We are ready, excited... bring it on!

Medha Sampat, Country Head, South African Tourism – India talks to Faizal Khan about facilities available for Indian
fans:

How are you marketing the 2010 South Africa World Cup in India?

We have been working with local tour operators and service providers through targeted B2B events and multi-city roadshows, educating them about how they can package and market attractive tour options. We are also awaiting the arrival of the official 2010 World Cup mascot, Zakumi, to India in a few days. As part of our trade roadshow, Zakumi will be traveling to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad interacting with travel tourism representatives in each of these cities. In addition, we will have an extensive outdoor advertising campaign that will soon be underway in more than 17 cities across the country. However, our main focus during the World Cup will be to ensure that the event has long-term benefits that will not only get people to come to South Africa, but also encourage them to return time and again with family and friends to this beautiful rainbow nation.

How many people are expected to go to 2010 World Cup from India?

South Africa continues to be an attractive and exotic destination for Indian holiday-goers. With successful marketing and positioning strategies in India, we have seen a total tourist arrival of 52,637 till October 2009 as compared to 44,578 in October 2008, an increase of 18.1%. However, it would be difficult to put down a figure right now, since India is an impulse market, but we are confident of a good showing!

What packages are available for Indian fans during the football event?

There are several to choose from. MATCH (professional services company appointed by Fifa) and Fifa have appointed official travel partners to market these packages along with tickets to matches. Cutting Edge Travels is one such partner which has developed some very attractive itineraries. Emirates, being a global sponsor, is also offering several packages for fans and their loyal customers.

What are the options available for accommodation, both formal and informal, during the World Cup?

South Africa has ample accommodation to host more than the estimated 500,000 fans, officials, journalists and participants expected for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. As of the end of 2009, South Africa had in excess of 68,100 graded non-hotel rooms (guest houses, lodges, self-catering accommodation and hostels, for example) and 113,303 graded hotel rooms.

What are the facilities being offered by South African Tourism to Indians?

South Africa has top-notch infrastructure, good rail and road networks, modern stadium facilities, great food and wine, lots of places for sightseeing and shopping. We are building hotels, setting up tour packages not only for the event, but also for the legacy 2010 will leave, especially in tourism and for the nation, region and continent as a whole.

How would you describe the South African hospitality?

As a country, South Africa is well on track in its preparations for 2010. We are excited; we are energised; we are looking forward to seeing football fans from the worldover. Our people, places, naturally warm and welcoming demeanor are going to be unforgettable. We are ready to welcome the world. We are ready to give the world the best Fifa World Cup that has ever been delivered. We are ready, capable, excited... bring it on!