Cape Metro Tourism boss concerned by airline pullout

THE ceo of Cape Metropolitan Tourism, Rick Taylor, says he understands that Virgin Atlantic Airways' decision to pull out of Cape Town during the traditional low season period is based on business principles of supply and demand, but says Cape Town needs to become an all-year-round destination which will mean airlines will not withdraw air frequencies to the city. Earlier this month, Virgin announced that as of March 26, the airline will suspend its Sunday service ex-London and its Friday service as of April 21. The airline will however resume its full schedules in November. "Obviously from a tourist point of view we are very disappointed. But we understand that they are operating a business, and at present the route is unprofitable." Taylor maintains that 'Secret Season' promotions are beginning to pay dividends evidenced by the fact that arrivals for May and September 2001 proved far more promising than the previous four years. He adds that from a Convention Bureau point of view, Cape Town has secured 11 bids in the last six to seven months with a further 16 bids put forward until 2011. "All these conferences will host more than 1 000 delegates each and we need to work together with airlines to ensure that there are enough seats to bring them to the city." Cape Town's International Convention Centre is scheduled to open in August 2003. Taylor concludes that long term thinking and vision is necessary to maintain Cape Town's rising reputation as one of the world's foremost leisure and MICE destinations. (Miguel de Sousa)