Being host nation of a major international event is a massive investment. The 2010 FIFA World Cup staged in South Africa is no exception. The world’s largest sporting event in terms of global fan following and media coverage required unprecedented levels of capital be committed. An estimated US$4 billion is estimated to have been channelled over six years towards (re)building, stadia, airports, transport and road systems, telecommunications, accommodation, broadcasting, safety and security, and other essential infrastructure. Massive projects and massive aspirations demanding massive investment.
For Destination South Africa, hosting of the Games had a very clear set of performance metrics when it came to establishing South Africa as a leading tourism destination in the world.
With the Games now past, the leadership of South Africa’s tourism industry knows very well that memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup are not enough to sell the destination. The destination must actively, assertively, and engagingly work with the global travel trade to sustain momentum of interest and travel intent. And it must happen now.
As expressed by Thandiwe January-McLean, CEO of South African Tourism:
“The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has clearly, confidently, and convincingly shown the world just how remarkable our nation truly is. There is no question that global perceptions were shifted for the better. Those who had thought of coming for the Games but decided not to in the end are, I am sure, feeling that they missed out. The goodwill created around South Africa is invaluable. But the applause of our success in hosting the Games cannot be expected to transform our economy. Especially our tourism industry. Yes, our tourism offering – our people, our products, our experiences – were all on show for the world to see. But now we need to ensure that we, as Destination South Africa, maximize that exposure and continue to offer the world experiences of a lifetime. This must be done through direct, proactive efforts, which target our key source markets effectively, engaging both travelers and the travel trade.”
For this reason, this upcoming mega-FAM trip being organized by The Travel Corporation (TTC), which will bring over 350 of the world’s A-List travel trade decision makers to Cape Town for just under one week, is viewed by South African Tourism as one of the most important events for destination South Africa in 2010.
This park sits in the center of the residential area of PECHS. A very large public park, with a big natural hill offering a magnificent view of the city. The park is filled with lush greenery and has a huge central lake with lots of geese and colorful ducks that you can feed and talk to. Also included is a small amusement park for kids, with swings and rides, and lots of pigeons. Hill Park also ha...
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When Louis XV fell ill in 1744, he vowed to replace the ruined church of the Abbey of St. Genevieve if he would recover. He did, and construction began two years later. By the time the church was completed in 1790 (due to financial troubles), France was in the midst of the Revolution. The National Assembly ordered the church turned into a mausoleum for French heroes. After the revoluti...