Reality seems to have kicked in with many perceptions surrounding the hosting of the World Cup by South Africa proving to be grossly exaggerated, if not false.
The completion of stadiums has not been delayed due to workers’ wage disputes, tickets have not been left lying unsold at FNB branches and the World Cup has not been moved to Europe because of security risks.
Reality seems to have kicked in with many perceptions surrounding the hosting of the World Cup by South Africa proving to be grossly exaggerated, if not false.
The completion of stadiums has not been delayed due to workers’ wage disputes, tickets have not been left lying unsold at FNB branches and the World Cup has not been moved to Europe because of security risks.
One of the more immediate rumours that have been quashed in the past few months, however, is that Match Fifa’s accommodation and hospitality accreditation arm had its arrangements under control.
A year ago, Match were adamant that demand was almost sure to surpass supply, and that it was necessary for the organisation to block-book almost every hotel, lodge and bed and breakfast, especially in host cities.
Tentative arrangements were even made for the booking of rooms in the Kruger Park, other countries in Southern Africa, Mauritius and on luxury cruisers that would move between Durban and Port Elizabeth to accommodate visitors.
In addition, Match had also booked 45 000 return tickets from South African Airways (SAA) and planned to offer the accommodation and flights in a hospitality package deal.
Prospective visitors were left wondering whether they would be able to get accommodation with such great demand, locals were unsure about availability of local flights to and from host cities and accommodation-providers not accredited by Match were almost certain that they wouldn’t get a piece of the pie.
Since then, however, largely in response to the widespread cry over exorbitant pricing and monopolies, Match has released most of its first rights over rooms at participating hotels and un-booked its flights with SAA.
Meanwhile, SAA reported at the end of last month that Match had reduced the number of seats to 1 000 and that it was no longer feasible for them to continue the deal with the hospitality company.
SAA also reported that while most flights were sold out on match days, there were still tickets available. More importantly, 30% of the lower and cheaper categories would be made available for domestic flights.
Accommodation providers in general could also benefit from Match’s failure to properly manage hospitality during the event with thousands of locals opening their doors to visitors during the period, looking to creative and affordable options to fill the gap in the market.
In Johannesburg, classrooms in about 100 schools will be converted and refurbished to house visitors for between R250 and R500 a night.
Durban’s cricket ground will become a camping site and the University of Cape Town will rent out dorm rooms for around R500 a night.
Match’s initial monopoly and the ridiculous prices hospitality companies have attached to events surrounding the World Cup have had the perfect effect on South Africans it has ensured that locals have been mobilised in their refusal to give in to overpricing during the event, and has encouraged entrepreneurs and fans to think innovatively in creating ways in which the World Cup can become South Africa’s own event.
