Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

Friday, June 4, 2010

South American football fans are headed for World Cup 2010.

It is well known that the people of South America are crazy about football and have delivered many world-class players. One of the reasons that has recently been given by South Africa Tourism organizations for the disappointingly low number of visitors that have booked to travel to South Africa for the World Cup 2010, apart from the economic recession, is the high cost of airfare. Now football fans from Brazil who have been wishing to travel to South Africa will be pleased of an announcement of affordable airfares coupled with affordable South Africa accommodation.

The reputable international travel portal Global Pillow in association with Football Nights Association (FNA) have confirmed that they have secured a Worldwide Charters Boeing 747-300 aircraft, to charter Brazilian football fans to and from South Africa for the final stage of the 2010 World Cup football tournament departing from around 21st June. Prices will be well below the standard airfare, and FNA has eased any last minute travel arrangements by putting this together with an accommodation Service If accommodation is booked through FNA you can most probably expect a discount on your flight.

This is what is being offered to Brazilian football fans on their website:
Flights depart from either Sao Paulo or Rio De Janeiro to South Africa
Excludes all airport taxes and VAT
Includes one internal flight in South Africa
All Flights return to Rio De Janeiro and not to Sao Paulo.
Dates are set and cannot be changed.
No refunds for cancellations.
Trips depart from 21,22,23 June and return on 12,13,14 July respectively.
Accommodation is not included but FNA can arrange transfers and accommodation for you.
FNA is now considering arranging similar packages for Argentinean soccer fans.

South Africans will also enjoy cheap Flights to South America
South Africans can pick up cheap flights to Rio De Janeiro during this time because the aircraft has to return and cannot be allowed to go back empty. South Africans can expect to pay as little as R3,499.00 from Johannesburg and R3,749 from Durban to Rio De Janeiro.; excluding airport tax return Dates for these flight packages are set and cannot be changed, and no refunds will be available for cancellations. Departures from around 21 June and return on about 12 July.

I am sure that all in the business of tourism in South Africa will welcome this initiative which we hope will increase the numbers of visitors seeking accommodation for the 2010 World Cup.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Park and Ride facilities for FIFA World Cup 2010

The city of Cape Town has announced final details of Park-and-ride facilities which have been upgraded to encourage soccer fans and daily commuters to use the extended public transport services available during the 2010 soccer World Cup. Cape Metrorail provides passenger rail services to Cape Town’s population of 3.5 million through 119 rail stations. The following stations with park-and-ride facilities will feature event information, branding and additional security until the last train has left:

Fish Hoek – beach parking area
Ottery – parking at Youth Care Centre, opposite church
Retreat – parking at station
Claremont – on Palmyra Road, east of the station
Goodwood – parking at Grand West Casino and Entertainment World
Century City Cape Town – parking at Ratanga Junction with a shuttle service to the station
Oosterzee – parking at Settlers High School
Brackenfell – parking at station
Kuils River – parking at station
Strand – parking at municipal building opposite the station

Parking in regular parking areas around rail stations will generally be free of charge. Temporary parking areas, however, will mostly be situated on private land, where a nominal charge may be levied. Eersterivier, Heideveld, Khayelitsha, Kraaifontein, Langa, Lansdowne, Monte Vista, Muizenberg, Nyanga, Philippi and Plumstead will also be branded and have additional security. Holders of a match ticket are ensured free rail transport into the city centre before kick-off and on the return trip after the match. This is only applicable to match ticket holders on the day of the match. On match days bus park-and-ride facilities are available at:
Kronendal Primary School sports field, off Andrews Road in Hout Bay
Camps Bay High School sports field in Maiden’s Cove, off Victoria Road
University of Cape Town’s Upper Campus in Rondebosch

These facilities will operate from four hours before kick-off until four hours after the final whistle. Parking at the University of Cape Town will be free, while a nominal charge will apply at the other venues. There will be no general spectator parking available at the Cape Town Stadium or its immediate surrounds, and parking in the city centre is also severely limited. All spectators are thus encouraged to use the identified park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre. The best way to avoid congestion and frustration is to use the public transport systems.

