Brazil sees tourism up ahead of 2014 World Cup

Brazil hopes its tourism industry will contribute up to 4.5% of its gross domestic product by 2014, the year it hosts the FIFA World Cup soccer, a government minister said on Tuesday.

Tourism Minister Luiz Barretto Filho said the South American country expected considerably more than the around 370,000 visitors in South Africa for the current World Cup.

"We hope to get 4 to 4.5% of the GDP (by 2014)," Barretto Filho told Reuters in an interview.

Barretto Filho was part of a delegation visiting South Africa to promote Brazil ahead of the next World Cup.

The 2014 World Cup was marked for South America under FIFA's rotation system and five times World Cup winner Brazil, which hosted the 1950 tournament, was awarded the event unopposed in 2007.

Latin America's biggest economy expanded 9.0% in the first quarter its fastest pace in at least 14 years and Filho said the government was planning to create 2.5 million formal jobs in total during 2010, many in the tourism sector.

"At the moment, we have 6 million Brazilians working in the tourism sector. We're expecting a 10% increase, per year, until 2014," he said.

Preparations slow

However, FIFA has criticised Brazil's preparations for the tournament and last month its general secretary, Jerome Valcke, said he had received a report that warned work was behind schedule at a number of venues.

Brazil Sports Minister Orlando Silva, who was also visiting South Africa, said he was concerned about the pace of his country's preparations.

"I'm always worried, I'm always concerned. There are 12 cities and we need to work faster. But I am confident 2010 will be a turning point. And we'll certainly work faster, quicker in the preparation for the World Cup," he told reporters after touring the exhibition.

Like South Africa, Brazil needs to invest heavily in infrastructure, particularly transport. Silva said the government had an investment programme of around USD 15 billion to improve infrastructure and restore stadiums.

Like South Africa, Brazil is battling a reputation for high levels of violent crime.

However, Barretto Filho said Brazil had extensive plans to tackle crime, from bringing in extra police units to instituting more social programmes.

"The Brazilian situation is quite different to the South African (one). We also have problems in the crime area, but not to the same extent as South Africa," Barretto Filho said.

"It is quite easy to organise security for a 30-day period."

Source: Moneycontrol News Center

2010 FIFA World Cup sparks U.S. interest in tourism to Africa and changes perceptions

The 2010 World Cup finally arrived in South Africa. This is more than a landmark in the country’s history; it is also an opportunity to change perceptions about South Africa and Africa in the United States and abroad.

“All over the U.S., we can see how excited everyone is about the World Cup,” said Edward Bergman, Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association (ATA). "We have already seen a surge in interest about South Africa in major American cities, where the country’s flag, culture, cuisine and wines are on full display. We’ve also seen a huge amount of media coverage about a ‘positive’ event taking place on the continent rather than the usual politics or a humanitarian crisis.”

According to reports from South Africa, the month-long tournament is expected to boost tourist arrivals by almost 400,000 visitors. While an event of this scope was unimaginable in Africa until now, the World Cup puts South Africa center stage, showing the world that “Destination Africa” can compete. It also puts a focus on Africa, providing other nations with an opportunity to attract tourists and investment to their countries. All this builds on the idea that sports tourism can boost economic growth.

“At the same time, American tourists have something tangible to offer Africa: tourism creates jobs, fights unemployment and boosts the economy,” said Bergman. “Every tourist needs a flight, accommodation, and meals. They also want to enjoy the nightlife, explore the local culture and do some shopping.”

The United States is the top source market for Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia and South Africa, as noted in a report recently published by ATA, New York University’s Africa House and the World Bank. The U.S. is also the top source market for the largest number of ticket holders, outnumbering all other nationalities except South Africa, the host country.

The link between sports tourism, economics and South Africa wasd demonstrated on June 11, 2010, when South African Tourism (SAT) and Consul General Fikile Magubane of South Africa visited NASDAQ MarketSite in New York and presided over the NASDAQ opening bell in celebration of the event. ATA was represented by Executive Director, Edward Bergman.

“As the world’s largest global exchange company, we are excited about the world’s greatest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA World Cup” commented Bruce Aust, Executive Vice President of NASDAQ OMX. “We are delighted to host the South African Tourism and Consul General Fikile Magubane of South Africa for a celebratory NASDAQ Opening Bell from the cross roads of the world in the heart of Times Square as all eyes turn to South Africa for a series of exciting world cup games,” he added.

Bergman is confident the World Cup will leave a lasting legacy on South Africa and Africa. “The World Cup will show the world that Africa has the infrastructure and the ability to host events of all sizes. The new roads, railways and bus networks, as well technology development will also help further position South Africa as a premier destination.”

Source: Travel Daily News