Hoteliers are finding it difficult to predict hotel occupancies over the FIFA World Cup, saying a lot will depend on last-minute bookings and pricing, especially
of the airlines.

At least one of South Africa’s biggest hotel groups is in discussion with local carriers about the high fares being charged, which is feared may discourage fans from attending. “We just hope the airlines will come to the party,” says Greenways Susanne Faussner-Ringer. She says hoteliers are cautiously optimistic because they are hoping for a last-minute run on rooms.  Meanwhile, Willie Williams says the Sheraton Pretoria is not contracted to MATCH but is receiving daily inquiries for World Cup accommodation. “But we find that people are experiencing a snowball effect in that they need game and airline tickets first before they are able to book rooms.” He says bookings for peak match days are looking excellent but there is still availability for the periods in between.

Protea’s Danny Bryer says demand during the World Cup is difficult to predict because the market is so volatile, but he believes major centres such as Johannesburg and Cape Town will be full for the duration of the tournament, while other cities will be full for some of the time.

Sean Bradley says most of the Radisson Blu Sandton’s 290 rooms are booked with deposits paid for the entire World Cup period but that some of its 11 penthouses are still available. The hotel has not gone the MATCH route either but has stuck with key business partnerships. He says its rates for the World Cup are “slightly higher” than normal but “realistic”.