Cape Town -
Accommodation
establishments nearest to the Cape Town Stadium and
other attractions were benefiting most from the soccer World Cup,
Cape Town Tourism said on Friday.
In an assessment released as the tournament reached its halfway mark,
it said occupancy levels for the metropole as a whole had averaged
40% for the first two weeks.
This figure increased by six percent from week one to week two and
indications were that this upward trend would continue.
However some 28% of establishments were already enjoying occupancies
of from 71% to 100%.
"The beneficial effect of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to accommodation establishments
in Cape Town has been felt to the greatest effect in concentrated
areas near to the stadium, major attractions and Fan Walk/Fan
Fest areas," the organisation said.
"Establishments in the City Bowl, Waterfront and Greenpoint areas
have experienced a 71% average occupancy during the past
two weeks, around 20% up on the same period last year."
In general, establishments further from the centre had had disappointing
bookings, with 39% reporting occupancy levels of
below 20%.
English and American fans dominated the influx.
The average stay was currently three to four days, but this should
increase as the tournament progressed.
Cape Town International Airport had reported that the number of international
arrivals for June 2010 was up 44% on the same period
in 2009. Domestic arrivals were up by 10%.
- Sapa