2010 Fifa World Cup Impacts free essay sample

Although a lot of studies were conducted to investigate South Africa’s ability to host this world event, it is not yet clear if South Africa will make a success out of this opportunity. Both negative and positive aspects concerning the impacts, possible challenges and recommendations are discussed in this assignment. The study of the negative and positive impacts on the country and the tourism industry, possible challenges and recommendations will create a clearer idea of what could be done to prevent any mishaps during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. . IMPACTS ON SOUTH AFRICA The 2010 FIFA World Cup will have both positive and negative affects on South Africa. It is important to identify all the possible impacts so that all required preparations can be made. 3. 1. Positive impacts The World Cup will definitely have a lot of positive impacts on South Africa and it is clear that the hosting of this big event will be beneficial for South Africa. We will write a custom essay sample on 2010 Fifa World Cup Impacts or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page According to Urmilla Bob amp; Kamilla Swart (2009) the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a great opportunity for South Africans and has significant legacy benefits. After identifying the benefits it is important to focus on the management during the event to assure that everything goes according to plan so that the country has the best possible outcome. 3. 2. 1. Economy The most direct benefit for the country is the increase in income during and after the World Cup. The Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk said it is estimated that the event will contribute R15. 6 billion by tourism and R50 billion from construction investment to the South African economy (Bester, 2009). The country’s economy will benefit due to the very big amount of tourists that will enter the country. The expenses the tourists will have during the World Cup (for example: accommodation, transport, food, supplies, entertainment and tourism services) will create a big economical boost for South Africa. South Africa’s future economy’s growth will depend on the success of the event. If the event is successful, tourists are satisfied and South Africa’s international image has improved, more foreigners will visit or invest in the country in the future and it will contribute to the growth of the country’s economy. Local economies will also grow during the World Cup, due to the big amount of tourists that will visit the areas. According to Bob amp; Swart’s (2009) study, the World Cup will create big developments and a major boosts for local businesses (increase in turnover) in the areas where stadiums are located. 3. 2. 2. Exposure After the Apartheid era South Africa’s international image was very negative and has not completely recovered yet. South Africa is also known as a high crime country, for poverty and a country where rates of unemployment are very high. The World Cup is a great opportunity to improve South Africa’s international image. It is believed that a successful World Cup will strengthen South Africa’s brand and that it would create an international public display of South Africa’s capabilities. The event will build the image and identity of South Africa worldwide, and will improve the country’s value as a business tourism destination (www. southafrica. net, 2008). If the World Cup improves South Africa’s international image future investments and visits will increase that will once again contribute to the economy. 3. 2. 3. Country development In preparation for the World Cup a lot of development has been made that would benefit South Africa after the World Cup. Chris Skinner (2009) observes that South Africa already made a lot of improvements and developments for the upcoming event, including constructions for the event, well developed technical infrastructure, dedicated media services, South Africa’s national broadcaster, physical infrastructure, accommodation of high calibre, exceptional tourism experiences, travel possibilities and a set of legacy projects that would be beneficial to the country as a whole (for example: â€Å"Win with Africa, in Africa†, â€Å"Silencing the Guns† campaign, â€Å"My Game is Fair Play† and â€Å"My 2010 School Adventure†). The development of infrastructure, supplies, entertainment and security is definitely beneficial for South Africa in general. The development of the country also creates more employment opportunities and will improve South African’s skills. 3. 2. 4. Inhabitants’ perceptions The World Cup will offer an opportunity for South Africans to connect with foreign visitors and create a positive perception of foreigners and tourists. It is important to observe and experience other cultures so that you can understand and respect other people. A lot of South Africans does not have the opportunity to travel overseas or to other countries and does not know any other countries or cultures except for the majority cultures within their own area and country. During the World Cup inhabitants will interact with different cultures and learn to understand and respect the differences of other people and it will hopefully decrease the chance of conflict and misunderstanding. If South Africans develop a positive perception of foreigners it will improve the general hospitality of people, which would attract tourists in the future and create a good image of the country and its people. The soccer World Cup is widely advertised and promoted. More and more people in South Africa are becoming aware of the event and the sport. The event influences the people and especially the youth’s perception of sport and it will eventually motivate people to participate in soccer and other sports. Some South Africans are negative towards the big event and believes it will fail and have a lot of negative impacts for the country. A few people of Bob amp; Swart’s (2009) study agreed with the statement that â€Å"too much public money will be spent on the 2010 event that could be spent on other activities†. Bob amp; Swart (2009) also states that residents in a close proximity are concerned about noise pollution, traffic congestion and parking difficulties, crime, and increases in the cost of living. Hopefully a successful World Cup will change people’s negative views towards big events. 