Enjoy the matches even without a ticket: If you haven’t bought a match ticket, you can still be part of the World Cup action by going to the official FIFA Fan Fest at the Grand Parade in the centre of the City , opposite the City Hall and the historic Castle, or at the various venues within the V & A Waterfront.
Recent surveys have shown that , with actual numbers significantly down on forecast , there is still plenty of affordable Cape Town accommodation available- so enquire now.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Western Cape is found to have the most resposible pricing for the World Cup 2010

South Africa is justifiably proud of being entrusted with hosting the 2000 and World Cup which will be the first such event held in Africa. The Department of Tourism, Cape Town Tourism and other authorities have been concerned about criticism that prices that are being charged for accommodation are unreasonably high. The Minister of Tourism, concerned that prices for any major world event are usually hiked, commissioned independent auditors Grant Thornton to conduct a national survey into pricing practices in the accommodation industry. In Johannesburg Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said :
“Research shows that 74 percent of all establishments in the country are charging reasonable prices for accommodation during the World Cup".

The results of the survey polled 2479 accommodation establishments from all 9 provinces with 38 % of responses coming from the Western Cape. Establishments included hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges, and even backpacker lodges. In the Western Cape, 96 % of respondents providing accommodation in the Western Cape were charging seasonal rates or less. Only 3.8 percent of prices were charging more than 100% of seasonal published rates. In Johannesburg and Gauteng 32 percent are charging 100 % or more above their high season rates , 29.7 percent in North West Province and 50 % in Durban. The proportion of Cape Town accommodation establishments charging less than the seasonal rate is 13.4 percent - second only to the Eastern Cape, at 14.5 percent.
In the Western Cape it is primarily hotels which are charging inflated rates for the World Cup; with 18.4 percent offering prices 76 percent or higher above the Rack Rate, compared to only 9.6 percent and 5.6 percent in B&Bs and guesthouses respectively. This proves that the campaign by the region’s tourism authorities for responsible tourism has resulted in a fair, realistic pricing of accommodation in Cape Town.

The Grant Thornton Survey attributed the fair pricing in Cape Town to two occurrences : the excess supply of accommodation with the recent opening of many new hotels, as well as the slowdown in tourist demand due to the recession. The second factor is the effort of Cape Town Tourism to promote ethical pricing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the signing of a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ “pricing code-of-conduct” for accommodation establishments.
Cape Town Tourism launched a series of awareness sessions around the World Cup as far back as 2006 and provided the industry with pricing guidelines for the event in line with peak season rates. Their CEO stated : “I strongly believe that our consistent messaging around responsible pricing and the industry’s commitment have paid off – setting an excellent standard for Cape Town in long term pricing legacy and sustainability.”
Cape Town Tourism had been quick to warn the industry of pitfalls experienced by other international destinations who have previously hosted major events. “Countries that inflated tourism costs during the event damaged their brand and it has taken some of them years to rebuild perception. Only a few weeks ago major Cape Town tourism industry role players signed the Code of Responsible Pricing for Cape Town thus committing to, and encouraging establishment owners to, price sensibly and offer value for money. It also serves as a reminder to be mindful of tourism’s role in social responsibility and the sustainable legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Minister van Schalkwyk, advises prospective tourists : "Given the fact that South Africa is a robust free market economy, fans are encouraged to shop around and avoid establishments with exorbitant pricing in line with our desire that South Africa continues to remain a value-for-money destination."

We have long been saying in this blog that there will be no shortage of accommodation in Cape Town during the World Cup 2010 in Cape Town and that those who are successful will be those who charge responsible prices to suit the budgets of many of our overseas visitors, as the World Cup should not be seen as a culmination of an opportunity but rather the creation of an ongoing opportunity to promote tourism to our beautiful country. If you are still planning to visit Cape Town for the World Cup 2010 you will find plenty of affordable self catering accommodation in beautiful Noordhoek; a coastal valley suburb of Cape Town known for its village atmosphere, but convenient to the city.

