Welcome 2010 guests to your homes - LOC

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Bloemfontein - With just 128 days to go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Mangaung Local Organising Committee (LOC) has encouraged residents to open up their homes to guests arriving in the country for the soccer spectacular.

Mangaung LOC Chief Executive Officer, George Mohlakoana, said about 5000 beds were needed in Bloemfontein for the event, adding that they would be embarking on a drive to encourage homeowners to apply for being service providers.

However, he warned the would-be service providers not to damage the integrity of the industry by offering low quality service as their business should be maintained beyond 2010.

"At the moment there is nothing that government can do but encourage accommodation owners to charge according to their grades and services to the visitors.

"Tourism and hospitality are key to the successful hosting of the World Cup and its image should not be tarnished by overpricing," said Mohlakoana.