The expansion of international air connectivity between South Africa, Türkiye and Brazil could create new opportunities for Mpumalanga’s tourism businesses, but the province will need to turn growing international access into longer visitor stays and increased spending in local communities.
Turkish Airlines will increase its South African services to 20 weekly flights from October 2026, while South America’s LATAM Airlines has launched its first direct route between Cape Town and São Paulo.
The developments have been welcomed as opportunities to strengthen tourism, trade and investment.
However, the bigger business question is whether improved connectivity can translate into more customers for Mpumalanga guesthouses, tour operators, restaurants, transport providers and cultural tourism businesses.
Mpumalanga is already a major tourism destination, and the Department of Tourism noted that arrivals from Türkiye increased by 92% in May 2026, compared with the same month in 2025, while South Africa welcomed 4.76 million international visitors between January and May 2026, a 12.8% increase year-on-year. Arrivals from Brazil also rose by more than 40% ahead of LATAM’s new service.
Turning visitors into customers
The new routes could help Mpumalanga attract travellers from Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, particularly if visitors arriving through Cape Town and Johannesburg are encouraged to extend their trips to the province.
The Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon and cultural tourism experiences provide opportunities for local tourism SMMEs to benefit.
Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism spokesperson Silence Mhlaba said the province’s engagements with international buyers are aimed at increasing visitor numbers and spending.
“The strategic engagements we held with both local and international buyers and key stakeholders were rooted in establishing partnerships and collaborations with a view to increasing tourist arrivals and spend in our respective countries,” Mhlaba said.
The challenge for small businesses is ensuring that international tourists use locally owned accommodation, transport companies, restaurants, tour operators and cultural experiences.
The additional flights could also create indirect opportunities for agricultural businesses supplying hotels, lodges and restaurants with fresh produce.
Connectivity alone is not enough
Istanbul’s position as a major aviation hub could give South African businesses easier access to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, while the São Paulo connection strengthens links with Brazil.
However, better connectivity does not automatically guarantee business growth. Local SMEs still need international marketing, access to travel distribution networks, export support and partnerships with overseas operators.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for visitors.
“The safety of our tourists is a priority to us, and we have taken precautionary measures to ensure that they return home safe. The arrival of LATAM’s inaugural direct flight between São Paulo and Cape Town is an expression of confidence in our travel market growth,” De Lille said.
