SA expects 450 000 tourists for World Cup

  1. Posted on Monday 24 August 2009 - 09:37
    Mernat
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    Mernat Mafirakurewa, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    With less than 300 days before the long-awaited kick off of the 2010 soccer World Cup, South Africa remains optimistic that more than 450 000 visitors will throng the country for the global showpiece. Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk believes there is no reason to cut back the number of foreigners expected to visit.
    Greenpoint Stadium_World Cup 2010_Cape Town_Elles van Gelder
    The minister said the country continue to fare well against its competitors despite the effects of the global downturn. “The 2010 soccer tournament is a wonderful opportunity. There was however a misconception that the world cup was the alpha and omega that will solve all our problems," he warned.

    "We must avoid landing in the same boat as Korea. Some of that country's World Cup infrastructure has since had to be dismantled as it was falling into disuse,” the minister said.

    The minister said it was important that infrastructure, such as the stadiums being erected for 2010, be harnessed after the tournament to support bids for more major international events.

    The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has also expressed optimism that come kickoff on June 11 2010, South Africa will be ready and the tournament will be successful. LOC media manager Jermaine Craig said: "Those that are not confident that the country will be ready for the hosting of the event are mistaken, as the LOC is well on track for the soccer spectacular and the readiness of stadiums is looking quite good.”

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