3. 2. 5. International connections During the World Cup South Africans will also connect with foreigners on a more personal level and create good relationships and connections abroad. Good connections will contribute to future business opportunities and friendships will motivate foreigners to visit the country again in the future. . 2. 6. Inhabitants’ experience The FIFA World Cup is a once in a life time and very exciting experience for South Africans. The hosting of the event will provide an opportunity for inhabitants to watch matches live. Employment of local people, opportunities for businesses and participating in planning and decision-making will develop South African’s skills that will be beneficial for the future. The event also creates an opportunity for South Africa to work together and it also unites the people of South Africa. 3. 2. Negative impacts The World Cup will definitely have negative impacts on South Africa and it is important to focus on ways to get the best possible outcome. If South Africa fails to successfully host the world cup, it can drastically influence the country. 3. 3. 7. Negative publicity The worst negative impact that the World Cup can have on South Africa is an unsuccessful event with a lot of failures that increases the international negative image of South Africa. The whole world will observe South Africa during the World Cup, because the international media will focus on South Africa and any mishaps that might take place. If the international image of the country is made worse by the failure of hosting the World Cup, a lot less people will visit the country, a lot of expenses that have been made for the event in hope for more tourists will be wasted and another opportunity to host a big world event will be rare. If tourists have bad experiences during the World Cup (for example with: crime, conflict, lacks and the tourism industry) they will not come back to visit the country, and when they get back to their own countries they will also inform other people about their bad experiences and South Africa would become an unpopular tourist destination. After the Apartheid era not all South Africans have accepted the changes and some people are still struggling to forgive and to forget the past. There are still some cases of racism within the country, and it would create a very bad impression if any of the tourists get the feeling that South Africa is still a racist or pro-apartheid country. According to Skinner (2009) South Africa needs to focus on its culture of Ubuntu like Germany’s friendly visitor’s campaign to win the hearts of international visitors and in order to be successful. Skinner (2009) also claims that South Africa needs to change its image from poverty-stricken and unstable to one that is stable, flourishing and proactive. South Africa must not just try to change tourist’s perceptions of the country, but the country also needs to change negative aspects in general to assure the increase of foreign visitors in the future. 3. 3. 8. Environment The amount of tourists that will enter the country during the World Cup and the possible increase of people in general after the World Cup will definitely have bad impacts on the environment. The amount of people will increase pollution within the country and the development of the country for the expected amount of people also contributes to the increase of soil-, water- and air- pollution. Detwyler (1971) claims that more people mean more environmental problems. The country’s fauna and flora will also be influenced by the big amount of tourists that is expected during the event. Some tourists might be interested in activities during their stay that gives them the opportunity to come in direct contact and to cause damage to plants and animals (for example: hunting, hiking, diving and illegal activities). The big amount of people entering the country can also lead to the exploiting of natural resources. Another negative aspect of increased production will be the intensification of land use (Meyer, 1996). South Africa needs to focus on the sustainability of natural resources and during the World Cup tourists should be encouraged to contribute in protecting and sustaining within the country. 3. 3. 9. Impact on inhabitants The expected amount of tourists can have a very negative impact on local inhabitants. Residents near the stadiums may experience some inconveniences, such as noise pollution, traffic congestion and parking difficulties, crime, and increases in the cost of living Bob amp; Swart (2009). Mass tourism can influence the local people’s attitudes towards tourists. When South Africans get a bad attitude towards the big amount of tourists that are invading their space, it can cause conflict and tourists that feel unwelcome. If tourists feel unwelcome they will not visit the country again and the word will spread that South Africa is a tourist unfriendly destination. 3. 3. 10. Impacts of tourists When a tourist tours to another destination they tend to do things they will not do in their own country or area. A lot of soccer fans that will visit South Africa will be young people that will also concentrate on social activities. If some of the tourists do not respect the country’s laws, they will cause damage within the areas they are located or where they attend illegal activities. Activities such as using drugs, prostitution, drinking in public areas, excessive drinking, drunk driving, fighting, deconstruction of property, raping, murder and other forms of crime might take place. Therefore it is necessary for South Africa’s security and police services to control not just the local people’s illegal activities but also the big amounts of tourists. 3. IMPACTS ON THE TOURISM INDUSTRY Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said: â€Å"A record 10-million tourists are expected to pass through South Africas ports of entry in 2010 – 500  000 more than the 9. 