By late December 2009, three football teams had confirmed their bookings for base camps in the Western Cape in the Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo regions.
The teams are, France for the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa at Knysna, Denmark for the Simola Golf & Country Estate, also at Knysna, and Japan for Fancourt at George. The team from Paraguay has been expressing a strong interest in the Point Hotel at Mossel Bay, but has not confirmed yet.
These areas and Cape Town, Winelands and the Cape West Coast, have gone out of their way to make sure that their venues and facilities are in tiptop shape to not only host the world's football greats, but also leave them with an impression that will draw them back for many years.
Shaun van Eck, CEO of Knysna Tourism, says, "As a top tourism destination, we are an excellent option to teams - the town boasts luxurious accommodation coupled with the wonderful lifestyle that is Knysna. The hosting of a team will be a huge boost for the town and the Garden Route and it has made the hosting of base camps a priority focus. The Knysna Council also decided to upgrade its current public sports facility, Loerie Park, should a team base themselves in Knysna."
André Smith, senior manager of environmental affairs at George Municipality, adds that the city has established a 2010 committee to deal with teams' and other arrangements, including beautification to create a soccer atmosphere. "We are expecting between 15 000 and 20 000 Japanese supporters in George. Extensive work will be carried out to prepare the field surface of their practice venue, the Outeniqua Stadium, for soccer purposes. Indications are that a second team might also choose George as a base camp with Oubaai as their preferred hotel," says Smith.
The Easy Africa Site www.africatravelnetwork.net
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What was the Africa Destination of the Decade? And what are the Travel Hotspots of Tomorrow?
The safari of the decade: Botswana's Okavango Delta "In the 1990s, the Okavango was still split up into the Moremi Game Reserve and a number of hunting areas - and tourism to the Delta was relatively small. The last decade has seen a steep change: Southern African safaris are no longer the poor relation of East Africa trips, and the Okavango has turned from a backwater to the continent's ultimate safari destination. From 2000 onwards, small, often fabulous lodges began arriving in areas previously reserved for hunting: gradually, over the last decade, we've seen many of these change to be photographic concessions, where hunting is no longer practiced. Safaris are now firmly established in the Okavango as a much more humane money-spinner."
And what's coming next? **The Twenty-Tens/Oh-tens/Teenies/Tenties/Tenners**
Zimbabwe - Chris McIntyre "With the Mugabe era likely to end in the next few years, Zimbabwe's tourism industry is poised to bounce back, and the good news is that its environments are generally in great shape. The wonderful national parks are all situated on land that's difficult or impossible to farm, so they remain largely untouched, while much of the game is apparently in good shape, too - even if a few areas have had high levels of hunting. Recent news has been very encouraging: an apparent upsurge of visitor numbers in 2009, and now a much less unstable, dollar based economy. Once an effective protection plan is re-installed and development returns to the country's people, I can see it taking off fast in tourism terms. Zimbabwe used to have vastly more visitors than either Botswana or Namibia - and it can do so again."
- Chris McIntyre, MD of Africa specialist Expert Africa* (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com)
And what's coming next? **The Twenty-Tens/Oh-tens/Teenies/Tenties/Tenners**
Zimbabwe - Chris McIntyre "With the Mugabe era likely to end in the next few years, Zimbabwe's tourism industry is poised to bounce back, and the good news is that its environments are generally in great shape. The wonderful national parks are all situated on land that's difficult or impossible to farm, so they remain largely untouched, while much of the game is apparently in good shape, too - even if a few areas have had high levels of hunting. Recent news has been very encouraging: an apparent upsurge of visitor numbers in 2009, and now a much less unstable, dollar based economy. Once an effective protection plan is re-installed and development returns to the country's people, I can see it taking off fast in tourism terms. Zimbabwe used to have vastly more visitors than either Botswana or Namibia - and it can do so again."
- Chris McIntyre, MD of Africa specialist Expert Africa* (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com)
Thursday, December 17, 2009
World Cup 2010: Ticket Applications Hit the 500,000 Mark
As you can all imagine, tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are selling really fast. In fact, on Monday FIFA revealed that the first ten days of the third ticketing sales phase, has seen the number of tickets applied for hit the 500,000 mark.
According to reports at soccernet.espn.go.com, football’s governing body has revealed that 386,300 of those tickets were requested by South African residents, while the other 114,237 tickets applied for came from the rest of the world.
In a recent statement from Horst Schmidt, who is chairman of the FIFA ticketing sub-committee, he said that the latest ticket applications figures are impressive when they are compared to the previous editions of the FIFA World Cups.
Take a look at our Follow England Party Safari.
http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010
This is a perfect option if you dont have tickets and still want to enjoy the World Cup and see South Africa.
If you like the concept and want to follow another country contact us for more info..
According to reports at soccernet.espn.go.com, football’s governing body has revealed that 386,300 of those tickets were requested by South African residents, while the other 114,237 tickets applied for came from the rest of the world.
In a recent statement from Horst Schmidt, who is chairman of the FIFA ticketing sub-committee, he said that the latest ticket applications figures are impressive when they are compared to the previous editions of the FIFA World Cups.
Take a look at our Follow England Party Safari.
http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010
This is a perfect option if you dont have tickets and still want to enjoy the World Cup and see South Africa.
If you like the concept and want to follow another country contact us for more info..
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Cape Town Stadium Complete
CAPE TOWN — South Africa's Greenpoint stadium, which has been chosen to host a 2010 World Cup semi-final, was on Monday declared complete.
"This has been worth the wait. People of Cape Town this is our stadium, it is ready for the world," said mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato, during the opening ceremony.
The 68,000 seater stadium boosts the views of the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Robin Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Its 32-months construction process was dogged by labour strikes and faced fierce opposition from enviromentalists who claimed that its existence would spoil the city landscape.
Greenpoint cost 4,5 billion rand (605 million dollars) and is one of ten venues to host the 2010 football spectacle.
Other stadiums already completed include, Moses Mabhida in Durban and Soccer City in Johannesburg.
"This has been worth the wait. People of Cape Town this is our stadium, it is ready for the world," said mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato, during the opening ceremony.
The 68,000 seater stadium boosts the views of the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Robin Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Its 32-months construction process was dogged by labour strikes and faced fierce opposition from enviromentalists who claimed that its existence would spoil the city landscape.
Greenpoint cost 4,5 billion rand (605 million dollars) and is one of ten venues to host the 2010 football spectacle.
Other stadiums already completed include, Moses Mabhida in Durban and Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
World Cup 2010 tickets: how to get your seats for South Africa
The World Cup 2010 has sent fans into a frenzy of planning for a trip to South Africa. Here, we show you how to get hold of tickets for the World Cup.
Demand for tickets for World Cup 2010 has surged after the draw for the first round games on Friday.
One million tickets were released on the Fifa site on Saturday, and although 55,000 sold in the first two hours, this is still the most reliable way of getting hold of tickets.
For the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany there were 20 million requests during the first sales phase for 750,000 available tickets.
And the race for tickets for this World Cup is likely to be equally strong – especially as England's first game, in Rustenburg on June 12 against the USA, is to be played in one of the smaller stadiums, with only 5,040 tickets allocated to England fans.
Through the Fifa website
You need to register on the site before being guided through the ticketing process, and then submit your request for tickets. A new sales phase began on Saturday, and runs until Jan 22. Your name will then be entered into the draw.
There were 222,000 applications in the first 48 hours after the draw, but Fifa point out that it doesn't matter when you apply as tickets from this sales phase will be drawn on Feb 1. You can apply for a maximum of four tickets, for seven different matches.
There will be further sales phases beginning on Feb 9 – on a first come, first served basis – and on April 15th.
Tickets will not be posted out but will be available for collection, at designated points in South Africa, from April 2010.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WORLD CUP PARTY SAFARI
http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010
Demand for tickets for World Cup 2010 has surged after the draw for the first round games on Friday.
One million tickets were released on the Fifa site on Saturday, and although 55,000 sold in the first two hours, this is still the most reliable way of getting hold of tickets.
For the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany there were 20 million requests during the first sales phase for 750,000 available tickets.
And the race for tickets for this World Cup is likely to be equally strong – especially as England's first game, in Rustenburg on June 12 against the USA, is to be played in one of the smaller stadiums, with only 5,040 tickets allocated to England fans.
Through the Fifa website
You need to register on the site before being guided through the ticketing process, and then submit your request for tickets. A new sales phase began on Saturday, and runs until Jan 22. Your name will then be entered into the draw.
There were 222,000 applications in the first 48 hours after the draw, but Fifa point out that it doesn't matter when you apply as tickets from this sales phase will be drawn on Feb 1. You can apply for a maximum of four tickets, for seven different matches.
There will be further sales phases beginning on Feb 9 – on a first come, first served basis – and on April 15th.
Tickets will not be posted out but will be available for collection, at designated points in South Africa, from April 2010.
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WORLD CUP PARTY SAFARI
http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
All Eyes Will Be On Cape Town This Friday
Roads are being cordoned off, stages are under construction and banners are being hung to welcome the thousands of people expected to throng into the city centre.
The draw will be an internationally televised event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to determine the match order of the 32 participating teams.
More than 150 million people from 200 countries are expected to watch the big event. It will be accompanied by a festival on Long Street, which has been organised to give Capetonians a taste of how the fan parks will function.
The Long Street event will feature live entertainment, including top South African artists such as Freshlyground and Jimmy Dludlu and video links to the CTICC, so that revellers can watch the Draw live.
The festival is expected to go on late into the night. The draw will be attended by some 3,000 international guests, including team representatives, FIFA executives.
Football celebrities like Ruud Gullit, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Franz Beckenbauer are some of the football greats who will also invade the Mother City along with sponsors and the international media.
The Long Street festival is expected to attract about 15,000 people and altogether, both events are expected to boost this year’s visitor figure to over a million. The annual switching on of Cape Town’s festive lights in Adderley Street on Sunday kick-started the festive season.
Over 50,000 people gathered in central Cape Town to enjoy the free, open-air concert with artists Ringo Madlingozi, Jozi, Emo Adams, The Rockets, Ready D, Die Broers, Soli Philander and Joe Barber.
Fans enjoyed the ‘Soccer Zone’, near the Heerengracht Circle, where they met players from Ajax CT, Santos FC and Bafana Bafana stars, Matthew Booth and Lance Davids. Other entertainment included a diski dance competition, five-a-side football games and ‘foosball’ play-offs.
According to BuaNews, a dedicated Festive Season Co-ordination Committee, representing various city departments, has been established to oversee the implementation of strategies to contribute towards a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for all visitors and residents during the festive season.
The draw will be an internationally televised event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to determine the match order of the 32 participating teams.
More than 150 million people from 200 countries are expected to watch the big event. It will be accompanied by a festival on Long Street, which has been organised to give Capetonians a taste of how the fan parks will function.
The Long Street event will feature live entertainment, including top South African artists such as Freshlyground and Jimmy Dludlu and video links to the CTICC, so that revellers can watch the Draw live.
The festival is expected to go on late into the night. The draw will be attended by some 3,000 international guests, including team representatives, FIFA executives.
Football celebrities like Ruud Gullit, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Franz Beckenbauer are some of the football greats who will also invade the Mother City along with sponsors and the international media.
The Long Street festival is expected to attract about 15,000 people and altogether, both events are expected to boost this year’s visitor figure to over a million. The annual switching on of Cape Town’s festive lights in Adderley Street on Sunday kick-started the festive season.
Over 50,000 people gathered in central Cape Town to enjoy the free, open-air concert with artists Ringo Madlingozi, Jozi, Emo Adams, The Rockets, Ready D, Die Broers, Soli Philander and Joe Barber.
Fans enjoyed the ‘Soccer Zone’, near the Heerengracht Circle, where they met players from Ajax CT, Santos FC and Bafana Bafana stars, Matthew Booth and Lance Davids. Other entertainment included a diski dance competition, five-a-side football games and ‘foosball’ play-offs.
According to BuaNews, a dedicated Festive Season Co-ordination Committee, representing various city departments, has been established to oversee the implementation of strategies to contribute towards a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for all visitors and residents during the festive season.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
World Cup Draw Cape Town Info
The first official event to launch South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World
Cup™ takes place in Cape Town on December 4 and the City of Cape Town is
pulling out all stops to demonstrate its readiness to welcome thousands of
soccer fans and dignitaries.
The FIFA Final Draw, which will determine the match schedule for the 32
participating teams in next year’s soccer tournament, will be held at 19:00 on
Friday, December 4 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre CTICC).
About 3 000 international dignitaries and media representatives are expected to attend this milestone event which will be televised live to an estimated 150 million
viewers across the globe. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cape
Town to put its best foot forward," says Lesley de Reuck, the City’s Director
of 2010 Operations.
To welcome VIPs at the CTICC, the City of Cape Town will host a ‘Red Carpet’
event as from 16:00. Although the Final Draw ceremony will be closed to the
public, the City has organised a one day festival in Long Street where
Capetonians can view the Final Draw on large TV screens, says De Reuck.
Prior to and during the events, several roads will be closed temporarily to enable event organisers and various City and Provincial services to prepare and secure
these venues, says De Reuck.
For the Final Draw event at the CTICC, there will be intermittent road closures on
the Foreshore in the area of Lower Long Street, Coen Steytler and Cullinan
Street, from 09:00 on Monday November 30 to 05:00 on Monday December 7.
For the Long Street Festival, there will be a full closure of Long Street, from
Buitensingel to Buiten Street, and Loop Street, from 13:00 on November 30 to
05:00 on December 7.
From 01:00 on December 4 to 12:00 on December 5, there will be road closures in the area bound by Queen Victoria Street, Green Street, Buitensingel, Loop Street and Dorp Street.
Buiten Street, Bloem Street, Pepper Street, Leeuwen Street, Wale Street, Keerom Street and Vredenburg Lane will also be affected.
On-street stopping or parking will not be permitted on Long Street from Buitensingel to Buiten from 17:00 on Sunday 29 November.
Access control measures will enable businesses and residents entry to the affected areas.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these street closures and wish to
thank all Capetonians in advance for their
co-operation.
To minimise traffic disruptions, Cape Town Traffic services will be on duty to
redirect motorists and pedestrians. There will also be sufficient signage
pointing towards alternative routes, he says .
For more information on the Long Street road closures only, please contact 072 324
2476 .
Cup™ takes place in Cape Town on December 4 and the City of Cape Town is
pulling out all stops to demonstrate its readiness to welcome thousands of
soccer fans and dignitaries.
The FIFA Final Draw, which will determine the match schedule for the 32
participating teams in next year’s soccer tournament, will be held at 19:00 on
Friday, December 4 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre CTICC).
About 3 000 international dignitaries and media representatives are expected to attend this milestone event which will be televised live to an estimated 150 million
viewers across the globe. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cape
Town to put its best foot forward," says Lesley de Reuck, the City’s Director
of 2010 Operations.
To welcome VIPs at the CTICC, the City of Cape Town will host a ‘Red Carpet’
event as from 16:00. Although the Final Draw ceremony will be closed to the
public, the City has organised a one day festival in Long Street where
Capetonians can view the Final Draw on large TV screens, says De Reuck.
Prior to and during the events, several roads will be closed temporarily to enable event organisers and various City and Provincial services to prepare and secure
these venues, says De Reuck.
For the Final Draw event at the CTICC, there will be intermittent road closures on
the Foreshore in the area of Lower Long Street, Coen Steytler and Cullinan
Street, from 09:00 on Monday November 30 to 05:00 on Monday December 7.
For the Long Street Festival, there will be a full closure of Long Street, from
Buitensingel to Buiten Street, and Loop Street, from 13:00 on November 30 to
05:00 on December 7.
From 01:00 on December 4 to 12:00 on December 5, there will be road closures in the area bound by Queen Victoria Street, Green Street, Buitensingel, Loop Street and Dorp Street.
Buiten Street, Bloem Street, Pepper Street, Leeuwen Street, Wale Street, Keerom Street and Vredenburg Lane will also be affected.
On-street stopping or parking will not be permitted on Long Street from Buitensingel to Buiten from 17:00 on Sunday 29 November.
Access control measures will enable businesses and residents entry to the affected areas.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these street closures and wish to
thank all Capetonians in advance for their
co-operation.
To minimise traffic disruptions, Cape Town Traffic services will be on duty to
redirect motorists and pedestrians. There will also be sufficient signage
pointing towards alternative routes, he says .
For more information on the Long Street road closures only, please contact 072 324
2476 .
Monday, November 16, 2009
Air ticket prices to soar in World Cup
The Sunday Times has established that a family of four, including two teenagers, could pay as much as R41000 for return economy fares from Johannesburg to Cape Town in July next year.
At R10300 per person on British Airways, this works out at just R500 less per passenger than a return ticket to London at the same time.
Based on online quotes and telephonic verification with six reputable travel agencies this week, British Airways currently appears to be the most expensive, but that does not mean other local airlines won't be cashing in over that period.
The quotes included:
* Return economy-class tickets for a family of four on South African Airways from Johannesburg to Cape Town between July 9 and 11 could cost as much as R30500; and
* A return flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town - which now costs between R7700 and R12400 on 1time and Kulula respectively for a family of four - will cost R19112 between July 9 and 11 next year.
