Johannesburg – The Hospitality Programme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup will be vital in assisting South Africa fulfil two of its key objectives to promote tourism and investment.

The Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) Dr Danny Jordaan, said on Wednesday: “The launch of this programme is important as it in is line with two of South Africa’s key objectives which is tourism promotion and investment in the country.”

The FIFA Hospitality Programme, which is to be operated exclusively under the rights of MATCH Hospitality AG, offers local and international corporates and fanatics of the game various hospitality packages during the World Cup.

Hospitality packages involve everything from tickets to World Cup matches to accommodation, transport, catering, entertainment and guest services among other tourism related activities in the country.

The packages differ in style and range in prices from $ 380 to the most expensive $ 6 000 per person per package.

Dr Jordaan highlighted that the hospitality industry involves local industry and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in particular, in that items such as tables, table cloths, food and even the flowers on the tables would need to be supplied by local businesses during the World Cup.

Commenting on the lasting legacy the event, Dr Jordaan said it was important for people who visited the country to experience the country beyond just those 90 minutes of football.

“South Africa is one of the global leaders in the hospitality industry and it is known for its excellent food and wines.

“The FIFA World Cup is a great opportunity to showcase the richness of our country to guests from around the globe.

“I am delighted that MATCH Hospitality is working with the local industry to activate this key programme,” Dr Jordaan said.

FIFA Secretary-General Jérôme Valcke said South Africa was not a country where hospitality was unfamiliar.

“It is great to see that the hospitality programme is now really coming to fruition.

“We feel that things are on track in the country, and [although] we have some expectations on some stadiums and cities, I’m sure it will all happen,” said Mr Valcke.

Chief Operating Office of MATCH Hospitality AG Pascal Portes told reporters the World Cup was the biggest sporting event in the world, and therefore one of the most complex in terms of logistics.

“It is a very complex event with 64 matches in 10 stadiums around the country,” said Mr Portes. - BuaNews