The North West province says it is hoping for a tourism revival following the signing of an agreement to transform the fire-damaged Pilanesberg International Airport into a modern gateway for international and domestic travellers.
Last month, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, and Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality Mayor, Dinah Pitso, signed two Memorandums of Understanding at Pilanesberg International Airport, committing to accelerate the redevelopment of the airport and infrastructure delivery across the province.
“In 2023, this airport suffered a devastating fire. The damage was immediate and visible, but so too was the impact on connectivity, tourism flows, and investor confidence. For many, it became a symbol of infrastructure vulnerability,” said Macpherson. “Today, we stand here to begin turning it into a symbol of infrastructure renewal.”
He highlighted how the projects would enable travellers to use the airport as a gateway to tourism attraction in the province, improving access, occupancy rates and travel expenditure for hotels, resorts, reserves and other hospitality businesses.
“Connectivity is not a luxury in the tourism economy. It is oxygen. When access is easy, demand rises. When access is uncertain, growth stalls. A modernised Pilanesberg Airport strengthens the competitiveness of the North West as a destination – not only domestically, but internationally,” he said.
Airport part of tourism strategy
Jonathan Denga, Interim CEO of the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) told Travel News that the redevelopment project was part of a broader tourism strategy that would create and rebuild tourism in the province.
He said the airport redevelopment would directly benefit some of the biggest attractions in the area, including Sun City, Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve.
“The renewal of the Pilanesberg Airport will offer travellers a direct connection, especially for the tourists who want to fly in, and offer them quicker access to these attractions. Tourists are currently having to resort to flying into Lanseria Airport and then taking a two-hour shuttle ride to the attractions,” said Denga.
“We expect to see great economic benefits arising from this airport development and we look forward to seeing this great investment by the government.”
Regarding the essential infrastructure projects, he explained that improvements to water and electricity supply, as well as road infrastructure, would result in an improved overall tourism experience.
He explained that the NWPTB participated in discussions with the provincial and municipal governments and committed to implementing a broader strategic plan for tourism that would include directed destination marketing campaigns and improved maintenance at its parks.
“From the side of the Tourism Board, we have committed to rebuilding the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, improving its roads, facilities and infrastructure. The Pilanesberg is currently undergoing improvements and we will make sure that it provides a standard of experience that is ideal for tourism by the time that the airport resumes commercial operations,” added Denga.
