Couvaras, says FIFA appointed MATCH to ensure that international visitors can stay in South African establishments, in safe locations, at reasonable rates.
"Reports that accommodation establishments are planning to rip off tourists with exorbitant rates, are twisted. In most of the highlighted cases, the presidential suite rates are quoted. The truth is that most of the establishments who have already contracted with MATCH have done so at current rates plus a conservative inflationary index. Most hotels have rate strategies for the next two years. That is normal operating procedure," says Couvaras, General Manager at The Table Bay Hotel.
MATCH requires 55 000 rooms in South Africa, and only 25 000 have been signed up thus far. Couvaras says this is the first time that FIFA has extended the playing field to include small and medium-sized accommodation establishments (guest houses and B&B's) so that the entire industry can work as one team, for the benefit of all. Traditionally only hotels have the opportunity to register.
"This is the first time this tournament is hosted in Africa, and this is one of the ways the industry leaders are creating opportunities for all entrepreneurs, not just the big game players," says Susanne Faussner-Ringer, Chairman of the Small Accommodation segment of FEDHASA Cape.
The signing-up process is quite simple, according to Couvaras. "Owners of accommodation establishments only need to contact MATCH to get endorsement. Automatically your establishment becomes part of the 2010 distribution network, and free exposure on the internet."
It is important for accommodation providers to realize that the originally very restrictive contracts are not cast in stone, but need to be negotiated with MATCH until both parties agree to the terms and conditions.
2010 Establishments registered with MATCH will be listed on www.fifa.com and the World Cup official accommodation brochure. These are used by soccer lovers globally to plan their trips, make accommodation bookings, purchase tickets and arrange transport. It is important to keep in mind that occupancy will be driven by the teams, and when they play there. Also, as the rounds draw closer to the final, there will be less teams, and obviously, less supporters. Even if accommodation rates are very low, MATCH-contracted establishments will gain from an exposure point of view, as does the entire destination.
Couvaras called on owners of accommodation establishments to contact MATCH as soon as possible. "If you want to play the game, get out of the changing rooms and onto the field. Show some sportsmanship, for the sake of our destination."
Bekithemba Langalibalele of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, who also serves on the FEDHASA Cape board, encouraged accommodation providers who are not registered with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, to do so, as it is a precondition to contracting with MATCH. Visit http://www.tgcsa.co.za.
Further information can be obtained through the MATCH accommodation hotline on 011 567 2710. Enquiries may be e-mailed to 2010contract@match-ag.com or enquiries@match-ag.com.
FEDHASA is the lobbying body and watchdog for the South African hospitality industry nationally, and in all tiers of government on tourism, legislation, trading conditions, taxation, education and related industry issues. The association services four segments: the Hotel segment, the Small Accommodation segment, Restaurant and Catering segment and the Suppliers segment. For membership enquiries, call FEDHASA Cape, 021 552 9870.
Issued by:
HR Strategic Communications
On behalf of:
FEDHASA Cape
Tel: (021) 552 9870
fedhasacape@fedhasa.co.za
http://www.fedhasa.co.za
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