As famous for its captivating landscapes as it is notorious for its tumultuous past, South Africa is cementing itself as a leader in African tourism. On June 11, 2010, the nation will become the first on the continent to host the largest sporting event in the world.
As millions of soccer enthusiasts flock to the 8th Annual 2010 FIFA World Cup, tourism officials anticipate the expansion of South Africa’s R50 billion travel industry. “The championship will be a showcase of the destination and South Africa will open up to millions more visitors wanting to experience the magic that the industry and destination will deliver in 2010,†says Sugen Pillay, global manager of events at South African Tourism. “It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our capacity as a nation to successfully host the biggest event in the world.â€
A diverse nation offering a variety of experiences from vibrant nightlife to untamed wildlife, South Africa is experienced in hosting a variety of international sporting events, including the 1995 Rugby World Cup, and the 2003 Cricket World Cup ball by ball. This time, however, the nine host cities have upped the ante, offering spectacular themes in ten stadiums throughout the country from the steel arch hovering 105m above Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, with a cable car ride offering spectators a view of the Indian Ocean, to the 18 giraffe-like roof supports sprouting out of the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Pillay believes the recent infrastructural upgrades taking place will launch South Africa as a sport tourism destination, “Stadiums are currently being upgraded and the new stadiums being built will compare with the best in the world.â€Â He also believes that the nature of South Africans as friendly and hospitable will contribute to South Africa becoming a serious contender in future bids to host major international sports events.
With an estimated seating capacity of just under 4 million, and lodging options ranging from luxurious city hotels to national parks accommodations and guest houses, South African Tourism hopes that visitors will not only enjoy the tournament, but the country as well.
The economic benefits are expected to be felt across the board as visitors indulge in the nation’s culture and discover some of its best kept secrets. “From the farmer who supplies the vegetables to the owner of the B&B in the township, and from the artisan selling knickknacks or curios to the zoo keeper of museum guide,†suggests Edward Bergman, executive director of the Africa Travel Association. He anticipates the World Cup will impact South Africans on all levels.
Adam Carnegie, a World Cup entrepreneur and founder of the Kelp Environmental Learning Project, agrees. “South Africa is hugely fortunate to have this gift, the greatest show on earth, just at a time when the world is in recession,†he says, stressing that, “opportunity is everywhere.†Carnegie is an avid environmentalist who produces the country’s iconic vuvuzela horn from the environmentally friendly plant, as opposed to traditional plastic. The project has been accepting large-scale orders for the decorative, hand painted instruments and Carnegie is confident similar opportunities are available to his fellow countrymen.
Beyond South Africa’s borders, however, Bergman believes the influx of tourists arriving for the four-week long tournament will have a significant impact on African tourism as a whole. While he believes “South Africa will be portrayed as the world’s entry point to Africa,†he is also confident that “travelers will seek out unique travel opportunities in the region above and beyond South Africa.â€
Getting tickets
Tickets are being sold in phases and can be purchased through FIFA either online or through a paper Ticket Application form.
Online applicants are encouraged to join the FIFA Club before submitting their ticket requests either through the random selection draw, or the first come first served draw.
Paper ticket applications can be downloaded at FIFA.com and must be submitted to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre via post or fax (Aurorastrasse 100, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland, +41 43222 6800).
Tickets will be on sale:
Through November 16, 2009
December 5 – January 22, 2010
February 9 – April 7
April 16 to July 11.
They will be available for collection from April 2010.
Getting to South Africa
The Journey
Getting to South Africa from the United States is an easy undertaking with South African Airways and Delta providing daily service to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Prepare for a flight of 17-19 hours that will land in a time zone six hours ahead of eastern standard time (EST).
Documentation
Entry into South Africa requires a valid passport with at least two unused VISA pages. United States nationals do not need a formal visa to enter the country for a visit of 90 days or less.
Health
Travelers from the U.S. require no vaccinations to enter South Africa unless they enter the country within six days of leaving a country infected with yellow fever. Most parts of South Africa are malaria free including but a small risk exists if traveling to the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpop, or the Maputaland coast of KawZulu-Natal.
Soccer Star Freddy Adu encourages U.S. fans to support his team in South Africa for the coveted World Cup:
AduHow significant would it be for you to have fans in the stadium supporting the team?
That would be absolutely incredible. As in every sport it’s important to have fans there. During the games you need them in the stands wearing the colors and cheering you on; when you’re tired the fans pump you up. It would be absolutely amazing to look up from the field and see United States fans in the stands.
What would you say to Americans who aren’t football fans?
Just watch the games, especially the U.S. games, and see what it’s about. The matches are very passionate and the fans are great; they’re singing and cheering and the atmosphere is incredible. The product from the U.S. team is also incredible, we have a lot of young players, who’re playing in Europe and they’re playing with a lot of confidence. We’re competing with some of the world’s best teams, the World Cup is by far the biggest event there is in sports, so fans should support us.
Click here for more great features from BlackEnterprise.com Travel