Travel boom expected for locals escaping World Cup

Sure Travel CEO Vanya Lessing said that there are a number of South Africans who would prefer to be out of the country by the time football fever hits: “While many in South Africa will be basking in the excitement and vibe of the tournament, just as many will be eager to temporarily leave the country during the event, to get away from the crowds and hustle and bustle that is sure to follow the world's leading football teams. The outbound-travel market, therefore, is set to increase dramatically around the period of the World Cup.”

Lessing is a senior member of the travel industry with a strong travel industry background, having formerly been the CEO of ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents) and held a position as a board member of the global body UFTAA (United Federation of Travel Agent Associations). She has, therefore, much local and global industry knowledge and an extensive network of professional peers.

Perceptions unfounded

Despite recent reports that South Africa might not receive as many visitors as anticipated for the tournament due to high prices, Lessing is positive that the country will see a significant number of tourists visiting our shores, as was the case in Germany in 2006, when negative pre-perceptions about the number of visitors to Germany proved to be unfounded.

However, she does not anticipate that that this will be a permanent trend the year, and urges the travel industry not to be consumed by football fever, as it is only going to be for a six-week period. However, she does believe that South Africa can benefit greatly from the outbound-travel market during this time period as the industry will offer various “escape football” packages as Sure Travel will do.

Escape the Madness

A good example of this is Sure Travel's “Escape the Madness” packages covering every popular destination outside of South Africa's borders. These packages will encompass every type of budget, making an escape travel plan plausible for anyone wishing to get away.

Lessing added that besides the football period, the outlook for rest of the year is positive compared to last year's recession-influenced lull.

Sure Corporate's Jim Weighell also noted that as business travel in South Africa will be nearly impossible during the tournament, due to booked flights, inflated fares, minimal accommodation, extended school and university holidays, many business people may also be planning to take their vacations out of South Africa, which will further boost the outbound-travel market.

Anomalous travel patterns

Weighell added that while business travel will still take place during the tournament, there will be a spike on either side of the tournament, which will result in around three months of anomalous travel patterns. He cautioned that corporations will need to plan carefully when having to travel substantial distances to business meetings during this period, to overcome this.

“In fact, if you're not a football enthusiast, this is the perfect time to go skiing in the Alps, dive the Great Barrier Reef or visit Las Vegas, as the world will be here in South Africa,” he said.

For more information on Sure Travel, go to www.suretravel.co.za.