At an industry presentation in Cape Town last week, Vivienne Bervoets, Senior Accommodation Manager of the FIFA Accommodation Office, described the publicity surrounding S A Tourism and MATCH as unfortunate, and said that it had damaged MATCH’s marketing.  She intimated that S A Tourism had wanted to protect the industry’s interests, when it did not wish them to be protected!   She indicated in question time that the MATCH accommodation pricing formula was now completely flexible, and that every establishment could set its 2010 pricing at the “fair” level it wishes to.  

 This is a major breakthrough for the small accommodation industry, and reflects the power of resistance and critique, which has been expressed in the past two years.  WhaleTales has been very vocal in its criticism of the MATCH pricing.     What is odd is that the wording in the MATCH contract regarding pricing has not been amended, and therefore unsuspecting establishments may still use the pricing formula of 2007 rates + 16 %, as specified in the contract.   No other aspects of the MATCH contract are flexible. Soccer fans wanting to buy tickets for the 2010 World Cup matches are not obligated to buy accommodation via MATCH.  MATCH and S A Tourism met last week, moderated by Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

 

 

  Both parties reached a “common understanding”,  S A Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola said. ” S A Tourism will continue to work with MATCH based on fair pricing and terms in an effort to make the 2010 Soccer World Cup a success.”    In the meeting fair accommodation pricing and terms, a transparent tour operator programme, and the implementation of a tourism advisory forum were discussed ..  

 

Van Schalkwyk said: “The tourism industry has a very good working relationship with FIFA and MATCH.   We remain committed as partners to assist MATCH in achieving their target and we will continue to encourage players in the industry to sign up their facilities.   Our working relationship is one of mutual respect and partnership and I would like to encourage all role players to ensure that nothing detracts from this.”    No details have been released to the industry as to the specifics of the discussions between MATCH and S A Tourism.