11 May 2007
"It's a matter of forging partnerships, ensuring efficient information
dissemination and making sure that we maximise the benefits of the forthcoming
2010 event." Addressing more than a thousand delegates attending the Small
Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) workshop at this year's Tourism Indaba, Dr
Patrick Matlou, the Director-General of Tourism at the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, today Friday, 11 May 2007, challenged the
players in this sector to take advantage of the opportunities as presented by
South Africa's hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. "The countdown is fast and
beckoning and we need to position ourselves as SMMEs sector in view of the
opportunities offered by this huge event," he said.
The SMME workshop is organised annually by the Department of Environmental
Affairs and Tourism in a bid to empower SMMEs with information related to
growing their businesses but also making sure that their product offerings
respond to the current trends in the market. This years' workshop, attended by
bed-and-breakfast owners, tourist guide operators, travel and tours, security,
event managers and corporate hospitality services focused on SMME opportunities
presented by the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Matlou said that this was a huge marketing opportunity internationally
because soccer fans will not only come here to watch football but will also
take the chance to explore what South Africa has to offer in its tourism
landscape. "You need to look at ways in which you network with all role players
in the sector including the FIFA commercial partners to ensure full blown
marketing of your products" he told delegates.
Meanwhile, Ms Itumeleng Dlamini of the Local organising committee also
updated the delegates on 2010 Soccer World Cup state of readiness and also
identified some opportunities for the SMME sector. "When the world descends to
South Africa, we expect tourist flows from new markets from the globe and we
would like to encourage our small business people to look out and be ready for
these opportunities" she said.
She added that soccer is not just a game but a global business which offers
opportunities in broadcasting, sponsorships, merchandising and now construction
opportunities with 2010 in the horizon. "There are other procurement
opportunities from the FIFA corporate partners which can be explored" she told
delegates. With regard to accommodation, Ms Dlamini was excited that "it was
the first time FIFA considered non hotel accommodation and this emphasised the
point of this World Cup as a unique South African experience."
She also said it was important to look to the benefits of the tournament not
only during the days of the competition but beyond. "Even after the dust
settles, we need to ask the pertinent question: what has this world cup done
for us'?" she said. "We are talking road infrastructure, jobs, investment,
skills and empowerment of business people, big and small" she said as she
outlined the envisaged legacy of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Dlamini emphasised that these benefits are premised on the vision to promote
country and continent and in strengthening South Africa's role as a global
player and competitor. "This is Africa's world cup, this is your world cup,"
she said. Other presentations that were made at the workshop included quality
assurance by the South African Grading Council, The Black Economic Empowerment
(BEE) Charter and Codes of Good Practice and the Tourism Enterprise
Programme.
A presentation by MATCH, a company that is charged with the responsibility
to handle accommodation on behalf of FIFA for the 2010 World Cup emphasized the
need for establishments to be graded for them to qualify. "We have enough
accommodation in the country to meet FIFA's demand of 55 000 beds, all we need
to do is just to make sure that we prepare thoroughly to meet the quality
assurance standard" said Ms Senzeni Ndebele of the Tourism Grading Council.
The SMME workshop delegates will remain for the duration of the Tourism
Indaba {11â15 May 2007, Durban ICC} which will officially be opened by the
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Minister Marthinus van
Schalkwyk.
For further information, please contact:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 677 1630
Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
11 May 2007