Return flights per person between Durban and Johannesburg between June 11 and 13 will cost R5000 (SAA), R4600 (BA) and R2600 (1time).
Flabbergasted travel agents said yesterday that airlines were "set to make a killing".
A Johannesburg travel agent said Fifa had "block-booked" most airline tickets for the World Cup, leaving very few tickets for domestic travellers.
But airlines said ticket prices would be finalised only after the draw on December 4.
SAA spokesman Vimla Maistry said cheaper fares would be made available after the draw.
"Once we know where the teams will be playing, we will be able to open bookings for tickets. There will be some increases in ticket prices over the period," said Maistry.
She said extra flights would be arranged during the period.
She said the cheaper tickets that would be made available after the draw would obviously be snapped up.
Heidi Brauer, executive manager of marketing and communication at Comair, which operates British Airways in South Africa, said they had made available a limited number of tickets for the World Cup period.
She said none of the airlines had finalised their pricing. "We are definitely not going to try and fleece the public."
http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article194452.ece
At R10300 per person on British Airways, this works out at just R500 less per passenger than a return ticket to London at the same time.
Based on online quotes and telephonic verification with six reputable travel agencies this week, British Airways currently appears to be the most expensive, but that does not mean other local airlines won't be cashing in over that period.
The quotes included:
* Return economy-class tickets for a family of four on South African Airways from Johannesburg to Cape Town between July 9 and 11 could cost as much as R30500; and
* A return flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town - which now costs between R7700 and R12400 on 1time and Kulula respectively for a family of four - will cost R19112 between July 9 and 11 next year.
Return flights per person between Durban and Johannesburg between June 11 and 13 will cost R5000 (SAA), R4600 (BA) and R2600 (1time).
Flabbergasted travel agents said yesterday that airlines were "set to make a killing".
A Johannesburg travel agent said Fifa had "block-booked" most airline tickets for the World Cup, leaving very few tickets for domestic travellers.
But airlines said ticket prices would be finalised only after the draw on December 4.
SAA spokesman Vimla Maistry said cheaper fares would be made available after the draw.
"Once we know where the teams will be playing, we will be able to open bookings for tickets. There will be some increases in ticket prices over the period," said Maistry.
She said extra flights would be arranged during the period.
She said the cheaper tickets that would be made available after the draw would obviously be snapped up.
Heidi Brauer, executive manager of marketing and communication at Comair, which operates British Airways in South Africa, said they had made available a limited number of tickets for the World Cup period.
She said none of the airlines had finalised their pricing. "We are definitely not going to try and fleece the public."
http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article194452.ece
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cape Town one of world’s best party cities
Cape Town has earned a stamp of approval from the well known travel company Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 party cities. This list is part of Lonely Planet’s new guide, the “1000 Ultimate Experiences”.
According to Lonely Planet, with the 2010 World Cup bringing a global audience to South Africa the partying will only get harder as travellers converge on a city that is already well known for nightlife.
“Luxuriate on some of the world's best beaches by day and kick back under the moonlight at suave cocktail bars by night,” suggests Lonely Planet.
The guide advises visitors to try South African wine at a Cape Town bar or one of the wineries in the area.
Other cities included in the top 10 are Belgrade in Serbia, Montreal in Canada, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Thessaloniki in Greece.
According to Lonely Planet, with the 2010 World Cup bringing a global audience to South Africa the partying will only get harder as travellers converge on a city that is already well known for nightlife.
“Luxuriate on some of the world's best beaches by day and kick back under the moonlight at suave cocktail bars by night,” suggests Lonely Planet.
The guide advises visitors to try South African wine at a Cape Town bar or one of the wineries in the area.
Other cities included in the top 10 are Belgrade in Serbia, Montreal in Canada, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Thessaloniki in Greece.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cape Town’s Transport Fears For 2010
According to reports, Cape Town’s race to meet the deadline for the World Cup transport operations project looks tight and FIFA has drafted contingency measures should the plan be not ready in time for the football showpiece...
The international football governing body’s September update of the Mother City’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system suggests the plan may not meet its May 2010 deadline.
The operation has been described as being, "very tight and the possibility that this service may not be available for the event poses a considerable risk to the planning of the even transport services," according to the Cape Times.
The taxi industry that has been crying foul over the new bus system could well be called into the party to top-up transport services that will be needed for the event, depending on how ready the new system will be. The first phase of the IRT has been scaled down because of escalating costs.
The project, estimated to cost R1.3 billion a year ago, will now cost the city R4.3bn. Some of the University of Cape Town’s Jammie Shuttle Service buses which will be not utilised during the event.
The revised completion of the Phase1A of the IRT "within time and budget constraints" has been identified as one of the risk factors of the city's 2010 transport plan. About 175,000 extra commuters are expected daily during peak hours during when the event begins.
The city is expected to come to a round table for the extension of hours of other forms of transport in areas that will not be serviced by the first phase of the IRT.
Transport during the World Cup is expected to be concentrated in the city centre, Green Point Stadium area and Cape Town International Airport. Transport operations for the event will be coordinated from the new Transport Management Centre at Goodwood and the operational cost of managing transport during the event will be R80 million, according to the Cape Times newspaper.
A reported submition made to the city's transport portfolio committee by Peter Sole of Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Cape Town would have to negotiate with landowners for the use of about 32,000 parking bays. Most of the games being played at the Cape Town Stadium have a 20:30 kick-off.
Clyde Tlou, Goal.com
The international football governing body’s September update of the Mother City’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system suggests the plan may not meet its May 2010 deadline.
The operation has been described as being, "very tight and the possibility that this service may not be available for the event poses a considerable risk to the planning of the even transport services," according to the Cape Times.
The taxi industry that has been crying foul over the new bus system could well be called into the party to top-up transport services that will be needed for the event, depending on how ready the new system will be. The first phase of the IRT has been scaled down because of escalating costs.
The project, estimated to cost R1.3 billion a year ago, will now cost the city R4.3bn. Some of the University of Cape Town’s Jammie Shuttle Service buses which will be not utilised during the event.
The revised completion of the Phase1A of the IRT "within time and budget constraints" has been identified as one of the risk factors of the city's 2010 transport plan. About 175,000 extra commuters are expected daily during peak hours during when the event begins.
The city is expected to come to a round table for the extension of hours of other forms of transport in areas that will not be serviced by the first phase of the IRT.
Transport during the World Cup is expected to be concentrated in the city centre, Green Point Stadium area and Cape Town International Airport. Transport operations for the event will be coordinated from the new Transport Management Centre at Goodwood and the operational cost of managing transport during the event will be R80 million, according to the Cape Times newspaper.
A reported submition made to the city's transport portfolio committee by Peter Sole of Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Cape Town would have to negotiate with landowners for the use of about 32,000 parking bays. Most of the games being played at the Cape Town Stadium have a 20:30 kick-off.
Clyde Tlou, Goal.com
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Cape Town will be the centre of attention
As we approach the final lap of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers, the spotlight will inevitably fall on next month's Final Draw which will decide the destination and the fate of the 32 qualified teams that will participate in Africa's maiden FIFA World Cup next year.
And, it is therefore no surprise that Cape Town, the city that will host the Final Draw on 4 December is now the centre of attention. In South Africa, Cape Town is often fondly referred to as the ‘Mother City', and after a short tour of the place, it is probably not hard to imagine as to why this artistic centre that sits at the foot of one of the most majestic peaks, Table Mountain, holds such significance for the Rainbow Nation.
Renowned for its beautiful beaches, bright sunshine and artistic places, Cape Town will provide the perfect setting for the draw and, with its summer weather, the city is now gearing itself up to welcome visitors and teams alike. Known as a melting point of different cultures, languages and ethnic groups, Cape Town is one of the highly coveted destinations in South Africa for tourists.
It has an impeccable record in hosting top international events and now the Final Draw will position it as a destination of choice in the minds of millions of viewers who will watch the proceedings around the draw from their television sets. It is these people who are expected to flock to South Africa next year to watch the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil.
So, what is it about Cape Town that makes it so enticing? FIFA.com takes a closer look at South Africa's ‘Mother City'.
Table Mountain
Standing at just over 1,000 metres tall, the flat-topped giant that is Table Mountain towers over the city of Cape Town. The summit of Table Mountain can be accessed by hiking trails or cable car. From the top of the mountain, the expanse of Atlantic Ocean unfolds across the horizon. The prominent shapes of Lions Head and Devil's Peak loom in the distance and sitting on the ocean's surface, Robben Island, flickers from inside the ocean mist some 11 kilometers off the coast.
The Winelands
From the manicured hills of Stellenbosch to the vineyards of Franschhoek and Paarl, the wine regions located nearby Cape Town have produced some world-renowned wines. Guesthouse and hotels abound in these areas, making the winelands the perfect place to spend a few days. A typical day in the winelands brings with it scenic views, superb cuisine and mouthfuls of captivating wine.
Beach life
The toughest part of a Cape Town beach day is choosing which beach to frequent. Camps Bay is set across the road from a busy strip of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. Meanwhile, Clifton has long been the playground of the slim and sexy. Clifton comprises four separate beaches tucked into natural coves, which provide perfect shelter from the wind. Further out of the city, Llandudno is an old favourite amongst local surfers and sun-worshippers. Blouberg Beach is a popular surf spot for both board riders and kite surfers, while many surfers have learnt their moves at Muizenburg Beach.
The V&A Waterfront
While many people are put off by the idea of spending precious holiday hours in a shopping mall, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is an entertainment and shopping area without equal. Forming part of the Port of Cape Town, a busy international harbour in its own right, the Waterfront is where industry meets leisure. Shopping aside, there are numerous attractions including the Two Ocean's Aquarium, Clock Tower and Robben Island Museum. You can also take boat rides out to sea, helicopter flips along the coast and tours to Robben Island. Inside the mall, designer stores stand alongside uniquely South African stores, ensuring that the contents of your shopping bags will be as cosmopolitan as the city you bought them in.
A melting point of cultures
The contrast and overlapping of cultures in Cape Town is a characteristic that dates back over half a century. First, there were the Portuguese explorers that sailed around the southern tip of Africa in 1488; then the Dutch and British colonists that jostled to lay claim to this important stop on the trade route to India; after which there were the slaves from Indonesia and Madagascar that would form the origins of the lively Cape Creole Culture that exists today. Today, Cape Town is home to many different cultures including the Xhosas, the coloureds and other many other tribes in South Africa.
And, it is therefore no surprise that Cape Town, the city that will host the Final Draw on 4 December is now the centre of attention. In South Africa, Cape Town is often fondly referred to as the ‘Mother City', and after a short tour of the place, it is probably not hard to imagine as to why this artistic centre that sits at the foot of one of the most majestic peaks, Table Mountain, holds such significance for the Rainbow Nation.
Renowned for its beautiful beaches, bright sunshine and artistic places, Cape Town will provide the perfect setting for the draw and, with its summer weather, the city is now gearing itself up to welcome visitors and teams alike. Known as a melting point of different cultures, languages and ethnic groups, Cape Town is one of the highly coveted destinations in South Africa for tourists.
It has an impeccable record in hosting top international events and now the Final Draw will position it as a destination of choice in the minds of millions of viewers who will watch the proceedings around the draw from their television sets. It is these people who are expected to flock to South Africa next year to watch the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil.
So, what is it about Cape Town that makes it so enticing? FIFA.com takes a closer look at South Africa's ‘Mother City'.
Table Mountain
Standing at just over 1,000 metres tall, the flat-topped giant that is Table Mountain towers over the city of Cape Town. The summit of Table Mountain can be accessed by hiking trails or cable car. From the top of the mountain, the expanse of Atlantic Ocean unfolds across the horizon. The prominent shapes of Lions Head and Devil's Peak loom in the distance and sitting on the ocean's surface, Robben Island, flickers from inside the ocean mist some 11 kilometers off the coast.
The Winelands
From the manicured hills of Stellenbosch to the vineyards of Franschhoek and Paarl, the wine regions located nearby Cape Town have produced some world-renowned wines. Guesthouse and hotels abound in these areas, making the winelands the perfect place to spend a few days. A typical day in the winelands brings with it scenic views, superb cuisine and mouthfuls of captivating wine.
Beach life
The toughest part of a Cape Town beach day is choosing which beach to frequent. Camps Bay is set across the road from a busy strip of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. Meanwhile, Clifton has long been the playground of the slim and sexy. Clifton comprises four separate beaches tucked into natural coves, which provide perfect shelter from the wind. Further out of the city, Llandudno is an old favourite amongst local surfers and sun-worshippers. Blouberg Beach is a popular surf spot for both board riders and kite surfers, while many surfers have learnt their moves at Muizenburg Beach.
The V&A Waterfront
While many people are put off by the idea of spending precious holiday hours in a shopping mall, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is an entertainment and shopping area without equal. Forming part of the Port of Cape Town, a busy international harbour in its own right, the Waterfront is where industry meets leisure. Shopping aside, there are numerous attractions including the Two Ocean's Aquarium, Clock Tower and Robben Island Museum. You can also take boat rides out to sea, helicopter flips along the coast and tours to Robben Island. Inside the mall, designer stores stand alongside uniquely South African stores, ensuring that the contents of your shopping bags will be as cosmopolitan as the city you bought them in.
A melting point of cultures
The contrast and overlapping of cultures in Cape Town is a characteristic that dates back over half a century. First, there were the Portuguese explorers that sailed around the southern tip of Africa in 1488; then the Dutch and British colonists that jostled to lay claim to this important stop on the trade route to India; after which there were the slaves from Indonesia and Madagascar that would form the origins of the lively Cape Creole Culture that exists today. Today, Cape Town is home to many different cultures including the Xhosas, the coloureds and other many other tribes in South Africa.
Friday, November 6, 2009
World Cup Fan Parks
Fan Parks are situated in central areas so that general public can watch all the games. Entrance to the Fan Parks is free and it is expected that these Fan Parks will attract a lot of visitors. In Germany 2006 one Fan Park attracted 500 000 spectators to watch one game. To avoid large transport infrastructure expense, training venues will also double as public viewing sites.
Fan Parks in the Western Cape
The Grand Parade Somerset West Road
Stellenbosch Bellville Velodrome
Swartklip Atlantis
Khayelitsha Nomzamo Yethu (Hout Bay)
Training Facilities in the Western Cape
Newlands Rugby Ground UCT Rugby Ground
UWC Soccer Field Bellville Rugby Ground
Stellenbosch Rugby Ground Athlone Stadium
Fan Parks in Johannesburg (list to be updated)
Mary Fitzgerald Square in the Newton precinct
Fan Parks in Soweto are to be expected.
Innes-Free Park in Sandton,
Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown
Fan Parks in Durban (list to be updated)
The Durban Beach Front has been earmarked as one of Durban’s preferred sites for one or more Fan Parks during 2010.
Fan Parks in the Western Cape
The Grand Parade Somerset West Road
Stellenbosch Bellville Velodrome
Swartklip Atlantis
Khayelitsha Nomzamo Yethu (Hout Bay)
Training Facilities in the Western Cape
Newlands Rugby Ground UCT Rugby Ground
UWC Soccer Field Bellville Rugby Ground
Stellenbosch Rugby Ground Athlone Stadium
Fan Parks in Johannesburg (list to be updated)
Mary Fitzgerald Square in the Newton precinct
Fan Parks in Soweto are to be expected.
Innes-Free Park in Sandton,
Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown
Fan Parks in Durban (list to be updated)
The Durban Beach Front has been earmarked as one of Durban’s preferred sites for one or more Fan Parks during 2010.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
FIFA confirms South African venues on track
FIFA has confirmed that vast progress has been made after conducting a routine check of the venues that will stage the games at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The inspectors from FIFA and the World Cup Organising Committee visited five specifically built stadiums for the tournament and were full of praise.
The tour was primarily intended to check on operational functionality of the stadia rather than actually how they are progressing in terms of completion. Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Polokwane and Johannesburg were among the places visited.
Derek Blanckensee, Chief Competitions Officer, said: “We’ve been looking for years at artists’ impressions of buildings as well as drawings, and to now see them in their final state is very satisfying. All the stadiums should be complete by the end of this year although maybe Cape Town and Soccer City may go on a little big longer.”
The remaining four venues in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Rustenburg and Johannesburg’s Ellis Park have already proved they can handle the crowds expected next year, after hosting the Confederations Cup in June.
The inspectors from FIFA and the World Cup Organising Committee visited five specifically built stadiums for the tournament and were full of praise.
The tour was primarily intended to check on operational functionality of the stadia rather than actually how they are progressing in terms of completion. Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Polokwane and Johannesburg were among the places visited.
Derek Blanckensee, Chief Competitions Officer, said: “We’ve been looking for years at artists’ impressions of buildings as well as drawings, and to now see them in their final state is very satisfying. All the stadiums should be complete by the end of this year although maybe Cape Town and Soccer City may go on a little big longer.”
The remaining four venues in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Rustenburg and Johannesburg’s Ellis Park have already proved they can handle the crowds expected next year, after hosting the Confederations Cup in June.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
World Cup Party Safari Info In Spanish
Como sabemos que será un problema en el próximo año en la Copa Mundial con los tickets para los partidos, el transporte y el alojamiento pensamos que nuestro “Party Safari Road Trips” será la solución más económica y perfecta.
