Fifa changes 2010 accommodation rules

A HUGE opportunity has been presented for small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the hospitality industry: for the first time in history, Fifa will contract non-hotel accommodation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. To participate, Moeketsi Mosola, SA Tourism ceo, says national park accommodation, B & Bs, lodges and guesthouses need to be graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). Only graded establishments will be contracted by MATCH, the FIFA-mandated company responsible for, among other things, accommodation for the World Cup. Mosola said: “Small and medium-sized enterprises from around the country will be able to apply to our Tourism Enterprise Programme for assistance, which will partially cover the grading costs”. He added that this move will also provide a wider range of accommodation options for spectators. Chana Viljoen (chanav@nowmedia.co.za)