannot wait to show people how this world is changing and hope everyone jumps on board with us. Get in contact with us on 0215518785 or 0829513646 for all your Shuttle needs at the airport. Airport Shuttle.

My Travel Bucket List

Today I share a few of my dream destinations with you.  Many of you reading this may have visited one or all of these magnificent destinations.  I, on the other hand, still remain hopeful.  These 5 places are at the top of my travel bucket list: 

Switzerland

I don't even have to explain myself with this one.  Who doesn't dream of sipping a mug of Swiss hot chocolate somewhere in a remote mountain cabin while heating up your toes in front of the fireplace?  A romantic getaway on the slopes also sounds like a pretty fine idea...think about sipping a glass of something with that special someone at the Gstaad Palace; absolute heaven!!  (Yes, I am a sucker for romance.  So what?)  The sightseeing is also something to behold...from snow covered mountains to icy lakes and the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen Valley with its 72 plunging waterfalls.  If this does not stir your inner romantic...nothing will!

Italy

To be honest, Italy is not a country I would visit for the sightseeing; though I do want to visit the Colosseum and row my own Gondola in Venice!  The REAL reason I want to visit Italy is the food - I want to eat gluttonous servings of Gelato and pizza and drink copious amounts of wine while I'm at it!  You, however, are free to roam the city and go sightseeing.

Hong Kong

This is a city that appeals to all your senses!  It's a place to visit when you don't plan on resting...imagine experiencing the Chinese New Year celebrations - China is well-known for its over the top festivals and events!

The city also boasts a world-class aquarium, thrill rides and giant pandas at Ocean Park, and if that's not enough...they have a life sized Ark (as in Noah's Ark!), which features a variety of things to do and see for all ages.

For a more spiritual experience, you can take a day trip to Lantau Island to visit the Big Buddha statue.

New York City

This is another city to visit if you don't plan on sleeping a lot...you can have your pick of Broadway shows, visit the famous Museum of Natural History and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).  Early morning Starbucks & bagels in Manhattan followed by a walk in the Park is always a good idea.  Another popular tourist activity is taking an afternoon ferry to Staten Island to visit the ever popular Lady Liberty.

Peru

Like many others before me, I dream of experiencing the world famous city of Machu Picchu and hiking the legendary Inca Trail to the Lost City. 

Another attraction is the Peruvian Amazon, perfect for hiking and sleeping in an open cabin in the middle of the Amazon Jungle!

This list is not exhaustive...there are many places I still want to see. one experience I want with every fibre of my adventure-hungry being is a romantic, tropical island breakaway - that one deserves an entire blog post dedicated to it!

What is your dream destination?


Written by: Christine Kleyn