Football fans should visit South Africa during next year’s FIFA World Cup – even if they do not have tickets to the tournament.
The World Cup draw on Friday December 4 saw England selected to play the US in Rutenburg on June 12, Algeria in Cape Town on June 18 and Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on June 23.
South Africa Tourism UK country manager Lebohang Mokhesi said: “We are encouraging everyone to travel to South Africa next year for the World Cup.
“For those without tickets there will still be the opportunity to watch the games on big screens at the FIFA Fan Fest.
“These fan parks will be set up in each host city, providing visitors with a truly South African experience.
Operators such as Thomas Cook Sport are expecting a surge in bookings for its ticket-inclusive World Cup packages.
“Interest will be boosted by the draw – as it was after England qualified,” said a spokesman for Thomas Cook Sport.
As one of the tournament’s official partners, Thomas Cook still has a number of ticket-included packages available.
“But our 35-night package, which includes every round of the game – has now sold out. That cost £8,200,” said the spokesman.
The operator is also giving fans who buy its Football Experience package the chance to win their money back if England wins and Wayne Rooney is top scorer.
From December 6 to January 13 2010, fans will also be able to apply for team-specific tickets through a FIFA ballot, which is likely to create more demand for just flights and accommodation from those who are successful.
But a spokeswoman for Thomson Sport, which is also offering ticket-inclusive packages, said fans that do not have tickets should think twice before flying to South Africa. They will not gain entry to stadia without proof of identity and proof of purchase from approved suppliers.
“That’s why there are official ticket and providers,” she said.
South Africa can also be dangerous, she warned. “If you travel with an operator such as Thomson Sport you have someone on hand 24/7. Even hiring a car could be risky as there is the threat of car-jacking.”
Meanwhile, Hotels4u.com is trying a different tack by targeting those World Cup fans that can’t make it to South Africa, with a series of special World Cup accommodation deals.
The offers include price promotions, discounted food and drink, extended happy hours and kids’ clubs in Majorca, Menorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Algarve, Malta, Egypt, Corfu and Turkey.