Cape Town Tourism has denied that accommodation and other rates are being pushed up ahead of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, saying instead that prices in Cape Town are well balanced and equivalent to normal peak rates.

This follows recent British media reports which suggested that South Africa is out-pricing itself ahead of the tournament.

According to Cape Town Tourism, such reports are based on a skewed perspective of the city's broader tourism offering. There are high-end luxury accommodation options which are expensive, but there are also many budget accommodation options available.

"On the whole, Cape Town's pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM," says Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du Toit-Hembold.

"The majority of the local industry comprises responsible operators that realise a value-for-money return on any holiday investment is essential to ensuring that the destination is not labelled 'greedy' now or after the event."

Most accommodation establishments in Cape Town are posting rates for the World Cup that are equivalent to their peak season rates, and have received a favourable response, with many of them already fully booked, she said.

Average costs for a night in a centrally located guesthouse are in the region of R500 to R800, while a self-catering apartment or cottage can cost from R200 to R500 a night.
An award-winning four-star hotel can cost from R1 900 to R2 400 for a room and a five-star hotel can be up to R5 000 per person per night sharing.

Most hotels are selling their rooms through FIFA's official accommodation provider, MATCH, which requires that rates are no more than 16% higher than those charged in the summer of 2007.
However, some accommodation establishments have not signed up with MATCH, or do not meet its requirements, and therefore are not bound by these stipulations.

Du Toit-Hembold urged visitors to be cautious of any accommodation establishments or tourism operators that are not accredited, and suggested they check these with Cape Town Tourism.

"We are intent on using the great marketing opportunity that the 2010 FIFA World CupTM affords us, to showcase the destination as a place to which you want to return. High prices and a lack of good service will not reflect well on us and we are focusing all our energy on ensuring that not only our infrastructure, but also our mindset, is on target and ready to welcome the world," she said.

To book accommodation, transfers, car hire or tours, visit www.capetown.travel/2010 or phone +27 (21) 487 6800.