With 2010 around the corner, every Tom, Dick and Carlos is trying to secure World Cup accommodation in South Africa for the duration of this long-awaited sporting event. Having foreseen a last-minute rush, the team at Ultimate Holiday Planner took the initiative of putting together some information on World Cup packages that should make your booking process a little easier. Why not call us to ensure you don't get ripped off at the FIFA World Cup. We offer amazing accommodation at the best prices.

For South Africa and its citizens, the World Cup is more than just an exciting sporting event; it is also a beacon of hope and opportunity for our developing country. Change brings with it opportunities for renewal and winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2010 was just the boost South Africa needed to mobilize positive social- and economic changes. 2010 fever hit the country the day we entered our bid to host the World Cup and reached boiling point on the fortuitous moment that Sepp Blatter stepped forward and announced South Africa as the host nation. Here is a look at the positive changes we foresee:

Volunteers:

Judging by the countless people involved in voluntary work at the Olympics in China, participation of our colourful nation will work to ensure a successful and well-organised FIFA World Cup. Not only does this facilitate participation in the biggest sporting event on the planet, but it also cements the rainbow culture of South Africa, deepening the practice of strengthening and servicing our communities.

Economic Opportunities:

When the final is shown, a television audience of up to 28 billion people will have their eyes glued on South Africa. With a global television audience of 28 million, and onsite 2.7 million spectators, 2010 is an opportunity to speed up growth and development, while marketing our country and continent to the world. The thousands of visitors who will flock to our shores for this major global event will boost opportunities in many sectors, including health services, travel, accommodation, event management, South Africa entertainment, arts, crafts etc.

Already a huge and ever-growing tourist destination, the South African accommodation industry should see a major boom during, and hopefully after, 2010. The hospitality sector stands to benefit greatly from providing 2010 World Cup accommodation. However, grading of accommodation establishments is essential if they aim to reap the benefits of increased service demands. The Tourism Grading Council, with the help of MATCH-AG contracted by FIFA to organise 2010 accommodation, has upped its game and implemented a stronger national process of grading accommodation providers. In a historic first the world over, FIFA will also be contracting non-hotel accommodation and various other vacation packages in South Africa.

The Proudly South African campaign, which encourages the trade of locally manufactured products, is a core element of trade running up to 2010. If a product uses 50% or more local content, and complies with labour legislation and quality standards, it qualifies for displaying the Proudly South African logo. And indeed, with the excitement of the world's greatest sporting event being hosted in the country, we are all very PROUDLY South African. And come 2010, the whole country and the whole world will be celebrating together one of the things that brings people of countless diversity together - a major sporting event!

Please do not hesitate to contact an Ultimate Holiday Planner representative if you require further information with regard to 2010 accommodation or 2010 World Cup packages.