AFRICA ST HELENA
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VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY —
St Helena is one of the world’s most isolated islands but a new airport has made the Atlantic Ocean destination more accessible, says Andrew Doherty
I
n the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean – 2,000 miles east of Brazil and 1,200 miles off the coast of South
Africa – sits St Helena, one of the world’s most isolated destinations. With a flight arriving just once a week and a population of about 4,500, the 47-square-mile island is unspoilt and offers stunning natural beauty and a rich marine ecosystem. Until the much-delayed airport opened in 2016, the island was only served by the Royal Mail ship St Helena sailing from Cape Town, which eventually stopped services in early 2018. Now South African airline SA Airlink has
weekly direct flights from Johannesburg, with a second weekly seasonal service set to be added from Cape Town for the peak season running from December 2019 through to February 2020. “Overtourism isn’t a problem for us,” says
Helena Bennett, director of tourism at Enterprise St Helena. “We are a very exclusive destination.” The British Overseas Territory was first
discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and settled by the English in the 1600s under the East India Company, where it quickly became a trading hub. Historic sites include the archives of the East India Company and Longwood House, where the exiled French general Napoleon Bonaparte lived until his death in 1821.
But it’s St Helena’s otherworldly landscapes
and abundant marine life that is most likely to attract tourists, adds Bennett. “We are one of the few places in the world
where whale sharks come to mate,” she says. “We also offer whale- and dolphin-watching excursions, where we’ve had pods of 30 whales and 300 dolphins visit at once.” On land, Bennett recommends St Helena’s
hiking paths: “Walking is the best way to see the island. The coastal routes are suited to fitter visitors, while the interior paths are easier.” With only eight hotels and guesthouses, and a plethora of family-run restaurants serving up a fusion of British, south-east Asian, Madagascan, Chinese and African cuisine, visitors have plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with locals. “We pride ourselves on our friendliness,” says
Bennett. “People won’t think twice about striking up a conversation with you.” During WTM London, St Helena will be
promoting its heritage and historic attractions, as well as wildlife experiences – the island is home to more than 400 endemic species. Marine activities are also a focus, particularly
diving, with adult whale sharks visiting St Helena during its summer months from January to March.
Visit St Helena Tourism on stand AF363 05.11.2019 WTM OFFICIAL EVENT DAILY 63
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