Sudáfrica es un país grande y el transporte público no cumple del todo con las reglas básicas mundiales de transporte. Por esto si tenes pensado ir al mundial de futbol será realmente muy complicado poder viajar por tu cuenta siguiendo a tu equipo a todas las ciudades en las que juegue.
Nosotros te ofrecemos una opción flexible y confiable para viajar por todo Sudáfrica y disfrutar también de la atmosfera de la Copa del mundo, además de poder acceder a todas las grandes fiestas que habrá en cada ciudad en que los equipos estén jugando.
Al igual que en Alemania 2006 Sudáfrica tiene planificado colocar pantallas gigantes en grandes parques especialmente para todos los fans del futbol de manera gratuita. Es por esto que aunque nuestro viaje no incluya los tickets para los partidos si incluirá el transporte hacia y desde todos los parques de fans los días de partido.
Nosotros contaremos con nuestros propios vehículos de Safari para viajar por el país. Nuestro “Party Safari´s” incluirá:
Todo el transporte, alojamiento (viviremos esta fiesta en grandes campings situados a una hora como máximo de cada estadio. Tiendas de campaña y todo lo necesario esta incluido)
Todas las comidas incluidas (excepto los días de partido).
INCLUYE:
-El transporte en Camiones “Todo Terreno”, conductor, guía, cocinero. Equipamiento de cocina y camping, combustible, peajes.
-Además incluye todos los permisos que se deben abonar en Sudáfrica para viajar adentro del país.
-Comidas y alojamiento, como indicamos anteriormente.
NO INCLUIDO:
Tasa de ingreso al país para las personas y sus equipajes, pasaje aéreo, tasas aeroportuarias.
Entradas para los partidos de futbol.
Como el sorteo de la Copa del Mundo no será hasta el 4 de diciembre del 2009 nuestro precio básico solo incluye lo mencionado anteriormente. Luego del sorteo cuando ya sepamos en que ciudad jugara tu equipo podremos enviarte un itinerario bien detallado con muchas más opciones extras. Ejemplo: Safaris, Actividades de Turismo aventura, los cuales podrás reservar antes o durante el espectacular viaje.
ENGLISH VERSION: http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=14a7d913365a591d230a1e
Sudáfrica es un país grande y el transporte público no cumple del todo con las reglas básicas mundiales de transporte. Por esto si tenes pensado ir al mundial de futbol será realmente muy complicado poder viajar por tu cuenta siguiendo a tu equipo a todas las ciudades en las que juegue.
Nosotros te ofrecemos una opción flexible y confiable para viajar por todo Sudáfrica y disfrutar también de la atmosfera de la Copa del mundo, además de poder acceder a todas las grandes fiestas que habrá en cada ciudad en que los equipos estén jugando.
Al igual que en Alemania 2006 Sudáfrica tiene planificado colocar pantallas gigantes en grandes parques especialmente para todos los fans del futbol de manera gratuita. Es por esto que aunque nuestro viaje no incluya los tickets para los partidos si incluirá el transporte hacia y desde todos los parques de fans los días de partido.
Nosotros contaremos con nuestros propios vehículos de Safari para viajar por el país. Nuestro “Party Safari´s” incluirá:
Todo el transporte, alojamiento (viviremos esta fiesta en grandes campings situados a una hora como máximo de cada estadio. Tiendas de campaña y todo lo necesario esta incluido)
Todas las comidas incluidas (excepto los días de partido).
INCLUYE:
-El transporte en Camiones “Todo Terreno”, conductor, guía, cocinero. Equipamiento de cocina y camping, combustible, peajes.
-Además incluye todos los permisos que se deben abonar en Sudáfrica para viajar adentro del país.
-Comidas y alojamiento, como indicamos anteriormente.
NO INCLUIDO:
Tasa de ingreso al país para las personas y sus equipajes, pasaje aéreo, tasas aeroportuarias.
Entradas para los partidos de futbol.
Como el sorteo de la Copa del Mundo no será hasta el 4 de diciembre del 2009 nuestro precio básico solo incluye lo mencionado anteriormente. Luego del sorteo cuando ya sepamos en que ciudad jugara tu equipo podremos enviarte un itinerario bien detallado con muchas más opciones extras. Ejemplo: Safaris, Actividades de Turismo aventura, los cuales podrás reservar antes o durante el espectacular viaje.
ENGLISH VERSION: http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=14a7d913365a591d230a1e
Friday, October 23, 2009
Cape Town Stadium Lights Up
last night the lights of the NEW Cape Town Stadium were tested for the first time!! what a sight.
Thanks http://6000.co.za/2009/10/23/light-up-light-up/
South Africa Is Confident
Officials in South Africa are extremely confident that the venues and infrastructure will be completed and ready for the beginning of the 2010 World Cup.
The draw for the group stages of the tournament takes place in early December which will indicate where the teams will be playing their initial matches.
However, Danny Jordaan, head of the organising committee, said: “The 4th December draw will actually give us a clear indication of the matches and therefore the expected support of each team and the demands that it will place on both accomodations, transportion, and other logistics, and then we can fine tune our operational plan.”
Even so, Jordaan did admit that there may be some delays: “I’m confident that all the stadiums will be ready. Of course, the one in Cape Town, we’ve always said December or probably next year. The completion date as we speak today is 14th of December, but we may go into January because the Cape Town stadium actually started four months later.”
During the interview, Jordaan also dismissed concerns about crime against visiting fans next year. Nevertheless, organisers are encouraging fans to arrive to games early to combat the problem of South African fans turning up late for games and blocking entrances.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
World Cup Party Safari's
Road Trips
As there will be a problem next year at the World Cup with match tickets, affordable transport and accommodation we think you will agree our Party Safari Road Trips are a perfect solution.
As you know South Africa is a large country and public transport is not up to worldwide standards therefore it will not always be possible to base yourself in one location and make day trips to watch your team in which ever city they are playing in.
Our option gives you a reliable and flexible way to travel around South Africa and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere & parties in every city your team is playing in.
Like in Germany 2006 South Africa intends to have huge screens and fan parks for all football fans to enjoy the games FREE of charge therefore although our tours won't include match tickets they will include transport to and from the Fan parks on Match days and stadiums if fans have ticket.
We intend to run country specific fully self sufficient safari vehicles and our Party Safari's will include:
All Transport, Accommodation (tented camps within 1 hour of each stadium)
All meals (except on match days)
INCLUDED:
All Transport in self sufficient Safari Vehicle (including airport transfers) ; Driver/guide ; Cooking and Camping Equipment; Fuel; Tolls;
All Transport Permits & R10 million Passenger Liability.
Meals and Accommodation as indicated
NOT INCLUDED:
All services except those listed above. Entrance Fees for clients and crew, Flights, Airport taxes, Visas,
Porterage, Tips and gratuities, Anything of personal nature.
Thanks For your time in reading this email and If you an interest in our unique Party Safari product
don't hesitate to contact us.
info@africatravelnetwork.net
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE WC INFO PACKS.
http://www.wc2010southafrica.com/2010-travel-information.html
As there will be a problem next year at the World Cup with match tickets, affordable transport and accommodation we think you will agree our Party Safari Road Trips are a perfect solution.
As you know South Africa is a large country and public transport is not up to worldwide standards therefore it will not always be possible to base yourself in one location and make day trips to watch your team in which ever city they are playing in.
Our option gives you a reliable and flexible way to travel around South Africa and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere & parties in every city your team is playing in.
Like in Germany 2006 South Africa intends to have huge screens and fan parks for all football fans to enjoy the games FREE of charge therefore although our tours won't include match tickets they will include transport to and from the Fan parks on Match days and stadiums if fans have ticket.
We intend to run country specific fully self sufficient safari vehicles and our Party Safari's will include:
All Transport, Accommodation (tented camps within 1 hour of each stadium)
All meals (except on match days)
INCLUDED:
All Transport in self sufficient Safari Vehicle (including airport transfers) ; Driver/guide ; Cooking and Camping Equipment; Fuel; Tolls;
All Transport Permits & R10 million Passenger Liability.
Meals and Accommodation as indicated
NOT INCLUDED:
All services except those listed above. Entrance Fees for clients and crew, Flights, Airport taxes, Visas,
Porterage, Tips and gratuities, Anything of personal nature.
Thanks For your time in reading this email and If you an interest in our unique Party Safari product
don't hesitate to contact us.
info@africatravelnetwork.net
DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE WC INFO PACKS.
http://www.wc2010southafrica.com/2010-travel-information.html
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Major concert to launch 2010 World Cup
The launch of next year's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa will be marked with a three-hour pop concert.
The event, from the team behind the Live 8 and Live Earth shows, will take place on June 10 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Organiser Kevin Wall told BBC News: "We are going to have a lot of the major African artists and really it's going to be about Africa so the slots for international artists are a rarity.
"I think this will be one of the greatest shows ever produced from Africa."
Regarding reports of a possible appearance by the Spice Girls, he added: "I've heard a lot of these rumours, we've been overwhelmed by ideas like that that have come to us from artists and the press.
"We're really trying to highlight football and the cultures and colour and music of Africa so you will see a lot of great international artists but I can't comment on who they are."
Money from the event will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, the official charity of next year's football competition.
The event, from the team behind the Live 8 and Live Earth shows, will take place on June 10 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Organiser Kevin Wall told BBC News: "We are going to have a lot of the major African artists and really it's going to be about Africa so the slots for international artists are a rarity.
"I think this will be one of the greatest shows ever produced from Africa."
Regarding reports of a possible appearance by the Spice Girls, he added: "I've heard a lot of these rumours, we've been overwhelmed by ideas like that that have come to us from artists and the press.
"We're really trying to highlight football and the cultures and colour and music of Africa so you will see a lot of great international artists but I can't comment on who they are."
Money from the event will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, the official charity of next year's football competition.
Monday, October 5, 2009
World Cup: 250 days and kicking
That's how many days remain before the 2010 spectacle kicks off at the cooking-pot-shaped, 95,000-seat Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Tourists warned of 2010 hotels 'rip-off'
Concerns that English soccer fans will be fleeced by Cape Town hotels during the World Cup emerged in British newspapers this week.
The Daily Mirror reported that fans could be forced to pay a 30 percent surcharge for hotel rooms.
The report said supporters who booked accommodation with a Fifa-backed agency would be charged commission of an average £12 (R150) a night on top of the room price.
It said Match Event Services, part-owned by a British firm based in Manchester, was expected to block-book 55 000 hotel rooms for the tournament in June.
"That is more than 80 percent of South Africa's available rooms, so fans will have little choice but to pay hiked prices - sparking fury from politicians, supporters' groups and travel agents."
The report said the commission added to the standard hotel rates was likely to bump up the cost of a night in an average hotel by £12, from £38 to £50. It is thought England's army of 20 000 fans - the biggest following of any country - will attend for an average 10 nights each.
Kevin Miles, director of international affairs for the Football Supporters' Federation, was quoted as saying: "For Fifa's own accommodation agency to take an extra 30 percent of costs is quite simply ripping off fans."
Chris von Ulmenstein, owner of Whale Cottage Guest House Portfolio, which has guest houses in Camps Bay and along the Garden Route, said that Match first tried to dictate an accommodation rate to guest houses and hotels based on the 2007 rate plus 16 percent.
"They would then take 30 percent commission, which is a huge amount. The norm is 10 percent and at most 20 percent for operators with whom one has done business for a long time," she said.
Von Ulmenstein said Match did become more flexible and told smaller establishments to set a "fair" rate and that Match would take 30 percent on top of this rate as its commission.
She said she hadn't signed up with Match and that neither had any of the other 24 establishments belonging to the Guest House Association in Camps Bay.
"Most of us intend using our summer rate for 2009/2010 and adding 10 percent for the World Cup rate. We don't want rip-off pricing." Von Ulmenstein said she was concerned that Fifa's profits as well as the bulk of the commission Match will make would leave South Africa.
"On the accommodation side alone this could easily amount to R330 million at a conservative estimate."
But Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du Toit- Helmbold said statements about prohibitive prices were being based on a skewed perspective of the broader tourism offering.
"Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high-end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean, and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market.
"On the whole, Cape Town's pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
She said for the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town were posting rates equivalent to their peak season rates.
The Daily Mirror reported that fans could be forced to pay a 30 percent surcharge for hotel rooms.
The report said supporters who booked accommodation with a Fifa-backed agency would be charged commission of an average £12 (R150) a night on top of the room price.
It said Match Event Services, part-owned by a British firm based in Manchester, was expected to block-book 55 000 hotel rooms for the tournament in June.
"That is more than 80 percent of South Africa's available rooms, so fans will have little choice but to pay hiked prices - sparking fury from politicians, supporters' groups and travel agents."
The report said the commission added to the standard hotel rates was likely to bump up the cost of a night in an average hotel by £12, from £38 to £50. It is thought England's army of 20 000 fans - the biggest following of any country - will attend for an average 10 nights each.
Kevin Miles, director of international affairs for the Football Supporters' Federation, was quoted as saying: "For Fifa's own accommodation agency to take an extra 30 percent of costs is quite simply ripping off fans."
Chris von Ulmenstein, owner of Whale Cottage Guest House Portfolio, which has guest houses in Camps Bay and along the Garden Route, said that Match first tried to dictate an accommodation rate to guest houses and hotels based on the 2007 rate plus 16 percent.
"They would then take 30 percent commission, which is a huge amount. The norm is 10 percent and at most 20 percent for operators with whom one has done business for a long time," she said.
Von Ulmenstein said Match did become more flexible and told smaller establishments to set a "fair" rate and that Match would take 30 percent on top of this rate as its commission.
She said she hadn't signed up with Match and that neither had any of the other 24 establishments belonging to the Guest House Association in Camps Bay.
"Most of us intend using our summer rate for 2009/2010 and adding 10 percent for the World Cup rate. We don't want rip-off pricing." Von Ulmenstein said she was concerned that Fifa's profits as well as the bulk of the commission Match will make would leave South Africa.
"On the accommodation side alone this could easily amount to R330 million at a conservative estimate."
But Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du Toit- Helmbold said statements about prohibitive prices were being based on a skewed perspective of the broader tourism offering.
"Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high-end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean, and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market.
"On the whole, Cape Town's pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
She said for the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town were posting rates equivalent to their peak season rates.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Beware of fakes
(CNN) -- FIFA is warning soccer fans to beware of fraudulent online ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup as it works with international agencies to address the problem.
Moses Mabhida Stadium under construction in Durban, South Africa; one of 10 stadiums that will host World Cup.
"Many unauthorized operators are exploiting ... unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorized tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages," soccer's global governing agency said in a statement.
Official tickets will be printed only a few weeks before the tournament kicks off, the statement said.
The agency applauded efforts by British authorities to shut down Web sites selling fraudulent tickets. Efforts are under way to implement more crackdowns worldwide.
"We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way," said Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary general.
One way of ensuring legitimate sales is buying tickets from FIFA's Web site or through its partner, MATCH, the agency said.
Moses Mabhida Stadium under construction in Durban, South Africa; one of 10 stadiums that will host World Cup.
"Many unauthorized operators are exploiting ... unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorized tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages," soccer's global governing agency said in a statement.
Official tickets will be printed only a few weeks before the tournament kicks off, the statement said.
The agency applauded efforts by British authorities to shut down Web sites selling fraudulent tickets. Efforts are under way to implement more crackdowns worldwide.
"We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way," said Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary general.
One way of ensuring legitimate sales is buying tickets from FIFA's Web site or through its partner, MATCH, the agency said.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
World Cup already selling out!!
Thomson Sport has sold out of some packages for the World Cup in South Africa next year after England qualified for the tournament last week.
About 100,000 fans are expected to travel to South Africa in June, with many likely to book packages because of the large distances and costs involved.
Thomson Sport managing director Nathan Wilson said the operator had sold out of packages, which take in the full event, and only a few are left for the final-only package. For the group matches, 25% of packages have been sold following England's victory against Croatia.
Wilson said: "We received 1,000 emails the morning after the qualifier. We are preparing to release our short-break packages and are expecting a good uptake based on the number of enquiries."
FIFA has warned fans to avoid travel companies that are offering tickets and tour packages that are not FIFA appointed. Operators selling official packages include Thomas Cook Sport, Thomson Sport, Keith Prowse Hospitality and BAC Sport.
Agents have also seen some interest from fans looking to travel to South Africa independently. Large numbers of fans are expected to travel without tickets, hoping to buy them there.
Luxury tailor-made specialist Bailey Robinson product manager Alex Walters said: "One couple booked four nights in Londolozi Game Reserve and a week at the Four Seasons Seychelles. They plan was to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and to fit in a match at the World Cup."
However, he said some consumers would be holding off until the draw for the group stages. "We haven't had much interest because fans do not know where the teams are playing until December 4. Otherwise they might be buying hotel rooms in the wrong city and tickets for the wrong matches."
Shropshire-based The Travel Wallet director Maggie Rogers said: "We always put sports events on our website, but we haven't had any World Cup enquiries yet."
