June 2015 saw a dramatic 26% decline year-on-year in air ticketing revenue for tickets purchased to South Africa, according to Iata’s air ticketing stats.

The total revenue for all air ticketing sales from South America to SA saw the largest decline – 40% for June 2015 compared with June 2014, according to the stats.

Air ticketing revenue from Asia to SA declined by 32% for the same period compared with June last year and from Europe and North America, it declined by 23% and 27% respectively.   

David Frost, CEO of SATSA, said: “This is accurate and real-time data, which gives us a parameter of what’s happening with tourism into the country. It is a strong indicator, a 26% decline in air ticketing revenue, that something is not well. What is different this June compared with June 2014? The only thing we can look at is the unabridged birth certificates.”