ROUTES AFRICA: World Routes Host Prepares for African Debut in 2015

In just under 15 months, World Routes will be making its debut in the African continent, hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Province at the ICC Durban from 20th to 22nd September, 2015. The host region is an area that fully understands the important role aviation plays in economic development and how an airport can become a driver for growth through enhanced air connectivity.

KwaZulu-Natal is home to South Africa's second largest economy and, situated on the strategically important east coast, the Province boasts two of Africa's major seaports, Durban - Africa's busiest port and leading Southern Hemisphere container terminal – and Richards Bay – South Africa's largest deep-water harbour and primary bulk commodities handling facility. It is now home to the developing Dube TradePort project, the pulsing heart of a budding aerotropolis developing around Durban's new King Shaka International Airport.

The city of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal Province have embarked upon a development strategy to grow the regional tourism economy and to increase the number of international tourists by 2030. The plan is to grow passenger and cargo airlift out of King Shaka International Airport and hosting World Routes 2015 will assist in improving the air services potential of the airport, coupled with the trade gateway operations of the two sea ports. In addition, bringing the event to the growing aviation market of Africa, which also has significant potential, will be of huge benefit to the region.

The HUB spoke to Sadha Naidoo, board chairperson for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, to find out more about the destinations plans for next year’s event.

Sadha Naidoo, Board Chairperson, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
Richard Maslen

Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and…