FEDHASA Cape chairperson, Lee-Anne Singer with tickets at the DHL Stadium almost sold out, and with 55,000 people converging on Green Point on Saturday, they are expecting accommodation across the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard and V&A Waterfront to be trading at or near full capacity.
Image: DHL Stadium/Facebook
The Springboks’ upcoming Test at DHL Stadium is expected to give Cape Town’s hospitality sector a significant boost during the traditional winter low season.
Speaking to IOL, FEDHASA Cape chairperson, Lee-Anne Singer, said with at least 55,000 people expected to converge on Green Point on Saturday, accommodation across the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard and V&A Waterfront is expected to trade at or near full capacity.
For an industry that typically experiences quieter winter months, major sporting events provide a welcome injection of demand.
She said South Africa’s passion for sport also plays a role in attracting international visitors, with fans from New Zealand, Australia, the UK and elsewhere travelling to watch the matches.
Sports tourists can also become repeat visitors, often returning with family or friends.
While there is no confirmed figure for the economic impact of this specific fixture, previous matches indicate the potential benefits.
According to figures shared by SA Rugby’s Andy Colquhoun, a previous Springboks Test at Ellis Park generated about R167 million in direct visitor expenditure and contributed more than R500 million to Gauteng’s GDP.
Singer said the match also supported more than 1,000 jobs across accommodation, food and beverage, and related services.
Cape Town’s figures are expected to differ, but with DHL Stadium almost sold out and visitors spending on flights, accommodation and restaurants, the match is expected to deliver a strong trading weekend for the city’s hospitality industry.
IOL
