Released 2010 accommodation bookings get new service

Match, FIFA's accommodation agent, recently relinquished its reserved bed nights back to local hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses, amounting to roughly 15 000 beds per night. It was alleged that a number of properties were overpriced, which led to a decrease in the number of visitors prepared to rent out the properties.

In addition, it would appear that home owners being recruited by estate agents are also being charged anywhere between 30-50% commission and may well follow the fate of the Match properties.

Another online hospitality service site, FootballNights.co.za (FNA), which charges 13-20% commission depending on the package the property owner selects, is now offering to assist these owners in marketing their properties to international guests visiting the country during the World Cup.

"It was more or less inevitable that homes would be released, and Match should be commended for doing this timeously," said Dave Varney, CEO of FNA.

"The initial euphoria was unrealistic and South Africans were encouraged, one way or another, to climb on the money bandwagon. The international football community have been there many times before and this demonstrates that they clearly differentiate between reliable, value-for-money accommodation and services, and the 'bandwagon brigade'."

Varney continued to say that FNA is processing bookings from R1500 for three nights to group bookings of R20m, and reservation requests and referrals for two to five-star accommodation, are coming in daily, at a very healthy and encouraging pace.

"We are delighted with the large number of home and establishment owners utilising our services and, as we understand from research conducted, the majority of visitor bookings will only start from the end of March onwards, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more local and international clients onboard," he concludes.