A copy of the Dept of Tourism survey is available at this URl : http://www.tourism.gov.za

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Cape Classic Car show


The Cape Classic Car Show will be the biggest and most diverse Classic motor show ever to have been staged in Cape Town, will be held on 15 November 2009 at the Jan Burger Sports complex, De Grendel Road, Parow, Cape Town-home of the multi motor clubhouse.

Some 1000 vehicles will be exhibited by no fewer than 40 motor clubs, and will include street rods, racing cars, vintage motorcycles, military vehicles, radio controlled models and a model car show display.
Take this opportunity to meet Western province motor racing legends including Peter Gough, Koos Swanepoel, Bill Jennings and Deon Joubert. There will be an opportunity to be photographed with these greats from the past.The Cape 4x4 Club has laid out a course especially for this show and for displaying the capabilities of their vehicles.
The Franschhoek Motor Museum will be showing some of the rarest and finest classic cars in South Africa. See restored classics that you loved in days gone bay from the Marque clubs including MG, Triumph, Alfa-Romeo, Borgward, GSM, Morris Minor, Jaguar, Sunbeam, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, and many more. Stalwarts of the Early Ford Car Club and Crankhandle Club will boast a turnout of some 100 cars of yesteryear, plus many more vehicles coming from as far afield as George, Gauteng and the West Coast. The Morris Minor club will have the Cape Artillery Pipe band to lead their cars on to the display. In keeping with the theme, expect some live good old rock ‘n roll music to keep spectator toes tapping.
The family has not been overlooked as there will be exhibitions of radio controlled cars and aircraft; German Shepherd dog trainers putting the animals through their paces; exhibits of model cars and other collectibles.
For more information phone Ian little, Classic car show coordinator on 083 440 1310A location map of the venue is available on the website of our Cape Town Triumph Sports Car club- see link above.

If you are a visitor from out of Town, and require affordable accommodation please let us help you at Horizon Holiday Cottages :
Website http://www.horizoncottages.co.za/ or enquire :info@horizoncottages.co.za
Entrance is R 30 per adult, and proceeds go to the Rotary Club of Hout Bay, and the clubhouse.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Cape Town Annual Carnival starts 2010


More great news for Cape Town (and visitors) for 2010, Cape Town will stage its first Carnival that will not only match that of Rio, but will become an annual event. Whatever you do, book your accommodation now – whether affordable self catering Cape Town
accommodation, lodge or guest house for this exciting event.
The city fathers (or should that be mother?) have cleverly scheduled it between the famous Argus Cycle tour of the Cape peninsula and the 2 Oceans marathon. Executive Mayor Helen Zille has announced that starting 2010, Cape Town will have an annual all inclusive Carnival that will aim at bringing together the diverse communities of the city through music, dance, creative and cultural expression, culminating in a weekend of inclusive fun for Capetonians and visitors alike.
The Carnival will be held from 19 - 21 March 2010, with the aim to have the annual Carnival on the 3rd weekend of March every year, in between the Argus Cycle tour; the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Two Oceans marathon . Conveniently Sunday 21 March is a public holiday which will mean that the Monday will be a public holiday, and give you time to recover or stay longer in our beautiful city.
The highlight of the weekend will be a parade comprising 8,000 to 10,000 performers on Saturday, 20 March, and also include A fashion show by top Cape Town designers, a grand carnival ball and street parties.
The Friday night of the Carnival weekend will have Carnival balls and dancing, in a wide range of venues. Themed Balls will be held in all participating communities on the Friday evening, culminating in the Grand Carnival Ball on the Eve of Cape Town CarnivalOn the Saturday, there will be a street parade with some 1,500 and 3,000 artists including dancers, musicians, singers parading through the streets and magnificent floats; some as high as 2 stories. The participants from our wonderfully diverse communities will have an opportunity to put on their dancing shoes, fire up their rhythms and tell wonderful visual stories of diverse and common roots that span lifetimes.Throughout the day the crowds will be able to vote for their favourite group via SMS and people across South Africa will be able to watch the spectacle on TV.
There will be a competition at midday, with the groups performing for 60 minutes each.- the audience will be able to see breath-taking performances of dancers and musicians, a swirling mass of colour and creativity, costumes and movement stretching more than a kilometer. Professional judges will judge the formal part of the competition and finally the judging and voting will be combined. At the stroke of midnight, the winning group will be announced amidst joyous celebration. The top five teams will automatically be entered into the 2011 Carnival and the party will continue until the wee hours of the morning.
Professor Rachel Jafta, chairperson of the Cape Town Carnival Trustees said that following a visit to Rio- world famous for its carnival – “we identified that Cape Town has no shortage of cultural offerings combining music, dance and other kinds of creativity, however, these all seem to be catering for particular niches....we wanted to create something new, where communities interact and celebrate our uniqueness, but also unite as citizens of one of the most beautiful cities of the world.”
Currently, Cape Town's most famous carnival is the Cape Minstrel Festival, also known as the Kaapse Klopse carnival, which takes place on the second day of the New Year, when the brightly decorated and clothed minstrels and musicians parade the streets of Cape Town

