The Impact of the World Cup

There were always doubts about the economic impact that a FIFA World country can bring to the contest. However the last tournament hosted by South Africa, has revealed some important data, which serve mainly to register for future organizations.

According to a survey prepared by the National Department of Tourism (NDT) of South Africa together with South African Tourism (SAT), the ministry of tourism in South Africa, the last World Cup led to the African country more than 309,000 tourists, which together have spent over 390 million euros, which meant a great addition to the country's economy.

Data from the World Cup 2010 - South Africa

• In total South Africa entered the 309,554 tourists intending to watch World Cup games.

• Of the 309,554 tourists came to 38% of the African continent, 24% from Europe , 13% of Central America and South America, while 11% came from North America.

• The country that sent more tourists to watch the World Cup in South Africa was the United States with 30,175 tourists followed by the neighboring Mozambique with 24,483 and Britain with 22,802.

• In total was spent by tourists who visited South Africa some 390 million Euros.

• Of the total spent by tourists 103 million euros were spent by Europeans, 69 million Euros by the followers South and Central American and Euro 40 million spent by supporters of the African continent.

• The average amount spent by each supporter was R11.800 (1,300 euros), well above the year 2008 (R8.400) and 2009 (R9.500).

• Of the total spent by supporters 30% was spent on shopping, 20% hotels, 19% food and beverage, entertainment 16% and 11% in transport.

• On average each supporters spent 10.3 nights in South Africa, of which 79% to 21% in hotels and homes of friends or relatives.

With a cost that was estimated at about 3,225 million Euros (see How much is a FIFA World Cup ), the benefits are clearly below costs, leaving just as big beneficiaries of the events, FIFA itself and the sponsoring companies that achieve a huge media exposure.