Sunday, March 7, 2010

Business Tourism and FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup
Will it be worth it?In a country which is dedicated to the eradication of poverty and where rates of unemployment are very high, that is a lot of money to direct to a sports tourism event. Will it be worth it?The Cup will inject an estimated R21.3 billion into the South African economy – R12.7 billion in direct investment – and transform our urban transport infrastructure. It all provides for rehabilitation of run down areas and all sorts of legacy products around sport development and sport tourism. The state will value add R7.2 billion in taxes. And, it is hoped, the Cup will garner over 200 000 new tourists – many of whom will be on business tourism incentive packages.
Will it scare off our clients?Against this must be set some concerns within the tourism sector about the impact on tourism, and on business tourism in particular. For instance, with the anticipated flood of arrivals in 2010, how will MICE be affected when it comes to accommodation and transport infrastructure? Will we scare off regulars or high-potential clients for the future? And what happens after the World Cup is over? If capacity is not managed in 2010, business tourism may face a major fall-off in the following years. And what about the impact of the shortages of skills and building costs in the run up to the event?2010 is a fact of life and business tourism providers will have to deal with it. In fact, if some lateral thinking is applied, the benefits can be maximised. Here are some positive suggestions for the business tourism industry that can be implemented to make the most of the event’s business
Posted by Eyerusalem Girmay at 8:54 AM 0 comments
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