Whatever your taste or interest there is something for you in Cape Town- any time of year.
The Carnival date falls at a time when the weather in cape Town is good, with little wind. For a great deal on Cape Town holiday accommodation see our website.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

SA to host the Indian Premier Cricket league

Fortune smiles on our county with the news that SA beat the UK to host the 2009 Indian Premier League cricket tournament, due to start on 18 April 2009, and lasting until 24May. The opening game will be held at Newlands in Cape Town, and the final will be contested at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. There will be a total of 59 matches in the 2009 IPL to be held in eight cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, East London, Kimberly, Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth.
It is unfortunate for India that security issues have made it difficult to put this prestige event on in their own country- what with elections looming and problems with neighbouring Pakistan. South Africa stands to gain so much as this event will be seen by the world as a precursor to the 2010 Soccer World cup, and we can show them just how good we can be at hosting this sort of event. South Africa will get a massive amount of International exposure, and local fans will be treated to the glamour that accompanies this prestige tournament. Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner of the IPL stated when he announced the news that the entourage would require 30,000 bed nights. This is great news for the hospitality industry in these depressed economic times. Imagine, too, the knock on effect of spending by the teams and the fans that will follow them. When the UK was front runner it was reported that it would have boosted the British economy by up to $100-million – wow, a billion Rands ! We may benefit less, because we are a more affordable destination, but it will still be a Godsend at this time.
Our country has won the privilege over the UK thanks to a number of factors; much better weather, and a time difference several hours less than would have been the case if the UK had been chosen. This will allow the cricket mad Indian fans to watch their teams and matches at a reasonable time. Undoubtedly it must also be considerably cheaper for the IPL to move to SA than to the UK. South Africans, we are winners, and all the fans who follow this event will score too. Book your accommodation now to take advantage of the cheap rates that you can expect out of peak season. Satour acting chief executive Didi Moyle said in a statement.
"The Indian Premier League comes with multi-billion dollar television broadcast rights and will be screened into millions of homes, giving destination South Africa outstanding exposure not only in India, but in many of our other key target markets as well," she said.
We in the affordable accommodation industry look forward eagerly to this event and also the 2010 World Cup, but most realise that the event in itself will not bring a bonanza- what we look forward to is the visibility of our Country and particularly the fairest Cape, creating the desire for overseas tourists to visit us in the future, and boost our tourism industry.
For details of the match schedules, click on this link:
http://content.cricinfo.com/ipl2009/content/story/396948.html