SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM STILL HAS WORLD CUP FEVER

Dear Soccer Fans: We are delighted to report that South Africa passed the latest inspection tour by FIFA and LOC operational experts last month with flying colors. The 50-member delegation - representing competitions, broadcasting, media operations, medical, volunteers, transport, logistics, safety and security, protocol, marketing, information technology, hospitality, ticketing and risk management - was very impressed with the progress made. All the World Cup stadiums are now over 90% complete, with the final touches being applied. Preparations are on track for all stadiums to be completed by the end of this year. Inspections were also made of the team hotels and the training sites in each city. One of the most important aspects of this event is the outstanding commercial success of this World Cup, which is generating the highest revenue to date of any World Cup in FIFA's history - at US $3.2billion. We are proud to have demonstrated convincingly that commercial partners will come to the table for an African event. We are ready, we are excited, and the show will go on! - Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism North America The Final Draw The eyes of the world are on Cape Town, as the host city for the Final Draw on December 4, which will determine the tournament's final groupings and match locations. Football powerhouses such as England, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Argentina, Germany, along with the US, Mexico, Japan, the two Koreas, Ghana, are among the countries that have already qualified. The Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Beninoise singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo (right), and one of South Africa's greatest music exports, Johnny Clegg (left), will headline a star-studded line-up at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The glittering 90 minute extravaganza will feature performances by some of the hottest musical talent from the African continent, and guest appearances by some of the biggest names in sport. The live broadcast live to over 200 countries around the world promises a whole host of stunning African-inspired visual and acoustic treats. Follow the World Cup Draw live on ESPN Soccernet on Friday, December 4, or on www.fifa.com. World Cup Tickets Go on Sale Again on December 5 The third phase of ticket sales starts on December 5, the day after the Final Draw, and will last for 49 days, ending on January 22, 2010. During this period tickets will be available for all categories and all matches at www.fifa.com. The second ticket phase, which started on May 4, came to an end on November 20. As of November 13, a total of 668,525 tickets had been sold, 356,285 of those in the host country. The US (84,034) leads the way in terms of tickets sold in other countries, followed by the UK (48,274) and Germany (25,024). Media registration for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(tm) also starts on December 5. All journalists must register on the FIFA Media Channel at http://media.fifa.com and complete the required forms on the media channel. Once registered, reporters will receive constant media relevant information and updates. Once approved, they will be advised on the next steps. Zakumi's Excellent American Adventure Zakumi, the Official Mascot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup barnstormed across the US last month, promoting the proud host nation South Africa to audiences in Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York City, where he made his national debut live on network television. His first stop was Chicago, where South Africa's quest for the World Cup began over ten years ago. He helped South African Tourism (SAT) to launch their national web video contest, based on the Diski Dance, for youth soccer teams across the country. The fabulous grand prize is a trip to South Africa for the entire team - parents and coach included, for 8 days/7 nights. The trip includes visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town, a game park and a match against a South African youth soccer team, possibly in one of the World Cup stadiums. Visit www.southafrica.net/dance for details. In New York City, where he made his national debut live on network television, he created a stir in Times Square (top, left) and at the Brooklyn Bridge. Then it was on to Washington DC, where he took some time out before the game to do some sightseeing, visiting the iconic attractions of the American capital, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building (top, right) and the Washington Monument. Zakumi's last stop in the US was Los Angeles, where a trip to Hollywood (left) was definitely on his "to do" list. He then headed to the Home Depot Center, for the final home games of both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, and presented one lucky winner with a trip for two to South Africa during half-time. Throughout the course of the weekend, Zakumi and the Diski dancers showed thousands of Los Angelenos how to feel the rhythm of South Africa while teaching the moves of the Diski. Zakumi is now on a well-deserved break, and plans to make the most of the holiday season! WORLD CUP FEVER: It's Not Just About Soccer! There is so much more for travelers to the World Cup, beyond the stadium gates. It's the world's biggest party, and everyone is invited! The Official Kick-Off Celebration Concert for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(tm) will be staged at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on 10 June 2010. Bringing together the two universal passions of football and music, a roster of major African and international music artists will welcome the tens of thousands of fans expected for the tournament with a momentous concert on the eve of the competition. All net proceeds from the concert will be donated to "20 Centres for 2010", the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(tm). These centers will offer education and healthcare services as well as football training to disadvantaged communities. 5 Centers will be built in South Africa; the first, in Khayelitsha opens this month. The Fan Parks and public viewing areas will be centers to enjoy the sights and sounds of the entire African continent. With great food, music, and lots of family entertainment, you can still feel the spirit of the matches and support your favorite teams with passion and fervor. Focus on Cape Town The Mother City, the birthplace of South Africa's tourism industry, opens her arms to the world in December as the host venue for the Final Draw. The city will also host and at eight matches during the competition, including one of the two semifinals. What Cape Town has to offer travelers: * Set against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is a many-splendored place, and one of the world's most beautiful cities. Culture buffs, adrenalin seekers, epicurean shopaholics, night owls, party animals, nature lovers, health and fitness fanatics - all gravitate to this gorgeous mosaic. * The city is home to top-rated hotels, internationally ranked restaurants, boutique shopping, trendy wine bars and a nightlife that never stops; Jazz clubs showcase the multi-cultural sounds of Cape Jazz, distinctive for its Latin, African and Malay influences. * Explore South Africa's rich history at the District Six Museum and on Robben Island; take in the beauty of the Kirstenbosch National Gardens; or shop till you drop at the restored Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a shopping, dining and entertainment mecca in the heart of the city. * The famous Cape Wine lands (right), encompassing 13 wine routes and hundreds of estates, producing thousands of award-winning wines, start near the lovely university town of Stellenbosch, whose avenues are lined by towering oaks and graceful old houses. Nearby Franschhoek, settled by French Huguenots, who began producing wine here as early as the 18th century, is the gourmet capital of the country. * Travel along one of the world's most splendid coastlines, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at the Cape of Good Hope. Magnificent beaches line the Atlantic - Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno, and more - while warmer waters can be found at Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, St. James and Strand. One of the most-visited beaches is Boulders Beach, home to hundreds of African penguins. * The scenic Garden Route, starting in Hermanus, a renowned spot for whale watching, takes you through picturesque towns and villages. Sample succulent oysters at Knysna, hop on an ostrich in Oodsthooorn, or get up close and personal with the dolphins along the coast. In South Africa, it's all possible! ________________________________________ U.S. Tour Operators Participating U.S. Tour Operators Offering Tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup of South Africa: Terry Guillaume Destination Southern Africa Inc. 1050 E. River Rd., Suite 100 Tucson, AZ 85718 Tel: 520-882-3600 Tel: 1-800-203-6724 Fax: 520-509-3710 www.destinationworldcup.com John Martin Great Atlantic Travel and Tour 1065 Laskin Road Suite 101 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Tel: 757-422-9001 Tel: 800-888-8233 www.greatatlantictravel.com Christy Lam Cartan Tours Inc. 1334 Parkview Ave # 210 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Tel: 310-546-9662 ext. 113 Fax: 310-546-8433 www.cartan.com For everything you need to know about traveling to South Africa, and planning your trip to any one or more of the various host cities for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, visit www.southafrica.net/2010
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