In a major boost for the South African travel sector, Emirates and Wesgro have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at driving inbound tourism to Cape Town and the Western Cape. Signed on the sidelines of the recently concluded Africa’s World Travel Market (WTM), the partnership marks a significant commitment to the region’s Growth for Jobs Strategy.
The agreement was signed at the Emirates stand by Afzal Parambil, Emirates’ Regional Manager for Southern Africa, and Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro’s Chief Executive Officer.
Strategic Collaboration for Economic Impact
The MoU focuses on identifying and unlocking growth opportunities across Emirates’ vast global network. Specifically, the two entities will collaborate to stimulate travel from high-priority markets, including the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), the Far East, and India.
Tourism is a cornerstone of the Western Cape economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and serving millions of visitors annually. By showcasing the province’s diverse natural, cultural, and historical attractions, the partnership aims to convert global interest into tangible visitor growth.
Wrenelle Stander highlighted that these “system-scale opportunities” are essential for engaging global stakeholders and positioning the region as a world-class destination for both business and leisure—offering what she described as “premium experiences, with love from the locals.”
The Arrival of the Airbus A350
A centerpiece of this partnership is the expansion of Emirates’ flight capacity. Following a record-breaking 2025—where Cape Town International Airport handled 11.1 million two-way passengers—Emirates is responding to the surge in demand.
The airline has announced plans to introduce a third daily frequency to the city this summer. This new service will be operated by the airline’s latest aircraft type, the Airbus A350. Notably, South Africa remains the only African nation served by all three aircraft in the Emirates fleet: the iconic A380, the retrofitted Boeing 777, and the next-gen A350.
“Cape Town is one of our most visited and consistently in-demand destinations,” said Afzal Parambil. “This partnership… signals our steadfast commitment to South Africa.”
A Lifeline for Trade and Exports
The partnership extends beyond passenger travel into the vital realm of logistics. Through Emirates SkyCargo, the airline plays a critical role in connecting Western Cape businesses with global customers.
The airline facilitates the rapid movement of significant volumes of fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, chilled meats, seafood, and fresh-cut flowers—from local farms to international shops. With turnaround times of just 24 to 48 hours, this connectivity is essential for the province’s agricultural export success and overall economic stimulation.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As the Western Cape continues to see high volumes of travelers from the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, this MoU ensures the region remains competitive on the global stage. By aligning the airline’s network reach with Wesgro’s promotion of world-class tourism, the partnership is poised to play a meaningful role in Cape Town’s tourism success story for years to come.
