South Africa is expected to earn R15.6 Billion from tourists next year when it is going to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister of South Africa, said hosting of 2010 FIFA World Cup will be an important event for the country that help it to come out of the recession, as reported by Engineering News on July 15, 2009.
It is estimated that the country will invest around R50 Billion in the construction sector to host the World Cup and will earn R15.6 Billion from tourists to come to see the grand international event.
South Africa is expecting that 3.5 Million people will come to see the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Foreign tourist arrivals will also increase, with 450000 fans are expected to visit the country next year.
The sporting event will be the first African soccer World Cup and the biggest event in terms of gathering. South Africa has recently hosted some of the prestigious sporting extravaganza such as the British Lions Tour and the DLF Indian Premier League and the FIFA Confederation Cup that are testimonials of country's readiness to host the world's most anticipated soccer event.
The South African government has been putting in every effort and has collaborated with the private sector to develop the country's infrastructure. In addition, the Tourism Department has significantly invested in global media deals such as editorial endorsement, advertising, targeted promotional campaigns and online marketing.
RNCOS in its research report "South African Tourism Sector Analysis" has said that the FIFA World Cup will not only help the country to gain on the economic front but also yield long-term intangible benefits such as enhanced international profile and a sense of pride because the world's most famous sporting event will cross the racial division. Moreover, this will help in changing the perception of people about South Africa and Africa.
According to a Senior Research Analyst at RNCOS, "The hosting of 2010 FIFA World Cup is a lucrative opportunity for South Africa to take its tourism industry at higher level as post the event will be tough for the country. As other tourist attractions like eco-tourism and adventure tourism reaching the saturation level, South Africa will have to search for some other ways to attract tourists."
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