The World Cup in South Africa will soon be upon us, and as with any global event like this, there is great public debate about how the preparations are underway. South Africa is the first time hosting the World Cup and the eyes of the world will be on them, perhaps with even more control than the previous hosts. This is a great opportunity to sell this beautiful country and all it has to offer to international visitors. The latest reports are that ticket sales do not go as planned and although some countries report qualifying public concerns about the safety of their teams and fans. South Africa has invested a large sum of money in the preparation of the stadiums and infrastructure for transport to introduce to ensure the Games will be appreciated by all fans. Perhaps the most disturbing for fans to potential areas seeking to participate in the World Cup, the cost of housing and domestic flights.
I am aware of the prices of domestic flights offered 4 to 5 times their normal price for the period of the year. This does not only affect the fans, but also those who live in South Africa. In their wisdom, the government decided that the will of the national holidays in the World Cup. For working parents, this problem enough, but if you would consider going on vacation during this period, you will encounter the same problem at the fans - the exorbitant prices! There is currently an ongoing investigation involving a number of major airlines in South Africa about the prices - this is exacerbated by the complete absence of flights during this period. I hope the Government to overcome this and resolve this situation, because it probably will make many fans off.
The second concern is the price of the stay. At this stage it is interesting to note that, after Sydney hosted the last Olympic Games, instead of seeing a resumption of the visitors after the event was a dramatic drop in tourists for the next three years! Much of this decline in tourism is the fault of the price charged at the Olympic Games. The same happens in South Africa. Many owners of the accommodation to 5, 6 7 + times more than their normal pay rate. These short-term speculation, called “abuse” is ridiculous. Fans are “torn” and is leaving many football fans with the only decision not to come to South Africa. It is unfortunate that the quality of the accommodation offered by guesthouses, B & B’s and owners of self catering is generally much higher than in many other countries. Of course, there will always be companies that programs will incorporate these high prices for their customers to entertain, but for football fans this will mean a World Cup, a burden too far. What a shame if the country so much to offer fans during the breaks between games. I really think this is a “missed opportunity” for the tourism sector in South Africa and that the site owners will regret the high price they are charged. I hope they get their senses, with airlines and their prices. Otherwise else, how the numbers come to the World Cup in the vicinity of the expected 1 million euros.
