Tourism
From The Report: South Africa 2012
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While the FIFA event was seen as an overwhelming success by organisers and the domestic tourism body, the country has, thus far, been unable to replicate or sustain the level of visitors the international football tournament brought to the country. However, figures began to head upwards in the last quarter of 2011 and certain markets, such as the African and Asian visitor segments, offer hope for an industry that remains central to the government’s development plans. The government has begun a transition in its strategy, moving away from its traditional reliance on European and Western tourists and shifting towards other markets, promoting domestic travel and looking to emerging economies.

This chapter contains interviews with Robert Venter, Chief Executive, Altron; and Marcel von Aulock, CEO, Tsogo Sun Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Shifting priorities: The effects of the global economic crisis prompt a change in focus
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Post-World Cup inertia still lingers in South Africa. While the FIFA event was seen as an overwhelming success by organisers and the domestic tourism body, the country has, thus far, been unable to replicate or sustain the level of visitors the international football tournament brought to the country. The industry has not been helped by the global credit crunch, which has reduced both visitor numbers and spend from South Africa’s core markets, namely Europe and the US. The hospitality business…

Interview

Attracting visitors: OBG talks to Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism
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Interview:Marthinus van Schalkwyk How did hosting the 2010 World Cup affect the tourist industry in South Africa? MARTHINUS VAN SCHALKWYK: The World Cup helped to brand the country as a tourism destination considerably. Some 309,554 foreign tourists arrived with the primary purpose of attending the World Cup during its four-week duration, contributing an incremental tourism revenue of R3.6bn ($495.72m) during that period. Almost 90% of those surveyed said they would consider revisiting South…

Analysis

Supply and demand: Hotel expansion drive makes for a very competitive market
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Unlike many emerging markets, the cities of South Africa are not littered with the skeletons of half-finished high-rise towers. The 2010 FIFA football World Cup ensured that, despite the global financial crisis, buildings – particularly hotels – were finished on time and put to use. However, while much demand was created by the football tournament, the aftermath has been a struggle for hoteliers, competing in a market with significantly more hotels and significantly fewer tourists with cash…

Analysis

Coming out on top: Post-World Cup some challenges still must be addressed to tap the sports tourism market
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Sport has a rich history in Africa, ranging from chariot racing in ancient Egypt to Bambara wrestling in Mali, to the pirogue-racing contests of the Great Lakes. Modern South Africa is no different. Rugby, cricket and football have all developed passionate followings in the country, which in turn has fostered immense commercial opportunities. This is perhaps best exemplified by the fervour that greeted the country’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup, the first time the tournament…