South African hoteliers score high rates

South African hotel rates more than doubled during the FIFA World Cup, according to research by business analyst Deloitte.

Revenue per available room (RevPARRevenue per available room: A common metric used by the hotel industry to indicate performance.) increased by 122% in South Africa during the month of June, compared with the same month last year.

While occupancy only increased by 6%, to 63.7%, over the same period, average room rates doubled.

Marvin Rust, global managing partner of Hospitality at Deloitte, said: "Although the full economic impact of the World Cup has yet to be tallied, the tournament brought astounding success to South African hoteliers during the tournament.

"This jump is far greater than the 33% increase experienced in Germany, when the country hosted the 2006 World Cup.  However, it should be noted that the location of South Africa ensured that supporters stayed in the country for a longer period of time."

Rust said the profile of tourism across Africa had been raised by the sporting event.

"As time passes, the legacy of the event will become apparent but so far, South Africa has already seen an overhaul to its tourism infrastructure and improved international perceptions in terms of being a safe destination to visit," he said.

www.deloittte.co.uk