South Africa targets December to kick off World Cup fever. Saturday, 24th October 2009 Source : Luke Clark at ITB Asia & WIT 2009 - Exclusive

Travel industry players from South Africa at this year's ITB Asia have been sharing a key calendar date with interested Asian buyers this week, eagerly anticipating the onset of football fever among travelers. 

"In Asia we've had many enquiries," says Itumeleng Pooe, executive manager international marketing for Cape Town Routes Unlimited. "Many are holding on for the final draw, because they want to see where their team is playing."

Pooe said the draw for will take place on December 4th for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, which starts on June 11th next year. "Asia has a love for football, and we are hoping to have a lot of bookings."

Operators from Cape Town had put together a special 'Beyond the 90 Minutes' package, to encourage people to see more of the destination while at the World Cup."We've narrowed it into specific experiences, from three to 14 days," she says.

Airlines linking Asia and South Africa include  South African Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates. The destination currently has promotion offices in China and India. 

Businesses have set themselves a target of a 10% increase in business next year, she said, although more important was the chance to brand the country as a great place to visit.

"As a destination, we feel the tournament is our PR face – our opportunity to shine."