Looking back on 2010 - Was it worth it?

The year is coming to an end and as we look back on 2010, overshadowed by the spectacle, success and hype of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in the midst of a global economic recession, we have to wonder if it was worth all the work and the disruption?

The results of a recent study by the Department of Tourism (presented by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this month) have shown, in no uncertain terms, the positive impact that the World Cup has had for our country.

With over 300 000 tourists (more than half of which were first-time visitors) spending in the region of R3.6 billion, and more than 95% of them saying that they would visit the country again, the economic impact was certainly felt by anyone and everyone even remotely connected to the tourism industry. 

A little less tangible is the effect on public international opinion. Awareness of South Africa as a leisure destination has increased by almost 10% and most of the tourists rated South Africa as an excellent host (and in some instances even better than other World Cup host countries they had visited). Building national spirit and rallying the "rainbow nation" to a cause is certainly another benefit of the World Cup not to be overlooked, as well as the infrastructure development which exploded in the years and months building up to the World Cup.

In addition to these figures, the establishment of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust (an initiative by FIFA, the South African Government and the South African Football Association), means an injection of 100 million US Dollar for the purposes of boosting education, health, humanitarian projects and football development in the country. This sorely needed injection of goodwill and capital has created opportunities and global awareness where before non-profit organizations were fighting a losing battle.

For the tourism industry, the positive feedback in the wake of the World Cup will no doubt bring much more rewards in the future, as the global economy begins to recover and families have disposable income available again to travel. At least now, South Africa is on the map in more ways than one!