There is fear running throughout the tourism and business sectors of Cape Town that the decision by the SAA to stop its direct flights to the region will hurt the economy. Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold, Cape Town Tourism head, said that the cessation of the flights could have a negative effect on tourism from the UK and the rest of Europe. She also stated that the troubled economy has resulted in decreased business travel, making the route less profitable.
Michael Bagraim, president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the decision is sad and that they have made this decision at the worst possible time, in the middle of winter and when Europe is experiencing a major economic downturn. The Chamber of Commerce has asked the airline to reconsider their decision, but if they did, then the tourism industry would have to take up the slack and cover the costs.
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