As car-rental companies prepare to meet an influx of demand as the FIFA World Cup kicks off, many are left questioning what will happen after the sporting event.

“It is a huge opportunity for South Africa in general, not just on a leisure tourism front, but also corporate investment,” says Executive Head of Strategy, Development And Marketing of First Car Rental, Melissa Storey. “Our country will be showcased to the world. Imagine all the various tourism source markets that SA Tourism would never have been able to reach.” Sales and Marketing Director of Tempest, Janita Edwards, believes the momentum will remain after the event. “While we don’t anticipate significant ‘make-up’ travel from the corporate base, we are absolutely positive there will be growth over last year. Our feeling is that the SA tourism industry can expect a really bumper Christmas season, as people around the world who have watched the World Cup on TV make SA their holiday destination of choice in the months after the tournament.”  Chief Executive of Avis SA, Wayne Duvenage, agrees: “We are anticipating an increase in the demand for car rental when comparing with last year’s August through to November numbers. This is because of the return to normal business, which we believe will be in a catch up mode, coupled with the summer season tourism where we expect to see more inbound tourists this summer as a result of the soccer event.” Meanwhile, Budget Car Rental is expecting a spike in corporate travel post-World Cup. “Business travellers need to ‘get out there’ to visit their branches and customers,” says MD, Ray Booth.