We are ready to host best Nations Cup ever, says Dhlono

SOUTH Africa will spend $53.5 million for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which comes up from January 19 to February 10.

According to South Africa Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Phumi Dhlono, who disclosed this, $37 million will go to South African national departments to cover costs associated with hosting (including security, protocol and migration services), $2 million will be used by the provinces and another $14 million will be used by the five host cities to cover various hosting cost.

Dhlono said the fact that South Africa built stadia for the FIFA 2010 World Cup has made hosting the AFCON a bit easier, adding that South Africa is prepared to host a biffitting event.

“I must say South Africa is very well prepared. We are excited and look forward to welcoming the continent back to South Africa for the Orange AFCON 2013,” he said.

“Our hospitality industry is ready to welcome you, make you feel at home and give you the warm, welcoming South African hospitality to make AFCON a fantastic, celebratory experience.

“The stadia are ready. The restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and shopping malls are ready in each of the five host cities and across South Africa, too. We are excited about Orange AFCON and we look forward to welcoming you.”

Apart from the soccer that would be on display, Dhlomo said the Nations Cup affords his country opportunity to welcome tourists and show them a great time, noting: “The AFCON gives us an opportunity again to showcase our destination, welcome people, our capability and infrastructure not only to the continent, but also to the world.

“The impact will be significant. We are targeting 150, 000 AFCON arrivals to South Africa from other African countries. So far (in the first seven months of 2012), African tourists to South Africa have contributed about $6 billion to the South African economy, almost eclipsing, by end of July, total in 2011.”

The tourism boss said he expects AFCON fans to contribute about $154 million to the economy when they come in January next year. He continued: “The AFCON championship will provide a boost for our hospitality industry and creation of more jobs for South Africans in tourism and hospitality industry.

“AFCON fans will also impact other areas of our economy…sectors that service the tourism industry but are not tourism businesses per se: the banking and financial sectors of our economy, transport, the agricultural sector and so on.”

He disclosed that the Local Organising Committee of AFCON estimated that the event would creat about 16,100 jobs (in areas such as venue management, stewards, security and support staff). 2500 South Africans will work as volunteers at AFCON and gain valuable experience of big event management and delivery

“At the end of the tournament, one team will lift the champion trophy but the whole continent will have scored a decisive victory for celebrating unity and celebrating Africa’s favourite sport,” Dhlomo added.

He noted that AFCON would to be a celebration of African unity, African rhythm, excitement and passion for the game of football.

He added: “We are expecting a gathering of the Africa, nations in South Africa, the party of the decade and a showpiece of the style of African football that is energetic, deeply competitive and flamboyant.

“This year, Africa as a whole has been one of the strongest performing regions, with tourist arrivals growing by 8.5 per cent in the first seven months of 2012. Africa is a long-term and sustainable source of tourist arrivals for us in South Africa.”

Source: The Guardian