Sign Up For FREE SA World Cup Info Packs. http://www.bbmexplorer.com/worldcup2010information.htm
About 100,000 fans are expected to travel to South Africa in June, with many likely to book packages because of the large distances and costs involved.
Thomson Sport managing director Nathan Wilson said the operator had sold out of packages, which take in the full event, and only a few are left for the final-only package. For the group matches, 25% of packages have been sold following England's victory against Croatia.
Wilson said: "We received 1,000 emails the morning after the qualifier. We are preparing to release our short-break packages and are expecting a good uptake based on the number of enquiries."
FIFA has warned fans to avoid travel companies that are offering tickets and tour packages that are not FIFA appointed. Operators selling official packages include Thomas Cook Sport, Thomson Sport, Keith Prowse Hospitality and BAC Sport.
Agents have also seen some interest from fans looking to travel to South Africa independently. Large numbers of fans are expected to travel without tickets, hoping to buy them there.
Luxury tailor-made specialist Bailey Robinson product manager Alex Walters said: "One couple booked four nights in Londolozi Game Reserve and a week at the Four Seasons Seychelles. They plan was to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and to fit in a match at the World Cup."
However, he said some consumers would be holding off until the draw for the group stages. "We haven't had much interest because fans do not know where the teams are playing until December 4. Otherwise they might be buying hotel rooms in the wrong city and tickets for the wrong matches."
Shropshire-based The Travel Wallet director Maggie Rogers said: "We always put sports events on our website, but we haven't had any World Cup enquiries yet."
Sign Up For FREE SA World Cup Info Packs. http://www.bbmexplorer.com/worldcup2010information.htm
Monday, September 14, 2009
Is Cape Town Going To Be To Pricey?
In a response to recent UK media reports, which have suggested that South Africa is out-pricing itself ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town Tourism says that runaway statements about prohibitive prices are being based on a skewed perspective of the broader tourism offering.
“Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market. On the whole, Cape Town’s pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” insists Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold. “The majority of the local industry is responsible operators that realize a value-for-money return on any holiday investment is essential to ensuring that the destination is not labelled ‘greedy’ now or after the event.”
Cape Town has played host to many major events, like the recent IPL and Lion’s Tour, and the industry prides itself in offering visitors exceptional service and authentic experiences at good value for money rates.
For the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town are posting rates for the 2010 FIFA World Cup that is equivalent to their peak season rates. A good indication of the public’s favourable response to this is that many of them are already fully booked. Average costs for a night in a centrally located guest house are forecast at an average of R 500 – 800 (£40- £64.10), whilst an award-winning four star city hotel is charging on average R1900 – R2 400 (£152.24 –£192.30) per night for a room. Renowned five-star waterside hotels are asking in the region of R 5000 per person per night, sharing (£400). A variety of serviced self-catering apartments and cottages are also available at rates that average from R200 – R500 per person per night (£18 – £40). Cape Town Tourism also recommends unique community based accommodation experiences that range on average between R200 – R600 per person per night sharing (£18 – £45). Day trips and excursions range on average between R120 (£18) for a City Sightseeing Bus Ticket, valid for two days, and R400 per person for a full day tour (£32) like a wine or cultural tour. Cape Town offers some of the best food and wine experiences in the world and three course meal prices in an upmarket restaurant will range from R250 – R550 (£20 – £45) with a good bottle of wine priced at an average of R120 – R300 (£9 – £24).
Cape Town has an excellent accommodation capacity, but allowance where appropriate has been made for temporary accommodation, with particular reference to the budget sector, which could be an area of short-fall in Cape Town. An August 2008 survey commissioned revealed that Cape Town will have ample bed capacity for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Cape Town’s accommodation capacity (including accredited and approved temporary accommodation stock) currently stands at 56 000 beds and an estimated total number of 70 000 beds should be on line by June 2010 in the greater Cape Town area. Furthermore, Cape Town is in close proximity to regions like Winelands, Overberg and Garden route with good capacity as well.
“Cape Town Tourism is working hand in hand with MATCH and FIFA to encourage as many establishments as possible to contract with MATCH, but we understand too that the decision to sign up to MATCH is a business decision that each individual tourism business must make, weighing up their unique situation, requirements and suitability. Many accommodation establishments either do not fit the MATCH profile or do not wish to sell their accommodation through MATCH due to business reasons of their own”, says du Toit-Helmbold.
Much of the hotel chain stock in Cape Town has been absorbed by MATCH who required that rates were no more than 16% higher than those charged in the summer of 2007.
Sean Kritzinger, Managing Director of Cape Town’s Gilt Edge Travel www.gilt-edge.com feels that the market has remained fair in the face of temptation. “We have already sold over 50% of our packages and we have encountered very reasonable attitudes from the industry as a whole.”
Du Toit-Helmbold also alluded to problems with those sectors of the industry that were not accredited or endorsed by any of the official tourism organisations. She urges visitors to check the legal status of establishments and service providers before they book and suggests that visitors enquire with Cape Town Tourism to avoid disappointment. “Other than urging caution and the use of good common sense, Cape Town Tourism has no control over the quality of establishment or prices charged by people renting out their private homes. Visitors wanting to ensure that they get what they pay for should go through a recognized organization or reputable agent.”
Cape Town Tourism’s Du Toit-Helmbold says that the tourism body has been consistently firm in its stance on pricing and has embarked on an industry awareness campaign around responsible pricing and practice in the run up to the World Cup. “We have taken heed of the lessons that other destinations have learnt during global events in the past, and we have communicated these messages to our membership and the tourism sector as a whole.”
Cape Town, prior to 2010 FIFA World Cup, is an immensely popular tourism destination; voted by The UK Telegraph as their readers’ favourite holiday destination in 2009. “We are intent on using the great marketing opportunity that the 2010 FIFA World Cup affords us, to showcase the destination as a place to which you want to return. High prices and a lack of good service will not reflect well on us and we are focusing all our energy on ensuring that not only our infrastructure but also our mindset is on target and ready to welcome the world”, comments Du Toit-Helmbold.
Fans wishing to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup on a budget that works for them are advised to contact ATN for suggestions on accommodation, transfers, car hire and tours. www.africatravelnetwork.net
“Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market. On the whole, Cape Town’s pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” insists Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold. “The majority of the local industry is responsible operators that realize a value-for-money return on any holiday investment is essential to ensuring that the destination is not labelled ‘greedy’ now or after the event.”
Cape Town has played host to many major events, like the recent IPL and Lion’s Tour, and the industry prides itself in offering visitors exceptional service and authentic experiences at good value for money rates.
For the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town are posting rates for the 2010 FIFA World Cup that is equivalent to their peak season rates. A good indication of the public’s favourable response to this is that many of them are already fully booked. Average costs for a night in a centrally located guest house are forecast at an average of R 500 – 800 (£40- £64.10), whilst an award-winning four star city hotel is charging on average R1900 – R2 400 (£152.24 –£192.30) per night for a room. Renowned five-star waterside hotels are asking in the region of R 5000 per person per night, sharing (£400). A variety of serviced self-catering apartments and cottages are also available at rates that average from R200 – R500 per person per night (£18 – £40). Cape Town Tourism also recommends unique community based accommodation experiences that range on average between R200 – R600 per person per night sharing (£18 – £45). Day trips and excursions range on average between R120 (£18) for a City Sightseeing Bus Ticket, valid for two days, and R400 per person for a full day tour (£32) like a wine or cultural tour. Cape Town offers some of the best food and wine experiences in the world and three course meal prices in an upmarket restaurant will range from R250 – R550 (£20 – £45) with a good bottle of wine priced at an average of R120 – R300 (£9 – £24).
Cape Town has an excellent accommodation capacity, but allowance where appropriate has been made for temporary accommodation, with particular reference to the budget sector, which could be an area of short-fall in Cape Town. An August 2008 survey commissioned revealed that Cape Town will have ample bed capacity for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Cape Town’s accommodation capacity (including accredited and approved temporary accommodation stock) currently stands at 56 000 beds and an estimated total number of 70 000 beds should be on line by June 2010 in the greater Cape Town area. Furthermore, Cape Town is in close proximity to regions like Winelands, Overberg and Garden route with good capacity as well.
“Cape Town Tourism is working hand in hand with MATCH and FIFA to encourage as many establishments as possible to contract with MATCH, but we understand too that the decision to sign up to MATCH is a business decision that each individual tourism business must make, weighing up their unique situation, requirements and suitability. Many accommodation establishments either do not fit the MATCH profile or do not wish to sell their accommodation through MATCH due to business reasons of their own”, says du Toit-Helmbold.
Much of the hotel chain stock in Cape Town has been absorbed by MATCH who required that rates were no more than 16% higher than those charged in the summer of 2007.
Sean Kritzinger, Managing Director of Cape Town’s Gilt Edge Travel www.gilt-edge.com feels that the market has remained fair in the face of temptation. “We have already sold over 50% of our packages and we have encountered very reasonable attitudes from the industry as a whole.”
Du Toit-Helmbold also alluded to problems with those sectors of the industry that were not accredited or endorsed by any of the official tourism organisations. She urges visitors to check the legal status of establishments and service providers before they book and suggests that visitors enquire with Cape Town Tourism to avoid disappointment. “Other than urging caution and the use of good common sense, Cape Town Tourism has no control over the quality of establishment or prices charged by people renting out their private homes. Visitors wanting to ensure that they get what they pay for should go through a recognized organization or reputable agent.”
Cape Town Tourism’s Du Toit-Helmbold says that the tourism body has been consistently firm in its stance on pricing and has embarked on an industry awareness campaign around responsible pricing and practice in the run up to the World Cup. “We have taken heed of the lessons that other destinations have learnt during global events in the past, and we have communicated these messages to our membership and the tourism sector as a whole.”
Cape Town, prior to 2010 FIFA World Cup, is an immensely popular tourism destination; voted by The UK Telegraph as their readers’ favourite holiday destination in 2009. “We are intent on using the great marketing opportunity that the 2010 FIFA World Cup affords us, to showcase the destination as a place to which you want to return. High prices and a lack of good service will not reflect well on us and we are focusing all our energy on ensuring that not only our infrastructure but also our mindset is on target and ready to welcome the world”, comments Du Toit-Helmbold.
Fans wishing to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup on a budget that works for them are advised to contact ATN for suggestions on accommodation, transfers, car hire and tours. www.africatravelnetwork.net
Sunday, September 13, 2009
New Cape Town Stadium Pictures
Pictures taken 13/09/2009
Both are taken from what will be the walk way into the stadium and show where the ticket booths will be.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
World Cup Beds
Just Released!
We have 50 Self Catering Apartments (serviced) in Cape Town and 20 hotel rooms in Rustenberg for the 2010 Soccer World Cup (June and July 2010)
We also have 100+ rooms available in Randburg and Sandton for 2010 World Cup
Ideal for media or other groups!
If you are interested please contact:
Simon
info@africatravelnetwork.net
www.africatravelnetwork.net
We have 50 Self Catering Apartments (serviced) in Cape Town and 20 hotel rooms in Rustenberg for the 2010 Soccer World Cup (June and July 2010)
We also have 100+ rooms available in Randburg and Sandton for 2010 World Cup
Ideal for media or other groups!
If you are interested please contact:
Simon
info@africatravelnetwork.net
www.africatravelnetwork.net
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Oktoberfest in Cape Town
Capetonians can once again experience Germany’s best-known beer festival, “Oktoberfest”, from 16 October to 1 November 2009 at Paulaner Bräuhaus in the V&A Waterfront. Beer lovers, families, young and old gather to enjoy the true taste and hospitality of Bavaria.
The festival follows the annual Oktoberfest in Munich which takes place from 19 September to 04 October. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810, when the citizens turned out to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It has since grown into what is claimed to be the world’s largest festival attracting over six million people each year.
In keeping with tradition, Paulaner brewmaster, Wolfgang Ködel, will brew a special Oktoberfest beer which will be available once the festival has been officially opened. The festival opening takes place on the evening of Friday, 16 October 2009 when the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer is opened with the words “O’zapft is”.
The Oktoberfest beer is brewed according to an old recipe resulting in a dark amber-coloured beer, smooth in taste. To compliment the beer, Paulaner boasts traditional hearty Bavarian cuisine such as Pretzel, Bratwurst and their specialty, crispy Pork Knuckle.
A Bavarian Oktoberfest band will entertain the crowd with live ‘Umpah’ music periodically during the festival, and live contemporary bands play nightly.
The festival, also known as Wies’n, is popular in Cape Town both among locals and visitors, drawing crowds to the Paulaner Bräuhaus and its beer garden opposite the Nelson Mandela Gateway and V&A Clock Tower.
For more information visit http://paulaner-braeuhaus.com/capetown.
The festival follows the annual Oktoberfest in Munich which takes place from 19 September to 04 October. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810, when the citizens turned out to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It has since grown into what is claimed to be the world’s largest festival attracting over six million people each year.
In keeping with tradition, Paulaner brewmaster, Wolfgang Ködel, will brew a special Oktoberfest beer which will be available once the festival has been officially opened. The festival opening takes place on the evening of Friday, 16 October 2009 when the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer is opened with the words “O’zapft is”.
The Oktoberfest beer is brewed according to an old recipe resulting in a dark amber-coloured beer, smooth in taste. To compliment the beer, Paulaner boasts traditional hearty Bavarian cuisine such as Pretzel, Bratwurst and their specialty, crispy Pork Knuckle.
A Bavarian Oktoberfest band will entertain the crowd with live ‘Umpah’ music periodically during the festival, and live contemporary bands play nightly.
The festival, also known as Wies’n, is popular in Cape Town both among locals and visitors, drawing crowds to the Paulaner Bräuhaus and its beer garden opposite the Nelson Mandela Gateway and V&A Clock Tower.
For more information visit http://paulaner-braeuhaus.com/capetown.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
World Cup Volunteer Applications Now Closed
The process was launched on 20 July 2009 and by 11:30am (0930GMT), 31 August 2009, the total number of volunteer registration stood at 63,662 from nearly 170 different countries and regions.
2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa CEO Danny Jordaan said the tremendous response to the volunteer application process was indicative of the excitement which now surrounded the tournament.
"People are starting to become excited about the World Cup and about traveling to South Africa next year. We are very happy about the number of applications that have poured in from all four corners of the world," he said.
At the start of September the Organizing Committee will begin the volunteer screening process and then in December the volunteer interview process begins.
Volunteers in the 10 host cities will be interviewed simultaneously while international volunteers will be interviewed by teleconferencing. Once selected South African-based volunteers will receive training in May 2010.
2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa CEO Danny Jordaan said the tremendous response to the volunteer application process was indicative of the excitement which now surrounded the tournament.
"People are starting to become excited about the World Cup and about traveling to South Africa next year. We are very happy about the number of applications that have poured in from all four corners of the world," he said.
At the start of September the Organizing Committee will begin the volunteer screening process and then in December the volunteer interview process begins.
Volunteers in the 10 host cities will be interviewed simultaneously while international volunteers will be interviewed by teleconferencing. Once selected South African-based volunteers will receive training in May 2010.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Marathon World Cup Trips
Fans could face 17-hour round trips to see one match at the World Cup next year under a plan aimed at overcoming accommodation problems while combining soccer with safari and beach holidays.
Ironically, the longest journeys may be reserved for the richest fans.
Soccer's ruling body FIFA has identified accommodation as one of the major challenges before the tournament kicks off in South Africa next June.
Although officials from organizing committee boss Danny Jordaan down say the accommodation problem will be fixed -- currently there is a shortfall of 15,000 rooms -- hotel space is under heavy pressure in some places.
Prices for hotels and guest houses in the smaller venues have already rocketed by up to five times normal rates for the month-long World Cup starting on June 11.
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MATCH Services, the travel agent appointed by FIFA, has told some big news organizations that the nearest official hotel available is up to 60 km from the stadium in at least one venue because other places have been taken by preferred clients such as teams, officials, sponsors and media partners.
MATCH says the main object of the accommodation scheme is to give fans the option of early secured bookings and flexibility to switch locations after the draw in December, as well as the chance to enjoy time on safari or at the beach between games.
However, shortages of accommodation are also clearly a significant reason for the plan, under which so-called MATCH Villes will be located in areas of South Africa with more stocks of hotel rooms as well as in Mauritius, a four-hour flight from Johannesburg.
Tourists using the scheme will be required to arrive between four and seven hours before a game and will be held in the stadium for two or more hours after the final whistle.
LUXURY HOLIDAY
Mauritius, a luxury destination in the Indian Ocean off Africa's east coast, will have 3,200 rooms available for clients of the MATCH Ville program.
In total, MATCH expects to sell more than 21,000 rooms in the scheme's centers, from where fans will be flown to matches in smaller venues.
Ironically, the longest journeys may be reserved for the richest fans.
Soccer's ruling body FIFA has identified accommodation as one of the major challenges before the tournament kicks off in South Africa next June.
Although officials from organizing committee boss Danny Jordaan down say the accommodation problem will be fixed -- currently there is a shortfall of 15,000 rooms -- hotel space is under heavy pressure in some places.
Prices for hotels and guest houses in the smaller venues have already rocketed by up to five times normal rates for the month-long World Cup starting on June 11.
ad_icon
MATCH Services, the travel agent appointed by FIFA, has told some big news organizations that the nearest official hotel available is up to 60 km from the stadium in at least one venue because other places have been taken by preferred clients such as teams, officials, sponsors and media partners.
