SA Tourism CEO lays down law, slams overpricing

Thandiwe January-Mclean, newly appointed CEO of South African Tourism.

She called those who engage in such practices ‘short-sighted people' taking advantage of the event to exploit the masses. “The issue of overpricing worries us a lot and it is disturbing to say the least, but this practice will never be tolerated,” she said.

Close to one million tourists

It is believed that close to one million tourists will visit South Africa this year, 500 000 of which will be accounted for the world cup. However, with 111 days left before the Cup kick-off, the price of many tourism products, including flight tickets, accommodation, drinks, meals and car rentals fees, have been increasing almost on a daily basis as business owners anxiously wait for the ‘gold rush' to enrich themselves.

January-Mclean, who accedes to the throne at a turning point of the country's tourism history, said the issue of overpricing is high on her agenda. “The value of the world cup is not only for one month period; it is when people come back to our country and bring their families for more experience.”

SA Tourism board chairperson Jabu Mabuza echoed the CEO's sentiments, saying: “This practice is very short-sighted and frantically stupid. It is unfortunate that people are abusing this opportunity to overcharge customers. We are scoring many own goals and we need to defend our camp. We don't want to evade that question and we are dealing with the issue.”

For more, go to www.southafrica.net.