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Cape Town - Currently only reachable by ship, the quaint island of St Helena is undergoing what promises to be something of a tourism revolution as the first airport is set to open in 2016.
In a press statement released late last week the St Helena Government and Department for International Development announced that air services would be provided by Comair Limited, while Mantis has been chosen as the preferred operator of the 124 Main Street Hotel.
AIR SERVICES
Comair, operating as British Airways under its licence agreement with British Airways plc, will operate a scheduled service between OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport.
The weekly service will take place on Saturdays aboard a brand new, state of the art Boeing 737-800 type aircraft in a two class configuration (Business and Economy) with the flight time from Johannesburg to St Helena being approximately five hours.
Through its partnerships with international network carriers operating direct services to Johannesburg, Comair will provide onward connections to and from St Helena.
Customers will enjoy the benefits of purchasing a single ticket with the convenience of one stop check-in and baggage transfer.
The agreement with Comair is for an initial term of three years from the date of the first flight, with the potential for up to two extensions of two years each - a maximum term of seven years.
Bookings will open for sale later this year subject to the conclusion of the required Government and regulatory approvals and obtaining the specific consents and licences associated with the terms of Air Service Agreement between St Helena Government and Comair.
JAMESTOWN HOTEL
In anticipation of an influx of tourists, a new 32-room hotel is also expected to open in St Helena’s capital, Jamestown.
It will be located at 123 Main Street, consists of three historic buildings and will be operated by South African-based hospitality company, Mantis.
Construction is due to start in July 2015, and the hotel is expected to open during the first half of 2016. Bar and restaurant facilities in the hotel will be open to the public.
Mantis is a family run collection of award winning, privately owned, five star properties located around the world, across all seven continents. These include boutique hotels, game reserves, eco-lodges, ski-lodges and chalets and boutique cruises - offering in-the-know travellers exceptional properties and authentic experiences.
What do you think about this prospect? Will it open St Helena up to wonderful new opportunities? Or could it spoil the uniqueness of the island? Tell us in the comment section below, tweet @traveller24_sa or share your thoughts with us on Facebook
