Comments on: More 2010 Pricing Woes

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:04:39 +0000

In 2000 many Zambia lodges put huge mark ups on their accommodation rates in a bid to profit from the Eclipse. Any many were empty.

I just had my group of 20 from Tampa cancel their 3 week tour (SA and Zambia) due to the crazy prices for accommodation and flights being charged in SA.

There are no winners when we only look for short term gain.

By: Tony Christiane

Tony Christiane — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:42:11 +0000

Only read the first mail example you gave – SHOCKING. We have contracted to Match for The World Cup and were allowed a max. of 16% increase on 2007 rates. The reason – TRYING TO MANAGE EXACTLY WHAT HAS BECOME THE PROBLEM. In reality it has meant that our rates for the world cup are at about our 2010 peak season rate which in my opinion is great considering what occupancy we normally have during June and July.

Another example of South Africans shooting themselves in the foot (or is it HEAD!!)

Kind regards

By: Amanda

Amanda — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:26:55 +0000

Hi
This is my classic World Cup rip off
I phoned the Polokwane Royal to check availability for 1 night (17 June)and great, they could assist at a rate of R 4860 B&B, (gasp.. splutter). I then asked what the rate would be if my clients were to travel in APril and the reply was R760 B&B, well with about a 500% mark up (and no website to even look at), I will certainly NOT be booking my clients in there EVER.
Wonder if they will be around in 2 years???

By: Alan Woolnough

Alan Woolnough — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:44:37 +0000

Sadly I am not surprised at what is happening -there seems to be a cancer in this country where we stuff up everything that is good by our stupidity and greed.

Just for your info, we are charging our normal rates over the world cup - R550 per person for luxury and R450.00 per person for standard suites. We did debate the minimum nights issue but decided that for a guest house, this would not be a good idea and we are treating the world cup just like any other period.

Kind regards,

Alan Woolnough
Saxon Lodge
Gansbaai

By: Sandy McIver

Sandy McIver — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:33:19 +0000

I loved this article you should send it to the Sunday Times or something!! Everyone should be aware of this…
I have practically given up on the World Cup!! I am trying to arrange a holiday in Mauritius during this crazy time! I refuse to bow to MATCH and their “mafia price wars” as well as ripping off my clients who may wish to travel to South Africa. I have struggled to find accommodation for some prospective clients in Johannesburg [8 couples who want to spend only 3 nights in Johannesburg in 5star luxury] Do you think I can find anything? I have also contacted the biggest tour operator in South Africa who is holding rooms as well in some of the major hotels. Their response is that all the 5star hotels are fully booked and all want a minimum night stay of 6 nights or more!! This is absolutely ludicrous as clients want to see all of South Africa not just 1 city!!!

I am honestly focusing on tours to South Africa for before and after the World Cup!

Quite honestly I hate the game of soccer and don’t see what all the fuss is about! We are planning to visit New Zealand next year to watch the Springboks at the rugby world cup! That’s worth spending money on and getting excited about!

Dont’ get me wrong! I think the soccer world cup is a great achievement for South Africa and something to be proud of! but don’t lose yourselves in the idea of “making lots of money”! we need people to return and feel our warm hospitality!