The Rugby World Cup is set to take place in France next year and, with a prolonged period of cancelled sports fixtures and no-spectator matches, many are eager to attend the tournament.
Hélène Bezuidenhout, Manager of Atout France, told Travel News that around 650 000 foreign visitors are expected to attend the event, which will take place from September 8 to October 28.
"France is hoping that, after two years of limited public attendance at major sports events, this is a wonderful opportunity to give fans a chance to come and cheer their teams, in the spirit of the great game.”
Bezuidenhout said there had been a lot of interest from South African travellers. “Packages are already on offer and this event is a great opportunity to visit France with friends, families and discover the country in between matches,” she said. “It is a major event where the South African team and its supporters will be welcomed with open arms, and France is looking forward to hosting many South Africans in all its cities.”
She said there would be packages to suit everyone, and that it would be an opportunity like no other to travel to France. The tournament’s Official Travel Agents (OTA) for South Africa are Edusport Travel and Tours, SA Rugby Travel, and Sportsnation, according to the Rugby World Cup website.
The COVID-19 restrictions in place for entry to France have been changing regularly. The most recent update states that South Africa’s COVID danger status has moved from orange to green, meaning those who are fully vaccinated with the J&J or Pfizer vaccine can enter without a test, and those unvaccinated can enter with a negative PCR test.
Furthermore, the French Health Pass will no longer be required from March 14.
Bezuidenhout said the rules and regulations regarding health measures were slowly but surely taking into account the positive evolution of the pandemic. “At the moment, it is possible to attend matches, and by 2023, as things evolve, there should be no further restrictions. But to be fair, it is difficult to answer this question when things are changing every day at the moment.”
She offered suggestions for itineraries for those visiting France during the Rugby World Cup period. “Around Marseille you have Nice and the Riviera, and also Provence. Between Marseille and Bordeaux there is the Occitanie, from Canal du Midi, Carcassonne, Toulouse and up to Bordeaux.
“And from Bordeaux to Paris, why not take time to explore the castles in the Loire Valley? There are many options to choose from by train or car, and opportunities between matches to make the most of your stay in France.”