Cape Town Tourism has reacted with caution to the news that Dubai World Constituency’s recently bought cruise ship, the QE2, is destined for Cape Town, where the developers have earmarked it for a floating hotel with an 18-month residency over the 2010 FIFA World Cup period.
The national Department of Tourism was requested to give input regarding the berthing application of the QE2 in Cape Town harbour and consulted the local and national tourism industry on the matter as part of the process. Concerns were raised with regard to the impact on existing accommodation establishments, particularly within the four- and five-star bracket, and the current economic downturn. Further clarity has been requested on the real economic impact and job creation opportunities, however the Department of Tourism has decided not to oppose the application.
The Transnet Board and the National Ports Authority will now make a final determination regarding the viability of the berthing of the QE2 in Cape Town.
CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold comments: “Although Cape Town Tourism welcomes new tourism ventures, we are mindful of the need to be responsible and sustainable in the planning of a tourism landscape that is fair to all the market players. Further clarity on the real impact and benefits to Cape Town’s tourism sector is required. Our 2010 Strategy advocates short- and long-term benefits to local tourism.
This means that preference must go to existing accommodation providers – over temporary establishments.”
Du Toit-Helmbold also pointed out that misconceptions abounded that Cape Town was short of accommodation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and that this was not sufficient motivation for a floating hotel to be brought to Cape Town for the event. “If shortage of accommodation is the real motivator behind the initiative then cities where there is a genuine shortage of accommodation would be better suited.
“We are not worried about shortages in Cape Town and surrounds and believe that the 2010 FIFA World Cup accommodation requirements will be easily met. Cape Town has an excellent accommodation capacity, but allowance where appropriate has been made for temporary accommodation. However, we do give preference to established and accredited accommodation establishments.”
An August 2008 survey commissioned by the Cape Town City Council, Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Routes Unlimited revealed that the city would have ample bed capacity for the Soccer World Cup. Accommodation capacity (including accredited and approved temporary accommodation stock) currently stands at 56 000 beds and an estimated total number of 70 000 beds should be on line by June 2010 in the greater Cape Town area. Furthermore, Cape Town is in close proximity to regions like the Winelands, Overberg and Garden route, which also have good capacity available.
“These assumptions are based on the total number of MATCH (FIFA’s accommodation and ticketing partner) contracted accommodation establishments, which for the most part fall within the hotel sector.
While we are working hand in hand with MATCH and FIFA to encourage as many establishments as possible to contract with MATCH, we understand too that the decision to sign up with MATCH is a business decision that each individual tourism business must make, weighing up their unique situation, requirements and suitability. Many accommodation establishments either do not fit the MATCH profile or do not wish to sell their accommodation through MATCH due to business reasons of their own.”
Cape Town Tourism, as an industry association, works in close partnership with the host city and FIFA and co-ordinates the 2010 Cape Town Accommodation Programme. This programme looks at accredited and non-accredited accommodation options, linking in with MATCH, but also caters for visitors and members of the industry that prefer to do business independently.
