“The Chinese economy continues to grow despite difficult global economic conditions, bringing with it an increasing outbound travel market. This underscores the fact that airlift certainly forms a critical link between trading nations and tourism markets,” Van Schalkwyk said.

The move also comes at a time when China is emerging as a strong trade partner and an important tourism market for South Africa, he said.

Official figures show that more than 42 000 Chinese tourists visited South Africa in 2009 and in 2010, that number increased by 62.3% to 68 309. The statistics to date for Chinese visitors to South Africa from January to September 2011 show that just under 60 000 visited the country.   

“China has been identified as a viable source market for international tourist arrivals to South Africa.  The majority of travellers are between the ages of 25 and 44,” said Van Schalkwyk.