Bloem warned over high WC prices
08 Feb 2010
Guest houses in Bloemfontein were recently warned not to charge Soccer World Cup visitors exorbitant prices.
“People are booking in Kimberley due to high prices,” says George Mohlakoana, CE of the Mangaung local organising committee.
He said exorbitant prices charged by smaller enterprises such as guest houses was one of the “problems” identified by officials before the tournament.
He spoke at a Free State tourism breakfast on the province’s readiness for the World Cup, which kicks off in June.
It was said during the meeting that there are accommodation quotes of up to R3k.
It is estimated that Bloemfontein officially has 12,000 beds for tourists and the surrounding areas such as Kimberley, Welkom and Lesotho have a further 13,000.
Government officials launched a campaign that invites homeowners in Bloefontein and surrounding areas to make their houses available to visitors. They expect a further 2,000 beds to be made available.
Mohlakoana also said businesses have to adjust their hours during the World Cup.
“Only the restaurants in Bloemfontein are still open at 19:00. This will be a problem during the World Cup.” – Sapa
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