MATCH says the main object of the accommodation scheme is to give fans the option of early secured bookings and flexibility to switch locations after the draw in December, as well as the chance to enjoy time on safari or at the beach between games.
However, shortages of accommodation are also clearly a significant reason for the plan, under which so-called MATCH Villes will be located in areas of South Africa with more stocks of hotel rooms as well as in Mauritius, a four-hour flight from Johannesburg.
Tourists using the scheme will be required to arrive between four and seven hours before a game and will be held in the stadium for two or more hours after the final whistle.
LUXURY HOLIDAY
Mauritius, a luxury destination in the Indian Ocean off Africa's east coast, will have 3,200 rooms available for clients of the MATCH Ville program.
In total, MATCH expects to sell more than 21,000 rooms in the scheme's centers, from where fans will be flown to matches in smaller venues.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Take a transatlantic voyage from Cape Town, onboard the QM2.
Indulge your taste for refinement on this once-in-a-lifetime world cruise from Cape Town to Southampton via the Americas, Caribbean and Europe. It’s one of our best-selling cruise holidays offered exclusively to Daily Mail readers.
Following a three-night stay in Cape Town, this 28-night cruise offers some amazing experiences. Whether you’re basking on the flawless beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janiero, window-shopping in New York’s countless boutiques, gauging on the Creole cuisine of Barbados or marveling at views of Table Mountain whilst sipping local chardonnay in Cape Town, this is a world adventure simply not to be missed.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a vessel steeped in contemporary luxury. With specialty dining to satisfy every taste, an ultra-modern royal spa and fitness centre, world class evening entertainment and even a dramatic grand lobby spanning three tiers, the Queen Victoria offers the perfect atmosphere to cruise the world in style.
Book now to secure your cabin as this will sell out quickly!
Itinerary: 32 nights fly/cruise/stay – 21 March 2010*
Fly UK (overnight) > Cape Town (South Africa, transfer to 4-star hotel for 3-night stay and excursions, embark QM2) – St Helena (South Atlantic Islands) – Rio de Janiero (Brazil) – Barbados (Caribbean) – Fort Lauderdale (USA) – New York (USA) – Southampton (UK).
This fantastic TravelMail offer includes:
* Outbound flights from the UK (regional flights available from just £55pp)
* Three nights’ four-star hotel in Cape Town
* Free excursion to Table Mountain
* Free Cape Town City Tour
* Free Winelands tour including tastings
* En suite stateroom onboard
* All meals onboard (including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
* Daily activities and classes, transfers throughout, evening entertainment and port taxes
Inside Stateroom from
£2495*
Outside Stateroom from
£3695
Balcony Stateroom from
£3695
Suite from
£6295
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/offertypeshub/article-1209135/Cruise-Cape-Town-QM2.html#ixzz0PCXlS4JP
Following a three-night stay in Cape Town, this 28-night cruise offers some amazing experiences. Whether you’re basking on the flawless beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janiero, window-shopping in New York’s countless boutiques, gauging on the Creole cuisine of Barbados or marveling at views of Table Mountain whilst sipping local chardonnay in Cape Town, this is a world adventure simply not to be missed.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a vessel steeped in contemporary luxury. With specialty dining to satisfy every taste, an ultra-modern royal spa and fitness centre, world class evening entertainment and even a dramatic grand lobby spanning three tiers, the Queen Victoria offers the perfect atmosphere to cruise the world in style.
Book now to secure your cabin as this will sell out quickly!
Itinerary: 32 nights fly/cruise/stay – 21 March 2010*
Fly UK (overnight) > Cape Town (South Africa, transfer to 4-star hotel for 3-night stay and excursions, embark QM2) – St Helena (South Atlantic Islands) – Rio de Janiero (Brazil) – Barbados (Caribbean) – Fort Lauderdale (USA) – New York (USA) – Southampton (UK).
This fantastic TravelMail offer includes:
* Outbound flights from the UK (regional flights available from just £55pp)
* Three nights’ four-star hotel in Cape Town
* Free excursion to Table Mountain
* Free Cape Town City Tour
* Free Winelands tour including tastings
* En suite stateroom onboard
* All meals onboard (including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
* Daily activities and classes, transfers throughout, evening entertainment and port taxes
Inside Stateroom from
£2495*
Outside Stateroom from
£3695
Balcony Stateroom from
£3695
Suite from
£6295
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/offertypeshub/article-1209135/Cruise-Cape-Town-QM2.html#ixzz0PCXlS4JP
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
2010 Visitor Information Center Opening
South African Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk will on Friday launch a 2010 Visitor Information Center (VIC) in Polokwane of Limpopo Province that will ensure tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup get the best advice and information.
"The primary objective of the VIC project is to effectively address the tourism needs of visitors expected to converge in the five host cities in 2010 and beyond," said the department in a statement.
In July this year, the first three VICs were launched in the Eastern Cape. The three centers are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
The one-stop shops will supply tourists with information on a wide range of services, including reservations, accommodation, tours, vehicle hire, entertainment, adventure and travel tips.
Visitors to the center will be able to make use of user-friendly touch screens linked to central database of tourism products on offer and the advertisements of local businesses. They can also access free internet and an online booking system at the centers.
More than 450,000 visitors were expected to arrive in the country and these centers would play a pivotal role in addressing tourism and information services.
The national 2010 VIC's project, funded by the department will see VIC's developed in five of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa host cities. The five identified cities are Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Polokwane in Limpopo, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West and Bloemfontein in the Free State.
These less visited provinces were earmarked for the VIC's in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, but also to grow tourism arrivals both locally and internationally.
"The primary objective of the VIC project is to effectively address the tourism needs of visitors expected to converge in the five host cities in 2010 and beyond," said the department in a statement.
In July this year, the first three VICs were launched in the Eastern Cape. The three centers are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
The one-stop shops will supply tourists with information on a wide range of services, including reservations, accommodation, tours, vehicle hire, entertainment, adventure and travel tips.
Visitors to the center will be able to make use of user-friendly touch screens linked to central database of tourism products on offer and the advertisements of local businesses. They can also access free internet and an online booking system at the centers.
More than 450,000 visitors were expected to arrive in the country and these centers would play a pivotal role in addressing tourism and information services.
The national 2010 VIC's project, funded by the department will see VIC's developed in five of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa host cities. The five identified cities are Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Polokwane in Limpopo, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West and Bloemfontein in the Free State.
These less visited provinces were earmarked for the VIC's in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, but also to grow tourism arrivals both locally and internationally.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe has been named the South African Department of Tourism’s 2010 World Cup Ambassador.
Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk made the announcement at an event in Sandton, where he also launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism for South Africans.
“We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas’ stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination," he enthused.
“We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country."
The former Leeds United skipper will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.
Radebe says he is honoured, proud and excited to play this role. “Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world’s biggest sporting spectacular," he said. "I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world’s greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans.
“I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country, not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world.”
Radebe, who was born in Diepkloof, Soweto on April 12, 1969, is one of a family of ten children.
He made his international debut playing for South Africa against Cameroon on July 7, 1992, and went on to earn 70 caps for South Africa before moving from Kaizer Chiefs to Leeds United in 1994.
‘The Chief’, as he was nicknamed by Leeds fans’, captained Leeds United from 1998 to 2002, before retiring from football in 2005.
In December 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid soccer of racism, as well as for his work with children in South Africa.
“We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas’ stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination," he enthused.
“We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country."
The former Leeds United skipper will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.
Radebe says he is honoured, proud and excited to play this role. “Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world’s biggest sporting spectacular," he said. "I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world’s greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans.
“I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country, not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world.”
Radebe, who was born in Diepkloof, Soweto on April 12, 1969, is one of a family of ten children.
He made his international debut playing for South Africa against Cameroon on July 7, 1992, and went on to earn 70 caps for South Africa before moving from Kaizer Chiefs to Leeds United in 1994.
‘The Chief’, as he was nicknamed by Leeds fans’, captained Leeds United from 1998 to 2002, before retiring from football in 2005.
In December 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid soccer of racism, as well as for his work with children in South Africa.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Cape Town Winter Warmers
Cape Town, a sprawling metropolis full of life, with a laidback heart, offers you a culinary extravaganza - a true smorgasbord of choice in food, wine, vibe and location awaits you. Cape Town restaurants have put together a number of Winter Specials, geared towards warming you up whilst you explore the gorgeous city.
Situated on the corner of Long and Church Streets, Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city. Genuine Ethiopian furnishings and a flamboyant flair for service sets Addis in Cape apart from other restaurants. Addis in Cape is running a Winter Special, every Saturday, were you can get a whole 50% discount off your meals or a set menu for just R140. Visit their website on www.addisincape.co.za for more information.
The trendy and ultra-chic Gallery Café, situated on the mezzanine level of the Urban Chic Hotel, on the corner of Long and Pepper Streets, comes complete with a classy, passionate culinary approach. The Gallery Café’s lunch specials make sharing a breeze - 2 Chic Beef Burgers or 2 Chic “n Vegal Forno plus two glasses of House Wine for just R100! Take a peek of the rest of what the Gallery Café has to offer on www.urbanchic.co.za.
Doppio Zero, in Mandela Rhodes Place, on the corner of Church Street and St George’s Mall offers more than just an Italian dining experience. The restaurant’s extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu is limitless and inexpensive. The restaurant also easily transforms from a daytime café to a fine dining evening venue. Doppio Zero’s current special caters for the pizza and pasta lover within all of us. On purchasing any large pizza or pasta, you will receive a free glass of Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanch or Boland Merlot. Visit their website on www.doppio.co.za for more.
Five Flies, found in Rembrandt House on Keerom Street, is a sassy upmarket dining venue. It is comprised of an 80-seater restaurant, together with exclusive private dining rooms, a bar opening out onto an enclosed courtyard which serves light lunches, and a sophisticated cigar lounge. Five Flies’ Winter Specials mean that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can choose any Two Course Menu and get a free glass of wine, for just R125. For more on Five Flies, visit their website on www.fiveflies.co.za
Sinn’s Restaurant, in Wembley Square, takes the elegance of fine dining and makes it more approachable by offering affordable delights in a modern yet comfortable environment encapsulated in the ambience of an upmarket inner city hot spot. Sinn’s caters for all mealtimes and the cocktail lounge offers tapas style snacks and a wide range of classic cocktails and boutique style wines. Sinn’s Restaurant has given in to popular demand and is serving its most popular specials again. For just R99, you can enjoy two courses (a starter and main, or main and dessert) specially created by world renowned and award winning Chef Proprietor, Thomas Sinn. The three-course gourmet menu costs just R125 and both specials are paired with a glass of Bellingham wine. To find out more, visit www.sinns.co.za
Gold Restaurant found in the Gold of Africa Museum on Strand Street, prides itself on serving Opulent African Cuisine. Welcoming local and international guests every day for lunch and a full African food journey through Southern and Central Africa for dinner, Gold Restaurant also throws in a dose of Cape Malay cuisine. The Winter Specials at Gold Restaurant mean that, for a rate of R180 per person, you will get a Set Menu, interactive drumming and live entertainment. Visit www.goldrestaurant.co.za for more information.
Savoy Cabbage Restaurant and Champagne Bar, found in Hout Street, uses the freshest local produce to create a menu that changes daily. Gracious and elegant dining can be found at the Savoy Cabbage, without the stuffiness and putrid music. Instead, you can watch the open plan kitchen create your meal and enjoy the hum of good conversation. During August, patrons can from a set three course menu for just R195, from Mondays to Thursdays. As the menu is finalized and created each day, you can ask to have the menu emailed to you on the day, and of course, the normal daily menu is always available. For more on this quaint and quirky restaurant, visit www.savoycabbage.co.za
Balducci’s situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is the place to see and be seen. Balducci’s started life as a classy coffee bar nine years ago, but has successfully transformed itself into one of the mother city’s top fine dining haunts. Until the end of October, Balducci’s is offering its customers flame grilled burgers, accompanied by thick cut fries, relish, pickles and coleslaw for just R55. Click on www.balduccis.co.za to find out more.
Paulaner Bräuhaus & Restaurant, also located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a relaxed and family friendly brewery and restaurant, complete with traditional brass brewing kettles to create a rustic German experience for patrons. During Winter, Paulaner Bräuhaus offers its customers a free beer when ordering the meal of the day. Mondays means it’s Crispy Pork Knuckle night, for just R75 and on Wednesdays, you can treat yourself to either a Pork (R79) or Chicken (R69) Schnitzel, served with a side salad and chips or sautéed potatoes. Read more about the Paulaner Bräuhaus on www.paulaner.co.za
Go ahead and book your table at any of these establishments and begin a true gastronomic adventure!
Situated on the corner of Long and Church Streets, Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city. Genuine Ethiopian furnishings and a flamboyant flair for service sets Addis in Cape apart from other restaurants. Addis in Cape is running a Winter Special, every Saturday, were you can get a whole 50% discount off your meals or a set menu for just R140. Visit their website on www.addisincape.co.za for more information.
The trendy and ultra-chic Gallery Café, situated on the mezzanine level of the Urban Chic Hotel, on the corner of Long and Pepper Streets, comes complete with a classy, passionate culinary approach. The Gallery Café’s lunch specials make sharing a breeze - 2 Chic Beef Burgers or 2 Chic “n Vegal Forno plus two glasses of House Wine for just R100! Take a peek of the rest of what the Gallery Café has to offer on www.urbanchic.co.za.
Doppio Zero, in Mandela Rhodes Place, on the corner of Church Street and St George’s Mall offers more than just an Italian dining experience. The restaurant’s extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu is limitless and inexpensive. The restaurant also easily transforms from a daytime café to a fine dining evening venue. Doppio Zero’s current special caters for the pizza and pasta lover within all of us. On purchasing any large pizza or pasta, you will receive a free glass of Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanch or Boland Merlot. Visit their website on www.doppio.co.za for more.
Five Flies, found in Rembrandt House on Keerom Street, is a sassy upmarket dining venue. It is comprised of an 80-seater restaurant, together with exclusive private dining rooms, a bar opening out onto an enclosed courtyard which serves light lunches, and a sophisticated cigar lounge. Five Flies’ Winter Specials mean that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can choose any Two Course Menu and get a free glass of wine, for just R125. For more on Five Flies, visit their website on www.fiveflies.co.za
Sinn’s Restaurant, in Wembley Square, takes the elegance of fine dining and makes it more approachable by offering affordable delights in a modern yet comfortable environment encapsulated in the ambience of an upmarket inner city hot spot. Sinn’s caters for all mealtimes and the cocktail lounge offers tapas style snacks and a wide range of classic cocktails and boutique style wines. Sinn’s Restaurant has given in to popular demand and is serving its most popular specials again. For just R99, you can enjoy two courses (a starter and main, or main and dessert) specially created by world renowned and award winning Chef Proprietor, Thomas Sinn. The three-course gourmet menu costs just R125 and both specials are paired with a glass of Bellingham wine. To find out more, visit www.sinns.co.za
Gold Restaurant found in the Gold of Africa Museum on Strand Street, prides itself on serving Opulent African Cuisine. Welcoming local and international guests every day for lunch and a full African food journey through Southern and Central Africa for dinner, Gold Restaurant also throws in a dose of Cape Malay cuisine. The Winter Specials at Gold Restaurant mean that, for a rate of R180 per person, you will get a Set Menu, interactive drumming and live entertainment. Visit www.goldrestaurant.co.za for more information.
Savoy Cabbage Restaurant and Champagne Bar, found in Hout Street, uses the freshest local produce to create a menu that changes daily. Gracious and elegant dining can be found at the Savoy Cabbage, without the stuffiness and putrid music. Instead, you can watch the open plan kitchen create your meal and enjoy the hum of good conversation. During August, patrons can from a set three course menu for just R195, from Mondays to Thursdays. As the menu is finalized and created each day, you can ask to have the menu emailed to you on the day, and of course, the normal daily menu is always available. For more on this quaint and quirky restaurant, visit www.savoycabbage.co.za
Balducci’s situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is the place to see and be seen. Balducci’s started life as a classy coffee bar nine years ago, but has successfully transformed itself into one of the mother city’s top fine dining haunts. Until the end of October, Balducci’s is offering its customers flame grilled burgers, accompanied by thick cut fries, relish, pickles and coleslaw for just R55. Click on www.balduccis.co.za to find out more.
Paulaner Bräuhaus & Restaurant, also located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a relaxed and family friendly brewery and restaurant, complete with traditional brass brewing kettles to create a rustic German experience for patrons. During Winter, Paulaner Bräuhaus offers its customers a free beer when ordering the meal of the day. Mondays means it’s Crispy Pork Knuckle night, for just R75 and on Wednesdays, you can treat yourself to either a Pork (R79) or Chicken (R69) Schnitzel, served with a side salad and chips or sautéed potatoes. Read more about the Paulaner Bräuhaus on www.paulaner.co.za
Go ahead and book your table at any of these establishments and begin a true gastronomic adventure!
120,000 free tickets will be given away for next year's soccer World Cup
SOWETO, South Africa (Reuters) - Some 120,000 free tickets will be given away for next year's soccer World Cup to ensure that poor South Africans, the biggest local fans of the game, can attend, organizers said Friday.
