No Shortage of World Cup Accommodation According to Tourism Minister

December 11 - Since Friday's draw for groups in the 2010 World Cup, there has been talk of little else in South Africa. The media attention that the festive draw attracted is reminding us that the World Cup is just around the corner and all those involved need to be completely ready.

However, according to FIFA, it is expected that there is going to be a shortage of accommodation and rooms for those travelling to South Africa to see their favourite soccer teams play. South Africa has never experienced an influx of so many tourists as is going to be expected during the World Cup 2010 and FIFA claims that South Africa is not ready on the accommodation level.

The estimated shortfall of rooms, according to FIFA, is around 18,000. Travel websites and tour organizers are using these figures to try and encourage travellers to South Africa to book as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment.

However, according to the Tourism Minister of South Africa, there is not going to be a shortage of accommodation. An expected 400,000 visitors will be flocking to South Africa for the World Cup, but the country is ready, according to the ministry.

Since the draw on Friday, there have been over 260,000 online requests for tickets and accommodation. An extensive accommodation audit showed that there are about 19,000 formal establishments that could provide accommodation and in additional there were thousands of informal accommodation options for visitors.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said: "We are confident that we will be able to deal with whatever happens for the duration of the World Cup."

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12/11/2009 10:45:55 AM