South Africa,we came fourth!

The South African soccer team, Bafana Bafana, came fourth in the recent FIFA confederation Cup. Now before you say, big deal and belittle the goalie’s efforts to stop one or two that he perhaps should have, up to the last four minutes of normal time, the South Africa team had prevented Spain, arguably the worlds best team from kicking one ball into our goals! That for this small soccer country is a formidable performance.

Whilst I will not pretend to be a professionally soccer writer or player, I am a South African sport supporter and believe our boys put in a stunning performance, not only against Spain but also against Brazil in the semi where we walked tall off the field having lost perhaps but certainly with the pride of our nation. To the boys, well done, to the organisers who hosted the thousands of visitors to South Africa, offering them accommodation, travel services and comfortable beds, well done to all of you.

South Africa is the host country to the 2010 FIFA SOCCER WORLD CUP, we will be host to thousands upon thousands of travel visitors, requiring accommodation, hotels, beds, transport food and entertainment, this was a practice and according to Sepp Blatner, we are ready and will do it. This is probably one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, it will bring tourism and opportunity to a country that is struggling to get across the advantage line in many areas of economic development, particular reference is made to extremely high levels on unemployment, some say 40% of the workforce, areas of abject poverty and an officially recognized economic recession.

The country will be crowded, accept that fact, the locals should try and just avoid the airports, accommodation establishments, roads around the stadiums and restaurants for a few weeks while the tournaments on, if soccer is not your scene then you will also be playing a role, leave the space in the Hotels and bed and breakfasts for our visitors. Personally, whilst I am not an avid soccer fan, I will be out there supporting my team wherever possible. South Africa as a country is going to be hard pressed to supply sufficient beds, flights, cars, and everything else during the period so it’s up to each if us to contribute in whatever way we can and maybe that’s just it.

What about the vuvzela’s, the plastic child’s horn blown consistently throughout each game. Now here I have a problem, some writers have arrogantly and selfishly stated that this is South Africa, they are part of what we are and if you don’t like them. Don’t come, or go home, or similar words to that effect. Now to me that smacks of a lack of a professionalism from the writer firstly, a short sighted selfish opinion secondly and certainly no depth if intelligence. Yes, the vuvuzela has become a “thing”, why I don’t really know, it takes no skill to operate, has no value, makes a horrible noise and the players themselves don’ t like it. Millions who watch internationally on television will wonder what it is. This is no doubt the beginning of a huge debate and many column centimetres, hey guys, dump them now, we will make fools of ourselves.

If you’re visiting South Africa, prepare yourself for an awesome experience, exciting, beautiful, spectacular come to mind. Don’t just come for the soccer, South African tourism offers visitors a really unique experience including Cape Town, Knysna, Durban and Port Alfred, Cape Town was voted as one if the top five tourism destinations in the world, these and many travel attractions abound. Accommodation standards and tourist facilities can hold their own with the best in the world, obviously, as when travelling in any strange destination certain basic rules if security and safety apply.

Merely suggestions but you are advised to avoid isolated and dark areas at night, be aware of lurking strangers, they are potential petty thieves such as the pick-pockets who lurk at most crowded placed throughout the world. Keep all your valuables locked away in a Hotel safe, hidden where practical, cameras, wallets, jewellery are all tempting items to thieves. When travelling around it is always wise to obtain information first, perhaps from your travel assistant, the manager or owner of your hotel or informative web guises such as www.staysa.co.za – travel information.

Your trip or holiday to South Africa will be a wonderful experience, providing however, that you accept it is essential when planning any holiday, even more so during an event like the world cup, to research and make all your arrangements in advance. South Africa has a relatively small population of around 50 million people and will be hard pressed to support the required logistics of the number of visitors that are expected. Advance bookings of accommodation; vehicle hire and air travel are three essential pre-planning steps. Visit the above site or www.bedandbreakfastdirectory.co.za to assist on pre-planning your trip.

The people of South Africa will welcome you with open arms, they are friendly, colourful and a smile and a greeting will get you everywhere, do not be dismayed if perhaps someone looks through you, it probably means that they either do not understand your language or your accent. English is spoken almost across South Africa, perhaps not the home language more than perhaps a third of the population and will need to be spoken slowly and carefully, particularly if the language is not your home language either.

YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL…….. Please send any travel tip or travel idea to info@staysa.co.za help fellow travellers to enjoy safe and happy travelling. We will gladly assist with travel information or visit the site at www.staysa.co.za where you will find comprehensive travel and accommodation information.

Alan Hawkins - CEO
www.staysa.co.za