Officials are concerned that despite a special category of some of the cheapest tickets in World Cup history, poor blacks will not come to matches, robbing the event of the noisy and colorful atmosphere that is one of the biggest draws of holding the tournament in Africa for the first time.
Danny Jordaan, head of the local organizing committee, said 40,000 of the free tickets would be given to workers who built or updated the 10 stadiums. The rest will go to social projects funded by the game's six major sponsors.
"We have done everything possible to bring ticket prices lower but still a large segment of the population will not be able to buy tickets. Therefore, this is something I am very proud of," he said.
FIFA said in a statement: "The Ticket Fund aims to use the excitement and passion for the game in the country as a tool to motivate and engage people, particularly young South Africans on topics such as education, health and environment."
Despite a recent wave of strikes, which included construction workers, Jordaan said stadiums were on schedule.
About 450,000 foreign fans are expected for the World Cup and 28 of the 64 matches are already sold out.
(Additional reporting by Alison Raymond; Editing by Barry Moody)
Officials are concerned that despite a special category of some of the cheapest tickets in World Cup history, poor blacks will not come to matches, robbing the event of the noisy and colorful atmosphere that is one of the biggest draws of holding the tournament in Africa for the first time.
Danny Jordaan, head of the local organizing committee, said 40,000 of the free tickets would be given to workers who built or updated the 10 stadiums. The rest will go to social projects funded by the game's six major sponsors.
"We have done everything possible to bring ticket prices lower but still a large segment of the population will not be able to buy tickets. Therefore, this is something I am very proud of," he said.
FIFA said in a statement: "The Ticket Fund aims to use the excitement and passion for the game in the country as a tool to motivate and engage people, particularly young South Africans on topics such as education, health and environment."
Despite a recent wave of strikes, which included construction workers, Jordaan said stadiums were on schedule.
About 450,000 foreign fans are expected for the World Cup and 28 of the 64 matches are already sold out.
(Additional reporting by Alison Raymond; Editing by Barry Moody)
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Football Safari
Some visitors to South Africa for the World Cup will be spending a great deal of time lounging peacefully on a terrace, watching the elephants, leopards and antelopes gather at the watering hole.
That's how hundreds of football fans will relax in South Africa's Kruger National Park on 'soccer safaris', after taking in World Cup matches in the nearby city of Nelspruit. With 100,000 people, Nelspruit is among the smaller of the host cities and doesn't have enough accommodation for the fans expected to arrive here in June 2010.
So organisers are tapping resources in the tourist magnet of the Kruger National game park, just a two-hour drive away. "Any person who comes so close to Kruger would definitely come to see the game. You cannot miss it if you're that close to it, especially coming from Europe or Asia," said Stephen Nel, a manager at the Berg-en-Dal rest camp.
About 1.3 million tourists each year visit the park, which is about half the size of the Netherlands and the area has a highly developed network to accommodate guests. During the World Cup, the camps of Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop will host nearly 2,000 fans in search of South Africa's "Big Five" - elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions and rhinos.
FIFA partner responsible for accommodation, Match, is offering packages that include lodging, transport and safaris, which could mean pre-dawn drives to catch the animals at sun-up, twilight hikes, or dinner in the bush.
To allow the guests to see the football matches, the Kruger Park is reworking its rules. The park currently closes at 6:00 pm, and some games at Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium will only kick off two hours later, so allowances will be made to accommodate visitors during the World Cup period.
Closer to Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, getaway hotspot Hartebeespoort Dam offers a secluded peaceful African surrounding with a fantastic conservation park nearby, called the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife park.
This reserve is a truly amazing place, with visitors able to caress tame cheetah’s known as ambassadors, and experience the wonder of some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
World Cup visitors looking for an interesting way to spend the day should consider the De Wildt Park, as it is an unforgettable experience that one finds in only a few places in the world. A day visit is a must, but for those hoping to secure lodging at the park, there is limited space and early bookings are essential.
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com
That's how hundreds of football fans will relax in South Africa's Kruger National Park on 'soccer safaris', after taking in World Cup matches in the nearby city of Nelspruit. With 100,000 people, Nelspruit is among the smaller of the host cities and doesn't have enough accommodation for the fans expected to arrive here in June 2010.
So organisers are tapping resources in the tourist magnet of the Kruger National game park, just a two-hour drive away. "Any person who comes so close to Kruger would definitely come to see the game. You cannot miss it if you're that close to it, especially coming from Europe or Asia," said Stephen Nel, a manager at the Berg-en-Dal rest camp.
About 1.3 million tourists each year visit the park, which is about half the size of the Netherlands and the area has a highly developed network to accommodate guests. During the World Cup, the camps of Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop will host nearly 2,000 fans in search of South Africa's "Big Five" - elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions and rhinos.
FIFA partner responsible for accommodation, Match, is offering packages that include lodging, transport and safaris, which could mean pre-dawn drives to catch the animals at sun-up, twilight hikes, or dinner in the bush.
To allow the guests to see the football matches, the Kruger Park is reworking its rules. The park currently closes at 6:00 pm, and some games at Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium will only kick off two hours later, so allowances will be made to accommodate visitors during the World Cup period.
Closer to Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, getaway hotspot Hartebeespoort Dam offers a secluded peaceful African surrounding with a fantastic conservation park nearby, called the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife park.
This reserve is a truly amazing place, with visitors able to caress tame cheetah’s known as ambassadors, and experience the wonder of some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.
World Cup visitors looking for an interesting way to spend the day should consider the De Wildt Park, as it is an unforgettable experience that one finds in only a few places in the world. A day visit is a must, but for those hoping to secure lodging at the park, there is limited space and early bookings are essential.
Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
World Cup Draw Confirmed
Cape Town will host the draw for the 2010 Soccer World Cup on December 4, local organising committee CEO Danny Jordan said on Thursday.
"Cape Town December 4 is the final step," he told a media briefing in the city.
"All the teams fixtures and stadiums will be complete, December 4 is a critical date."
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the city was on track with its time frames.
"Cape Town is ready, and the stadium will be ready by December 4."
Jordaan said around two million tickets were still available for the event.
More than 800 000 had been sold, most of them to people in Europe and the United States. South Africans had bought 240 000 tickets. - Sapa
"Cape Town December 4 is the final step," he told a media briefing in the city.
"All the teams fixtures and stadiums will be complete, December 4 is a critical date."
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the city was on track with its time frames.
"Cape Town is ready, and the stadium will be ready by December 4."
Jordaan said around two million tickets were still available for the event.
More than 800 000 had been sold, most of them to people in Europe and the United States. South Africans had bought 240 000 tickets. - Sapa
World Cup Visitors Centres Open in PE
Three Visitor Information Centres (VICs) were today launched in Nelson Mandela Bay to ensure tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup get the best advice and information. The three centres are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Obama has an Invite.......
There has been much speculation over President Obama's attendance at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Today's update? Mr Obama has received the official invitation from FIFA President Joseph Blatter to attend the World Cup in South Africa(for all you non-soccer people out there, FIFA is French for International Federation of Association Football).
After the closed Oval Office meeting between the two presidents, Mr Blatter told White House reporters Mr Obama, after receiving the invite, told his assistants in the room to "look at the agenda".
So no word yet as to whether or not POTUS will be traveling to South Africa next summer, but Blatter was able to enlighten us about Obama's soccer skills...in short, don't give up your day job Mr President.
According to Blatter, who gifted POTUS a soccer ball, Mr Obama made 2 or 3 movements (in the Oval Office!) even used his head, but Blatter insists, the President of the United States is "not yet ready" for MLS.
Today's update? Mr Obama has received the official invitation from FIFA President Joseph Blatter to attend the World Cup in South Africa(for all you non-soccer people out there, FIFA is French for International Federation of Association Football).
After the closed Oval Office meeting between the two presidents, Mr Blatter told White House reporters Mr Obama, after receiving the invite, told his assistants in the room to "look at the agenda".
So no word yet as to whether or not POTUS will be traveling to South Africa next summer, but Blatter was able to enlighten us about Obama's soccer skills...in short, don't give up your day job Mr President.
According to Blatter, who gifted POTUS a soccer ball, Mr Obama made 2 or 3 movements (in the Oval Office!) even used his head, but Blatter insists, the President of the United States is "not yet ready" for MLS.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Obama may attend the World Cup 2010
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has specific ideas on upgrading the popularity of soccer in the United States. He hopes he has an eager listener in President Barack Obama.
Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.
"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.
Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.
"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.
Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
South African Tourism estimates FIFA World Cup 2010 to generate tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion
South Africa Tourism is all set to attract more tourists to the country during FIFA World Cup 2010. South Africa is the host country for a month-long Football extravaganza, scheduled from June 11- July 11, 2010.
According to report in www.engineeringnews.co.za, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister, South Africa said that during the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa expects three-five million participants, of which one-three million are expected to be tourist participants. About 4, 45, 000 participants are expected to be foreign arrivals. South African Tourism estimates that FIFA World Cup 2010 will generate a tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion for the country.
Schalkwyk said that South Africa’s ability to host world events had been proved through successfully hosting the Indian Premier League, FIFA Confederation Cup and more recently the British Lions Tour.
According to report in www.engineeringnews.co.za, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister, South Africa said that during the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa expects three-five million participants, of which one-three million are expected to be tourist participants. About 4, 45, 000 participants are expected to be foreign arrivals. South African Tourism estimates that FIFA World Cup 2010 will generate a tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion for the country.
Schalkwyk said that South Africa’s ability to host world events had been proved through successfully hosting the Indian Premier League, FIFA Confederation Cup and more recently the British Lions Tour.
Applications for World Cup 2010 Jobs have started
The organizers of the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa on Monday officially launched a hunt for 15,000 volunteers to assist at the mammoth month-long event.
People from across the world can apply online, started on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.
In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.
'From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen,' the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.
Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in 'South Africa and Africa's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world's biggest sporting event,' he said.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.
Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.
For more information, go to www.FIFA.com/volunteers2010.
People from across the world can apply online, started on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.
In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.
'From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen,' the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.
Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in 'South Africa and Africa's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world's biggest sporting event,' he said.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.
Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.
For more information, go to www.FIFA.com/volunteers2010.
Language courses launched in Cape Town for 2010 World Cup
THE International House World Organization (IHWO), a network of language schools worldwide, has launched an affiliate language school in Cape Town.
With the recent success of the Confederations Cup and the passionate support for teams from Latin America and Europe, it’s anticipated that large numbers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking tourists will visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Portuguese and Spanish language courses have been introduced to cater for basic and intermediate levels and specific industry or special-interest topics. The courses are also available for individual groups or corporate clients.
“These courses are aimed at service personnel to enable them to interact with visiting tourists, thereby enriching their overall experience. They will be taught basic greetings, general customer service phrases, important vocabulary and a general understanding of the different cultures,” says Gavin Eyre, managing director of IH Cape Town.
With the recent success of the Confederations Cup and the passionate support for teams from Latin America and Europe, it’s anticipated that large numbers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking tourists will visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.
Portuguese and Spanish language courses have been introduced to cater for basic and intermediate levels and specific industry or special-interest topics. The courses are also available for individual groups or corporate clients.
“These courses are aimed at service personnel to enable them to interact with visiting tourists, thereby enriching their overall experience. They will be taught basic greetings, general customer service phrases, important vocabulary and a general understanding of the different cultures,” says Gavin Eyre, managing director of IH Cape Town.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
We Need Transport
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at South African Tourism’s offices in Johannesburg the Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that he did not believe that there would be a shortage of accommodation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but rather a transport challenge is what was facing government and the Local Organising Committee.
Explaining his sentiment van Schalkwyk noted that South Africa had just over 100 000 graded rooms in its inventory, but these were spaced out and many did not fall into the major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town.
This, he says, causes logistical problems for tour operators and as a result many tour operators were accommodating their clients further afield in smaller towns such as George and would bus and fly them to matches.
He says these so called ‘satellite camps’ provide a solution for the accommodation of 2010 supporters but the transport challenge needed to be sorted out.
He hinted at an example of how tour operators were considering bringing in busses from overseas to transport their clients.
Explaining his sentiment van Schalkwyk noted that South Africa had just over 100 000 graded rooms in its inventory, but these were spaced out and many did not fall into the major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town.
This, he says, causes logistical problems for tour operators and as a result many tour operators were accommodating their clients further afield in smaller towns such as George and would bus and fly them to matches.
He says these so called ‘satellite camps’ provide a solution for the accommodation of 2010 supporters but the transport challenge needed to be sorted out.
He hinted at an example of how tour operators were considering bringing in busses from overseas to transport their clients.
Win a volunteer vacation to South Africa
Outdoor gear manufacturer Keen is joining forces with U.K. based travel company i-to-i to send one lucky winner on a trip to South Africa, where they'll have the opportunity to take part in a week-long volunteer vacation at an animal rescue society in Cape Town. To enter to win, simply go to the contest website and fill out the online form. All entires must be received before August 21st, and the winner must travel before Sept. 30, 2010.
The trip, which is valued at $4000, includes airfare to South Africa, and accommodations in the volunteer hostel at the TEARS animal rescue shelter, where the winner will have the opportunity to help educate locals on care of their pets, provide veterinary care, and distribute food parcels for pets of underprivileged families. TEARS also works with children, teaching them the responsibilities of pet ownership and instilling a nurturing attitude.
Voluntourism has been a growing trend in travel over the past few years and i-to-i has been on the forefront of that trend. Since its founding in 1996, the company has sent more than 20,000 people on volunteer vacations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It seems only natural that they would team up with Keen, who has also been very forward thinking in their approach to sustainable gear and environmentally friendly practices.
This is certainly an interesting contest. I'm not sure I've seen anyone give away a volunteer vacation before. But it is an interesting way to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, and give a little something back while you are ther
The trip, which is valued at $4000, includes airfare to South Africa, and accommodations in the volunteer hostel at the TEARS animal rescue shelter, where the winner will have the opportunity to help educate locals on care of their pets, provide veterinary care, and distribute food parcels for pets of underprivileged families. TEARS also works with children, teaching them the responsibilities of pet ownership and instilling a nurturing attitude.
Voluntourism has been a growing trend in travel over the past few years and i-to-i has been on the forefront of that trend. Since its founding in 1996, the company has sent more than 20,000 people on volunteer vacations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It seems only natural that they would team up with Keen, who has also been very forward thinking in their approach to sustainable gear and environmentally friendly practices.
This is certainly an interesting contest. I'm not sure I've seen anyone give away a volunteer vacation before. But it is an interesting way to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, and give a little something back while you are ther
More International Flights To Cape Town
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will begin services from its Abu Dhabi home-base to the South African city of Cape Town on 30 September 2009.
The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad's current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa's commercial capital Johannesburg.
It will be Etihad's second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.
The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad's current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa's commercial capital Johannesburg.
It will be Etihad's second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
QE2 on the move to Cape Town
There's confirmation this morning that the former Cunard ocean liner QE2 will be moving to Cape Town in time to provide accommodation for next year's World Cup.
The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November (picture above), was bought for £50 million by a Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.
No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.
A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.
"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there."
Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.
QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.
www.mirror.co.uk
The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November (picture above), was bought for £50 million by a Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.
No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.
A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.
"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there."
Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.
QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.
www.mirror.co.uk
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Queen Elizabeth 2 could move to Cape Town
The Queen Elizabeth 2 seems all but certain to be berthed temporarily in Cape Town harbour after statements yesterday by South Africa and the ship’s owner, Dubai World.
A spokeswoman for South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism said her agency would not oppose a possible 18-month berthing of the famous vessel at Cape Town.
A statement from an executive of the Dubai World subsidiary that operates the ship welcomed the South African government’s position and said: “It has been our intention for some time to provide a short-term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.”
Last week, just months after the QE2 arrived in Dubai at the end of her “final voyage”, it emerged that Dubai World had applied to berth the 41-year-old ship in the Cape Town harbour.
The National Ports Authority of South Africa and the board of Transnet, that country’s major ports company, still have to give their final approval.
The statement made yesterday by Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, linked the ocean liner’s possible berthing at Cape Town to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and an expected influx of tourists for the event.
The move to Cape Town would mark a significant change of plans for the QE2, which was to have been permanently berthed off a spit of land connected to the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.
The ship, currently docked at Port Rashid, was bought by Istithmar, an investment arm of Dubai World, for $100 million (Dh367m) in June 2007. Nakheel planned for her to become a floating hotel with 200 rooms, restaurants and a theatre. But Dubai World has been under increasing pressure to streamline its operations and reduce spending because of the global financial crisis. Nakheel has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the property sector and is trying to sell some of its projects to investors to raise funds.
The most pressing issue facing Dubai World is a Dh12.9bn (US$3.5bn) Islamic bond from Nakheel that is maturing in December. The company also has payments due to contractors and decisions to make about the future of some of its stalled projects.
Dubai World recently hired AlixPartners, a restructuring consultancy based in the US, to “advise on a structural reorganisation” of the company.
Nakheel has cut nearly 1,000 jobs and is trying to sell land and other assets to raise money. It has also shelved some of its most ambitious projects, among them the more than 1km-tall Nakheel Tower and the Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.
