THE EASTERN CAPE is looking at ways of upgrading its airports in order to promote tourism development. Eastern Cape Transport MEC Dennis Neer says here is great potential for economic growth through tourism in the province. The provincial airports and landing strips could become "gateways to that growth". Neer told a media briefing in Bisho that the thrust in the current financial year would be to "aggressively market" the airports at Umtata and Bisho "to stimulate greater utilisation and generate additional revenues from the transport of passengers and freight. We have done a survey of the landing strips and we envisage upgrading both Umtata and Bulembu (Bisho) airports for use as tourist gateways. Small air strips will be part of that plan and would be a good way of getting people to resorts," he says. The air strips to be examined are at Kei Mouth, Qolora Mouth, Wavecrest, Mazeppa Bay, Kob Inn and Port St Johns. There is a strip being developed at Coffee Bay. A survey of the strips has already been conducted. "The next phase would be to appoint technical staff to see to the implementation." Opportunities are being created for the private sector through private-public partnerships. "The public-private partnership principles of the National Treasury will be explored to the full.” Plans to upgrade rail links to the eastern part of the province would also benefit tourism. Neer said that a proposed rail link between East London and Umtata was on track and studies were being conducted about using the service as a tourism route. There was a proposal for a railway line to the coast to link up with resorts.