Moving the QE2 to South Africa for a visit would take advantage of Dubai World’s other projects in Cape Town. The company and a consortium of investors bought the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront development, near Cape Town’s commercial port, for the equivalent of about Dh3.4bn (US$920m) in 2006.
A spokeswoman for South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism said her agency would not oppose a possible 18-month berthing of the famous vessel at Cape Town.
A statement from an executive of the Dubai World subsidiary that operates the ship welcomed the South African government’s position and said: “It has been our intention for some time to provide a short-term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.”
Last week, just months after the QE2 arrived in Dubai at the end of her “final voyage”, it emerged that Dubai World had applied to berth the 41-year-old ship in the Cape Town harbour.
The National Ports Authority of South Africa and the board of Transnet, that country’s major ports company, still have to give their final approval.
The statement made yesterday by Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, linked the ocean liner’s possible berthing at Cape Town to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and an expected influx of tourists for the event.
The move to Cape Town would mark a significant change of plans for the QE2, which was to have been permanently berthed off a spit of land connected to the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.
The ship, currently docked at Port Rashid, was bought by Istithmar, an investment arm of Dubai World, for $100 million (Dh367m) in June 2007. Nakheel planned for her to become a floating hotel with 200 rooms, restaurants and a theatre. But Dubai World has been under increasing pressure to streamline its operations and reduce spending because of the global financial crisis. Nakheel has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the property sector and is trying to sell some of its projects to investors to raise funds.
The most pressing issue facing Dubai World is a Dh12.9bn (US$3.5bn) Islamic bond from Nakheel that is maturing in December. The company also has payments due to contractors and decisions to make about the future of some of its stalled projects.
Dubai World recently hired AlixPartners, a restructuring consultancy based in the US, to “advise on a structural reorganisation” of the company.
Nakheel has cut nearly 1,000 jobs and is trying to sell land and other assets to raise money. It has also shelved some of its most ambitious projects, among them the more than 1km-tall Nakheel Tower and the Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.
Moving the QE2 to South Africa for a visit would take advantage of Dubai World’s other projects in Cape Town. The company and a consortium of investors bought the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront development, near Cape Town’s commercial port, for the equivalent of about Dh3.4bn (US$920m) in 2006.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Great Train Trip
From/to Johannesburg, South Africa
30 Aug - 8 Sept & 12 - 21 Sept 2009
(Both 10 days)
Price R12990 pp
Included in tour price:
9 Nights' accommodation on the train, bedding & meals, bus transport to excursions, entry fees, tour guide, safety & security
Make life easy:
Avoid accommodation hassles, poor meals, traffic, long distance driving, getting lost, missing interesting spots, toll gates & fuel increases.
Experience and enjoy our beautiful neighbouring country & visit:
Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Swakopmund, Etosha Pans, Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay, Dune 7, Windhoek, Root carving factory, etc.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Cape Town scoops awards
Article By:
Travel+Leisure magazine this week announced the much anticipated results of their 14th annual World's Best poll, where readers of their magazine rate the world's best cities, islands, hotels, cruises and airlines.
Cape Town sailed into second position in the Top Cities of the World poll, one place up from their third position finish in 2008 and just behind overall winner Udaipur, India. A discerning group of travelers, the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine opted for exotic destinations Udaipur, Bangkok, Buenos Aires and Chiang Mai ahead of the usual suspects like New York and Rome which finished in eighth and ninth positions respectively in the category of Top Cities.
Cape Town was again voted the Best City in Africa and the Middle East, riding on the crest of a wave of North African cities like romantic Marrakech, Fez and Cairo, as well as Tel Aviv.
Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: "We are delighted with the recognition that Cape Town consistently receives as one of the world's favourite and most remarkable destinations. The inclusion of Camps Bay luxury hotel, The Twelve Apostles, as one of The Worlds best 15 hotels further emphasizes that Cape Town offers the visitor outstanding tourism infrastructure and world class facilities and services. An award such as this not only pays tribute to the Mother City's tourism industry but supports the message that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."
The presence of South African properties on the Top 15 list of The World's Best Hotels 2009 category was striking, with Singita Sabi Sand in sixth position, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Earth Lodge) in third position and top honours going to Cape Town Tourism member, Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cedarberg Mountains. Cape Town's luxury offering was further represented by the Cape Grace Hotel in fourth position in the category Top 5 City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East.
The Mother City's latest accolade follows on a series of earlier awards such as National Geographic Traveler including Cape Town in their 50 Places of a Lifetime selection, Conde Nast Traveler calling it the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.
Travel+Leisure magazine this week announced the much anticipated results of their 14th annual World's Best poll, where readers of their magazine rate the world's best cities, islands, hotels, cruises and airlines.
Cape Town sailed into second position in the Top Cities of the World poll, one place up from their third position finish in 2008 and just behind overall winner Udaipur, India. A discerning group of travelers, the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine opted for exotic destinations Udaipur, Bangkok, Buenos Aires and Chiang Mai ahead of the usual suspects like New York and Rome which finished in eighth and ninth positions respectively in the category of Top Cities.
Cape Town was again voted the Best City in Africa and the Middle East, riding on the crest of a wave of North African cities like romantic Marrakech, Fez and Cairo, as well as Tel Aviv.
Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: "We are delighted with the recognition that Cape Town consistently receives as one of the world's favourite and most remarkable destinations. The inclusion of Camps Bay luxury hotel, The Twelve Apostles, as one of The Worlds best 15 hotels further emphasizes that Cape Town offers the visitor outstanding tourism infrastructure and world class facilities and services. An award such as this not only pays tribute to the Mother City's tourism industry but supports the message that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."
The presence of South African properties on the Top 15 list of The World's Best Hotels 2009 category was striking, with Singita Sabi Sand in sixth position, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Earth Lodge) in third position and top honours going to Cape Town Tourism member, Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cedarberg Mountains. Cape Town's luxury offering was further represented by the Cape Grace Hotel in fourth position in the category Top 5 City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East.
The Mother City's latest accolade follows on a series of earlier awards such as National Geographic Traveler including Cape Town in their 50 Places of a Lifetime selection, Conde Nast Traveler calling it the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.
Latest Pictures Of Cape Town Stadium
Pictures by Bruce Sutherland.
To see more http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/Pages/StadiumConstructionProgress28.aspx
Monday, July 6, 2009
South Africa have promised to fix their transport problems ahead of next year's World Cup
Transport is considered one of the major concerns ahead of next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.
FIFA highlighted transport as a major issue after June's Confederations Cup as there were difficulties getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.
FIFA also noted that there is a lack of accommodation and security in South Africa, issues to be solved in the next 12 months.
According to a BBC report, Minibus taxi operators, who are the mainstay of the transport network for working class South Africans, have blocked roads in protests against a new mass bus service for the World Cup, fearing it will cut their business.
"We have now entered a phase that is not going to be characterised by conflict, we are now in the post-conflict phase with the taxi industry," transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele told the country’s parliament during a budget speech.
He said the government would encourage the minibus industry to cooperate with bus and rail transport systems. Besides sorting out the troubled taxi and bus sectors, South Africa will invest some $3.18 billion over the next three years to upgrade the rail passenger service, Ndabele said.
He said Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have set aside $2.5bn to improve airport infrastructure in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers during 2010.
"At present ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43m in year 2010 and will continue to grow," Ndabele said.
Odindo Ayieko, Goal.com
FIFA highlighted transport as a major issue after June's Confederations Cup as there were difficulties getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.
FIFA also noted that there is a lack of accommodation and security in South Africa, issues to be solved in the next 12 months.
According to a BBC report, Minibus taxi operators, who are the mainstay of the transport network for working class South Africans, have blocked roads in protests against a new mass bus service for the World Cup, fearing it will cut their business.
"We have now entered a phase that is not going to be characterised by conflict, we are now in the post-conflict phase with the taxi industry," transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele told the country’s parliament during a budget speech.
He said the government would encourage the minibus industry to cooperate with bus and rail transport systems. Besides sorting out the troubled taxi and bus sectors, South Africa will invest some $3.18 billion over the next three years to upgrade the rail passenger service, Ndabele said.
He said Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have set aside $2.5bn to improve airport infrastructure in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers during 2010.
"At present ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43m in year 2010 and will continue to grow," Ndabele said.
Odindo Ayieko, Goal.com
Friday, July 3, 2009
FIFA Plan to meet on Robben Island
FIFA plans to hold one of its executive committee meetings at Robben Island a day before the World Cup draw in Cape Town.
Jerome Valcke, secretary-general of football's world governing body, said at its post-Confederations Cup media briefing on Monday that FIFA is having discussions with the South African government about whether its 24-member committee can use the conference facilities on the island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years.
The meeting, usually one of FIFA's most important of the year, will be on December 3, the day before the draw for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Jerome Valcke, secretary-general of football's world governing body, said at its post-Confederations Cup media briefing on Monday that FIFA is having discussions with the South African government about whether its 24-member committee can use the conference facilities on the island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years.
The meeting, usually one of FIFA's most important of the year, will be on December 3, the day before the draw for next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Vote For Table Mountain
Cape Town - South Africans have only 3 days left to vote for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature competition.
Table Mountain is South Africa's only representative in this global competition that recognises natural sites of wonder around the world.
Currently sitting at number 7 in its category (Mountains and Volcanoes), the majestic icon needs your vote to boost its position before July 7, when voting closes.
Table Mountain Cableway CEO Sabine Lehmann has urged all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to show their support by casting their vote.
"I encourage all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to vote today," Lehmann told News24 on Wednesday morning.
"We have less than a week to go to ensure Table Mountain is forever remembered as a true wonder of nature."
Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New7Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago.
Support from the stars
It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.
Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.
To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees.
Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.
The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New7Wonders of Nature.
The New7Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.
The public can vote online or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain’s three-digit code which is 332. (Calls to the New7Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times, 07:00 – 19:00, and R2.92 a minute off-peak,19:00 – 07:00.)
Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin.
The official New7Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.
Table Mountain is South Africa's only representative in this global competition that recognises natural sites of wonder around the world.
Currently sitting at number 7 in its category (Mountains and Volcanoes), the majestic icon needs your vote to boost its position before July 7, when voting closes.
Table Mountain Cableway CEO Sabine Lehmann has urged all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to show their support by casting their vote.
"I encourage all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to vote today," Lehmann told News24 on Wednesday morning.
"We have less than a week to go to ensure Table Mountain is forever remembered as a true wonder of nature."
Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New7Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago.
Support from the stars
It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.
Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.
To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees.
Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.
The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New7Wonders of Nature.
The New7Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.
The public can vote online or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain’s three-digit code which is 332. (Calls to the New7Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times, 07:00 – 19:00, and R2.92 a minute off-peak,19:00 – 07:00.)
Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin.
The official New7Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.
Love Football?
RTS/Runningball is a leading company which provides live feedback on soccer games.
We are looking for commentators to cover games for the 2009 PSL season South Africa.(you must be based in South Africa)
Do You love Football ? join our team ! Get paid to watch Football.
This is a part time job. You will work during Football season and only during the time of the game. We pay €40 approx R430 per games covered.
We are looking for reliable and professional people with good knowledge of the sport.
Email info@africatravelnetwork.net for more info
www.africatravelnetwork.net
We are looking for commentators to cover games for the 2009 PSL season South Africa.(you must be based in South Africa)
Do You love Football ? join our team ! Get paid to watch Football.
This is a part time job. You will work during Football season and only during the time of the game. We pay €40 approx R430 per games covered.
We are looking for reliable and professional people with good knowledge of the sport.
Email info@africatravelnetwork.net for more info
www.africatravelnetwork.net
2010 World Cup offers Africa great opportunity
The Confederations Cup is the traditional dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup. And as far as dress rehearsals go, the 2009 Confederations Cup recently held in South Africa was a splendid advert for this Rainbow nation.
On-pitch, the soccer tournament showcased the Beautiful Game in all its glorious unpredictability. Yet, it's off-pitch that the showpiece had its most desirable impact.
South Africa's credentials as World Cup hosts have been dogged by fears over security, unfinished stadia and poor preparations.
But, if Madibaland is a crime-ridden outpost with incomplete stadia, the organisers did well to hide this. The Confederations Cup progressed without incident, there were none of the rampant car-jackings and stabbings that alarmists had prophesied; and the full-to-capacity stadia were not only finished but they were littered with colourful spectators.
The same anticipation for the World Cup and the bonanza it promises seems to be full-blown outside South Africa already.
Uganda, sadly, appears to be in the throes of a deep slumber. Where Zimbabwe and the rest are face-lifting hotels and stadia to make the perfect warm-up and acclimatisation destination to teams taking part in the 2010 World Cup, Uganda seems unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoning.
The appropriately named Mandela National Stadium, Namboole should be our rallying point if Uganda is to harvest any dividends from the 2010 World Cup.
Namboole is a certified FIFA standard stadium. That and Uganda's Pearl-Of-Africa uniqueness make for an irresistible selling point.
It is up to the Government and soccer governing body FUFA to exploit these attributes and Uganda's proximity to South Africa to make an immediate killing in 2010.
By luring World Cup squads to use Uganda as a pre-tournament base, the country could also make a lasting impression on the hordes of football fans [and future tourists] who will be following their teams around the globe.
www.africatravelnetwork.net
On-pitch, the soccer tournament showcased the Beautiful Game in all its glorious unpredictability. Yet, it's off-pitch that the showpiece had its most desirable impact.
South Africa's credentials as World Cup hosts have been dogged by fears over security, unfinished stadia and poor preparations.
But, if Madibaland is a crime-ridden outpost with incomplete stadia, the organisers did well to hide this. The Confederations Cup progressed without incident, there were none of the rampant car-jackings and stabbings that alarmists had prophesied; and the full-to-capacity stadia were not only finished but they were littered with colourful spectators.
The same anticipation for the World Cup and the bonanza it promises seems to be full-blown outside South Africa already.
Uganda, sadly, appears to be in the throes of a deep slumber. Where Zimbabwe and the rest are face-lifting hotels and stadia to make the perfect warm-up and acclimatisation destination to teams taking part in the 2010 World Cup, Uganda seems unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoning.
The appropriately named Mandela National Stadium, Namboole should be our rallying point if Uganda is to harvest any dividends from the 2010 World Cup.
Namboole is a certified FIFA standard stadium. That and Uganda's Pearl-Of-Africa uniqueness make for an irresistible selling point.
It is up to the Government and soccer governing body FUFA to exploit these attributes and Uganda's proximity to South Africa to make an immediate killing in 2010.
By luring World Cup squads to use Uganda as a pre-tournament base, the country could also make a lasting impression on the hordes of football fans [and future tourists] who will be following their teams around the globe.
www.africatravelnetwork.net
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Who Will Be Coming to SA From Europe?
UEFA
a. Denmark and/or Hungary (to qualify)
Denmark is looking lean and mean to win this qualification round, and Hungary looks...well...hungry for success. With more than half the matches already played in the round, the early favorites Portugal and Sweden are struggling to get into contention.
Denmark looks to has a great chance of retaining the lead. They have won five of the six matches, and obtained a draw in the other. They are three points clear of Hungary and have a very healthy goal ratio of 13:2.
The next match for Denmark is a tough one, as it faces Portugal. But the match will take place in Copenhagen, which may help their chances. Even if they don't get through that match without a problem, their next opponent will be Albania. That match should supply another win for Denmark, and the remaining matches are both home games against Sweden and Hungary.
Winning these matches will only be necessary if the other teams also get wins. Otherwise it is sufficient to simply not lose any matches.
Hungary is only one win behind the leaders, but they still have to face Portugal twice, plus there will be a match against Sweden and Denmark. Its path is more difficult, but achievable if Denmark stumbles too many times.
Portugal has a lot of ground to make up, and would need to win at least three of its remaining matches, while also hoping that Denmark does not win any more matches. If Hungary wins two matches, it will also make things very difficult for Portugal.
It's not impossible, but the Portuguese team will have a lot of pressure throughout the rest of the remaining matches, and they only have to lose one match to be out of contention for the top spot unless Denmark fails to win a single match (unlikely) or Hungary fails to win twice.
Sweden is level with Portugal on points, but their goal ratio is 6:2 compared with 8:4 (strange, considering that Portugal is regarded as a strong defensive team and Sweden is regarded as an attacking team). Sweden's path is just as difficult, if not more so.
b. Greece or Switzerland (to qualify).
One of these two should make it through, but I don't think both will, unless Round Two is kind to them. They have had the good fortune to be drawn together in a very weak group, so each is helping the other to survive in a strange kind of symbiosis.
The two teams are dead level on points, with Greece being ahead due to their better goal ratio. I believe Greece has the edge here. Switzerland can struggle at times.
Nipping at the heels of the leaders is Latvia who have an excellent chance of knocking at least one of them off the perch, but they can't afford to lose any more games, and must win at least two, while hoping their opponents do not win. They are not in a great position, but it is certainly not over for them yet.
Israel is too far behind. To catch up they would need to win at least three matches and this does not seem very likely. They would also need for the other teams ahead of them not to make any upward progress. If Israel only wins two matches, then they cannot get to the top position no matter what else happens.
Moldova of course, is already out of contention. Luxembourg would need an absolute miracle.
c. Slovakia (to qualify)
I was tempted to just chicken out of this one and put "anyone from Group Three except San Marino", but it looks like Slovakia should be able to hold on here. Poland is a big danger, and Northern Ireland are amazingly in second place and trailing by just two points.
This could be a big year for Northern Ireland if they can keep it going and hold off the challenge from Poland.
Czech Republic and Slovenia are just behind Poland on eight points each. Both are good enough to score wins in this group, but they will need a ton of luck to make it through to qualification.
It would take a minimum of four straight wins and for all of the higher teams to draw against each other or lose to San Marino. It is putting it mildly to say that such circumstances would be very difficult to arrange.
d. Germany and Russia (to qualify)
Hard to imagine either of these teams failing to get through. Whoever finishes second in this group should be able to win a spot in Round Two. Both teams are two wins ahead of the next contender, Finland, and they have much better goal ratios.
The only possible way for Finland to get past one of these teams is in the very unlikely event that Germany loses a match against Azerbaijan, or that Russia loses to Azerbaijan, Wales, or Liechtenstein.
If neither of these things happen, then the outcome of Germany v. Russia has no effect on Finland's chances and even its match against Germany won't make a difference. The only change that the game can make, unless the unexpected happens (as described above), is to allow Russia to move into first place.
None of the remaining teams in this group can qualify, no matter what the outcome of any matches are (unless Germany and Russia fail to win a single match, and Wales wins all their own matches, and Finland does not win all of their matches).
The calculations behind these predictions are too complex to include here, so I will just have to ask you to trust that I have crunched the numbers. It has taken me 13 hours just to get this far into my analysis, so I'm not skimping here!
e. Spain (to qualify)
Unless Spain fails to win at least two of its four remaining matches and Bosnia-Herzegovina win all of their remaining matches, there is no way for Spain to be knocked out of the top spot.
Provided that Spain wins two matches, it will take its tally from 18 to 24, a target that can only be reached by Bosnia-Herzegovina at 12 points (and with four more wins they would also be on 24 points). Even then, they need to make up the difference in the goal ratio in order to move ahead of Spain.
Turkey remains in contention, currently in third place on eight points. They can only get into first place in the unlikely event that Spain does not win any more than one match and Turkey wins every match (four wins would take their total to 22, putting them one ahead of Spain if that team only win one match).
Second place is a more viable option for Turkey and their prospects are boosted by the fact that they already have their hardest matches behind them. They are the only team that does not face Spain in the matches that are left.
The math here is very simple. If Bosnia-Herzegovina does not win any more matches, then Turkey only needs to win two in order to pull ahead of them. If Bosnia-Herzegovina wins one match, Turkey will need to win three. And if Bosnia-Herzegovina wins more than one match then, to have any hope at all, Turkey must win all four.
Belgium is in a similar position to Turkey but disadvantaged, firstly because they will have to play against Spain, and secondly because they are trailing by one further point.
f. England (to qualify)
England exited from the 2006 World Cup after failing to break down the Portuguese defense in the third Quarterfinal match. They are firmly on track for another tilt, and only need to beat one of their three remaining opponents to make sure they get the chance.
A solitary win would lift England's total from 21 points to 24, and since all the other contenders can only achieve a maximum score of 23 points, England would then be certain of qualification.
If England does not win any more matches, then either Croatia or Ukraine (or both) can get ahead by winning all four of their matches. Belarus also would need to win at least four matches out of the five they have remaining. In doing so, they would knock both Ukraine and Croatia out of contention for a place.
If Belarus wins four matches, then their total points would be level with England's at 21 and the decision would come down to the goal ratio. But England seems perfectly safe as things stand at the moment.
In fact, it is not really necessary at all for England to win. All they have to do is not lose any matches. Three draw results would also bring their total to the magic number 24, and as a consequence this would be a big help to Belarus in their quest for second place because it would mean that both Ukraine and Croatia could then only obtain a maximum of 21, while the maximum possible score for Belarus would be 22.
Currently, the chaser with the best chance to graduate is Ukraine, as they have two upcoming matches against Andorra, but Croatia and Belarus must play against each other twice before taking on England and Kazakhstan.
g. Serbia and/or France (to qualify)
Serbia has a good lead in Group Seven. They are eight points clear of France and have a very healthy goal ratio of 15:5, which none of the other teams are even close to.
In the 2006 World Cup, I wrote on my forecast site that I did not think much of Serbia's chances, mainly due to its poor performance in the qualifying rounds. That prediction turned out to be true, as they lost all three of their Round 1 matches and failed to progress any further in the competition.
Their last World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire saw a big improvement, with the Serbian team scoring two goals in the first half. Côte d'Ivoire did to Serbia what Brazil did to the U.S. in the Confederations Cup, staging a second half comeback to win by 3-2.
Serbia has three fairly easy assignments ahead of them. Home games against France and Romania—which they are expected to win—followed by an away game against Lithuania. Thus, I believe they will pick up at least another six points, bringing their final total to a minimum of 24.
France, in theory can top this score by one point, but in order to do so they must defeat Serbia. They are the only team apart from Serbia that still has the potential to score more than 20 points.
Lithuania are in third place with nine points, but can only score another nine, and this would only help them to equal Serbia's current score. Therefore, only if Serbia loses all of its remaining games does Lithuania has any chance at all, and even then they would need to be ahead on the goal ratio.
Austria and Romania, each with seven points and four matches left to play, are able to score a maximum total of 19. To stay clear of these threats, Serbia only needs to win one match (which would give them 21).
If Serbia can manage two wins and a draw, then even France can't catch them. France still has the potential to do some serious damage, and with two scheduled matches against the Faroe Islands, they should be able to bring their total up to at least 16 points, but are expected to do a lot better than that.
Serbia and France are the two most likely to take out the quinella here.
h. Italy (to qualify)
Italy could be expected to be doing a little better than this. Draws with Ireland and Bulgaria have prevented Italy from making a clean sweep. Ireland now sits just one point behind the "World Champions".
Ireland has a very good chance to pick up at least another six points from their three remaining matches, which would give them a total of 19, and a win or draw over Italy would see them looking very good indeed.
Italy, however, is aleady a point ahead and have four matches left to play, so in theory they should still finish on top. They should have at least six points coming to them, if not many more.
But the Irish should not abandon hope! It's still possible that Italy will stumble, or that somehow Ireland can even pick up the full nine points available to them. Unlikely, but not impossible. Should Ireland only make into second place, however, its prospects of qualifying diminish rapidly.
The only other team in this group with any sort of a chance is Bulgaria. Bulgaria's prospects can be summed up by the simple fact that if either Italy or Ireland wins two more matches, then Bulgaria cannot finish on top. Also, if Ireland wins just one match, Bulgaria will need to win three just to get ahead of Ireland.
It is not totally impossible for Cyprus, Montenegro, or Georgia to qualify in theory, but it is totally impossible in reality, so not really worth considering.
i. Netherlands (qualified)
There is not much to be said about the final group. The Netherlands, clear of the nearest competition by a full 14 points, have already qualified. All that is left for Scotland, Macedonia, Iceland, and Norway to fight for is second place, but even if they make it that far, it is highly unlikely for any of these teams to make further progress.
Holland showed incredible form in Euro 2008, while not at all showing their best in the 2006 World Cup. They've been given a very easy ride in this year, and hopefully it hasn't spoiled them.
This team currently looks like the most likely to be standing opposite Brazil on the day of the World Cup Final.
a. Denmark and/or Hungary (to qualify)
Denmark is looking lean and mean to win this qualification round, and Hungary looks...well...hungry for success. With more than half the matches already played in the round, the early favorites Portugal and Sweden are struggling to get into contention.
Denmark looks to has a great chance of retaining the lead. They have won five of the six matches, and obtained a draw in the other. They are three points clear of Hungary and have a very healthy goal ratio of 13:2.
The next match for Denmark is a tough one, as it faces Portugal. But the match will take place in Copenhagen, which may help their chances. Even if they don't get through that match without a problem, their next opponent will be Albania. That match should supply another win for Denmark, and the remaining matches are both home games against Sweden and Hungary.
Winning these matches will only be necessary if the other teams also get wins. Otherwise it is sufficient to simply not lose any matches.
Hungary is only one win behind the leaders, but they still have to face Portugal twice, plus there will be a match against Sweden and Denmark. Its path is more difficult, but achievable if Denmark stumbles too many times.
Portugal has a lot of ground to make up, and would need to win at least three of its remaining matches, while also hoping that Denmark does not win any more matches. If Hungary wins two matches, it will also make things very difficult for Portugal.
It's not impossible, but the Portuguese team will have a lot of pressure throughout the rest of the remaining matches, and they only have to lose one match to be out of contention for the top spot unless Denmark fails to win a single match (unlikely) or Hungary fails to win twice.
Sweden is level with Portugal on points, but their goal ratio is 6:2 compared with 8:4 (strange, considering that Portugal is regarded as a strong defensive team and Sweden is regarded as an attacking team). Sweden's path is just as difficult, if not more so.
b. Greece or Switzerland (to qualify).
One of these two should make it through, but I don't think both will, unless Round Two is kind to them. They have had the good fortune to be drawn together in a very weak group, so each is helping the other to survive in a strange kind of symbiosis.
The two teams are dead level on points, with Greece being ahead due to their better goal ratio. I believe Greece has the edge here. Switzerland can struggle at times.
Nipping at the heels of the leaders is Latvia who have an excellent chance of knocking at least one of them off the perch, but they can't afford to lose any more games, and must win at least two, while hoping their opponents do not win. They are not in a great position, but it is certainly not over for them yet.
Israel is too far behind. To catch up they would need to win at least three matches and this does not seem very likely. They would also need for the other teams ahead of them not to make any upward progress. If Israel only wins two matches, then they cannot get to the top position no matter what else happens.
Moldova of course, is already out of contention. Luxembourg would need an absolute miracle.
c. Slovakia (to qualify)
I was tempted to just chicken out of this one and put "anyone from Group Three except San Marino", but it looks like Slovakia should be able to hold on here. Poland is a big danger, and Northern Ireland are amazingly in second place and trailing by just two points.
This could be a big year for Northern Ireland if they can keep it going and hold off the challenge from Poland.
Czech Republic and Slovenia are just behind Poland on eight points each. Both are good enough to score wins in this group, but they will need a ton of luck to make it through to qualification.
It would take a minimum of four straight wins and for all of the higher teams to draw against each other or lose to San Marino. It is putting it mildly to say that such circumstances would be very difficult to arrange.
d. Germany and Russia (to qualify)
Hard to imagine either of these teams failing to get through. Whoever finishes second in this group should be able to win a spot in Round Two. Both teams are two wins ahead of the next contender, Finland, and they have much better goal ratios.
The only possible way for Finland to get past one of these teams is in the very unlikely event that Germany loses a match against Azerbaijan, or that Russia loses to Azerbaijan, Wales, or Liechtenstein.
If neither of these things happen, then the outcome of Germany v. Russia has no effect on Finland's chances and even its match against Germany won't make a difference. The only change that the game can make, unless the unexpected happens (as described above), is to allow Russia to move into first place.
None of the remaining teams in this group can qualify, no matter what the outcome of any matches are (unless Germany and Russia fail to win a single match, and Wales wins all their own matches, and Finland does not win all of their matches).
The calculations behind these predictions are too complex to include here, so I will just have to ask you to trust that I have crunched the numbers. It has taken me 13 hours just to get this far into my analysis, so I'm not skimping here!
e. Spain (to qualify)
Unless Spain fails to win at least two of its four remaining matches and Bosnia-Herzegovina win all of their remaining matches, there is no way for Spain to be knocked out of the top spot.
Provided that Spain wins two matches, it will take its tally from 18 to 24, a target that can only be reached by Bosnia-Herzegovina at 12 points (and with four more wins they would also be on 24 points). Even then, they need to make up the difference in the goal ratio in order to move ahead of Spain.
Turkey remains in contention, currently in third place on eight points. They can only get into first place in the unlikely event that Spain does not win any more than one match and Turkey wins every match (four wins would take their total to 22, putting them one ahead of Spain if that team only win one match).
Second place is a more viable option for Turkey and their prospects are boosted by the fact that they already have their hardest matches behind them. They are the only team that does not face Spain in the matches that are left.
The math here is very simple. If Bosnia-Herzegovina does not win any more matches, then Turkey only needs to win two in order to pull ahead of them. If Bosnia-Herzegovina wins one match, Turkey will need to win three. And if Bosnia-Herzegovina wins more than one match then, to have any hope at all, Turkey must win all four.
Belgium is in a similar position to Turkey but disadvantaged, firstly because they will have to play against Spain, and secondly because they are trailing by one further point.
f. England (to qualify)
England exited from the 2006 World Cup after failing to break down the Portuguese defense in the third Quarterfinal match. They are firmly on track for another tilt, and only need to beat one of their three remaining opponents to make sure they get the chance.
A solitary win would lift England's total from 21 points to 24, and since all the other contenders can only achieve a maximum score of 23 points, England would then be certain of qualification.
If England does not win any more matches, then either Croatia or Ukraine (or both) can get ahead by winning all four of their matches. Belarus also would need to win at least four matches out of the five they have remaining. In doing so, they would knock both Ukraine and Croatia out of contention for a place.
If Belarus wins four matches, then their total points would be level with England's at 21 and the decision would come down to the goal ratio. But England seems perfectly safe as things stand at the moment.
In fact, it is not really necessary at all for England to win. All they have to do is not lose any matches. Three draw results would also bring their total to the magic number 24, and as a consequence this would be a big help to Belarus in their quest for second place because it would mean that both Ukraine and Croatia could then only obtain a maximum of 21, while the maximum possible score for Belarus would be 22.
Currently, the chaser with the best chance to graduate is Ukraine, as they have two upcoming matches against Andorra, but Croatia and Belarus must play against each other twice before taking on England and Kazakhstan.
g. Serbia and/or France (to qualify)
Serbia has a good lead in Group Seven. They are eight points clear of France and have a very healthy goal ratio of 15:5, which none of the other teams are even close to.
In the 2006 World Cup, I wrote on my forecast site that I did not think much of Serbia's chances, mainly due to its poor performance in the qualifying rounds. That prediction turned out to be true, as they lost all three of their Round 1 matches and failed to progress any further in the competition.
Their last World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire saw a big improvement, with the Serbian team scoring two goals in the first half. Côte d'Ivoire did to Serbia what Brazil did to the U.S. in the Confederations Cup, staging a second half comeback to win by 3-2.
Serbia has three fairly easy assignments ahead of them. Home games against France and Romania—which they are expected to win—followed by an away game against Lithuania. Thus, I believe they will pick up at least another six points, bringing their final total to a minimum of 24.
France, in theory can top this score by one point, but in order to do so they must defeat Serbia. They are the only team apart from Serbia that still has the potential to score more than 20 points.
Lithuania are in third place with nine points, but can only score another nine, and this would only help them to equal Serbia's current score. Therefore, only if Serbia loses all of its remaining games does Lithuania has any chance at all, and even then they would need to be ahead on the goal ratio.
Austria and Romania, each with seven points and four matches left to play, are able to score a maximum total of 19. To stay clear of these threats, Serbia only needs to win one match (which would give them 21).
If Serbia can manage two wins and a draw, then even France can't catch them. France still has the potential to do some serious damage, and with two scheduled matches against the Faroe Islands, they should be able to bring their total up to at least 16 points, but are expected to do a lot better than that.
Serbia and France are the two most likely to take out the quinella here.
h. Italy (to qualify)
Italy could be expected to be doing a little better than this. Draws with Ireland and Bulgaria have prevented Italy from making a clean sweep. Ireland now sits just one point behind the "World Champions".
Ireland has a very good chance to pick up at least another six points from their three remaining matches, which would give them a total of 19, and a win or draw over Italy would see them looking very good indeed.
Italy, however, is aleady a point ahead and have four matches left to play, so in theory they should still finish on top. They should have at least six points coming to them, if not many more.
But the Irish should not abandon hope! It's still possible that Italy will stumble, or that somehow Ireland can even pick up the full nine points available to them. Unlikely, but not impossible. Should Ireland only make into second place, however, its prospects of qualifying diminish rapidly.
The only other team in this group with any sort of a chance is Bulgaria. Bulgaria's prospects can be summed up by the simple fact that if either Italy or Ireland wins two more matches, then Bulgaria cannot finish on top. Also, if Ireland wins just one match, Bulgaria will need to win three just to get ahead of Ireland.
It is not totally impossible for Cyprus, Montenegro, or Georgia to qualify in theory, but it is totally impossible in reality, so not really worth considering.
i. Netherlands (qualified)
There is not much to be said about the final group. The Netherlands, clear of the nearest competition by a full 14 points, have already qualified. All that is left for Scotland, Macedonia, Iceland, and Norway to fight for is second place, but even if they make it that far, it is highly unlikely for any of these teams to make further progress.
Holland showed incredible form in Euro 2008, while not at all showing their best in the 2006 World Cup. They've been given a very easy ride in this year, and hopefully it hasn't spoiled them.
This team currently looks like the most likely to be standing opposite Brazil on the day of the World Cup Final.
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