5-million who visited the country in 2008† (www. southafrica. net, 2010). Kavli (2009) comments that the big amount of tourists expected will assure that the country’s tourism industry gets invaluable attention in the world media. Kavli (2009) also questions if South Africa will be able to successfully host this event and if it is possible to promote the country as a family friendly, safe and responsible travel destination. The tourism industry is also very responsible for the success of the tournament. If South Africa fails to accommodate the big number of tourists and if tourists are unhappy with their experiences in South Africa the country’s image will be damaged and people will not visit the country in the future. The FIFA World Cup will have huge impacts on the South African tourism industry and it is important to minimize the negative aspects and impacts to assure a bigger future tourism market. 4. 3. Positive impacts A lot of positive impacts are expected for South Africa’s tourism industry. Skinner (2009) states that on account of the World Cup a long term benefit is that South Africa can expect between 130 000 and 290 000 more foreign visits a year. A successful World Cup will assure growth of the industry, further developments, more employment opportunities and an even bigger future market. The more foreign tourists visit the country the more the tourism industry will contribute to the South African economy, future market and good international image. 4. 4. Negative impacts The World Cup will have negative impacts on the tourism industry, but it is up to all South Africans in the tourism industry to recognize all possible negative impacts and try to prevent them with good planning and management. Watt (2000) believes that problems will always arise during big events and it will only take a positive, innovative thinker to face these difficulties and find solutions. Mass tourism can lead to deconstruction of property, negative impacts on the environment, a negative attitude towards tourists and future discouragement to get involved in the tourism industry. An unsuccessful event will reduce the future amount of tourists and the country’s tourism industry will become less popular due to the bad international image that will be created. The tourism industry has majorly developed in preparation for the World Cup and the expected increase of tourists in the future. A lot of tourist businesses will not have a market and bankruptcy may occur after the World Cup if the event causes a decrease of tourists in the future. 4. POSSIBLE CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS There are a lot of challenges South Africa is facing in preparation of the World Cup and a lot of challenges the country will face during the event. It is important to make recommendations to prevent any mishaps the country might face during the event. Skinner (2009) claims that a well managed FIFA World Cup will assure a successful event that is in the best interest of the country. . 5. Crime According to Horn amp; Breetzke (2009) the FIFA World Cup will create an increase of crime and certain crime incidents will spoil what is expected to be a world-class sporting spectacle. South Africa will also be known for a high crime destination and tourists will be discouraged to visit the country after the event. Different crimes that might take place includes terrorism, rape, assault, theft, xeno phobic crimes, hijacking, drunk driving, animal abuse, environmental crime, fraud, match fixing, homicide, kidnapping, red light running and speeding. Bird amp; Donaldson (2009) writes that at any major event where large numbers of people are involved there will be a spectacular increase in the demand for sexual services. The present South African law considers sex work a crime, and it has been debated whether or not sex work should be made legal in the country as a solution to the expected illegal acts of prostitution during the World Cup. According to Bird amp; Donaldson (2009) it would be very difficult to legalize the sex work industry and slackening laws during the 2010 event would have negative long-term consequences and the undermining of police authority. A crime strategy should be proposed to reduce the chance of high crime incidences during the World Cup. Horn amp; Breetzke (2009) insists that a crime strategy should be developed that improves social development, facilities development, law and enforcement, criminal justice and correctional rehabilitation through integrated government. South Africa’s security and police services must focus on high crime areas during the event to prevent crimes. Another possible solution is to inform as many possible South Africans and possible criminals how important it is for South Africa in the long run if a minimum crime are committed during the World Cup. 5. 6. Conflict Mass tourism can lead to conflict amongst foreigner visitors and local inhabitants. To prevent conflict or negative attitudes towards each other it is important to plan and manage the people and the event so that people don’t get in each other’s ways or invade local inhabitant’s personal space. 5. 7. Barriers The tourists that will visit the country will come from different backgrounds and will most probably speak languages that most South Africans do not understand. This will create a communication barrier between foreigner visitors and local people. To prevent the misunderstanding between people a possible solution would be to try to speak as much English the people possibly can, because English is the international language. It is also important to provide as many maps, information bureaus and signs to prevent the confusion of tourists. 5. 8. Lacks The lack of transport, accommodation, water and electricity, entertainment, food, supplies and tourism facilities will definitely create discomfort and disappointment to the people who attend the event. Skinner (2009) states that the government is addressing concerns about electricity supply, accessible and safe public transportation systems and that these concerns are being given top priority. As many possible developments should be made to prevent any lacks during the World Cup. According to Market research three out of every four people believe that by the time the event starts on 11 June 2010 South Africa will be ready (www. fifa. om, 2009). 5. CONCLUSION This study of the negative and positive impacts on the country and the tourism industry, possible challenges and recommendations will creates a clearer idea of what could be done to prevent any mishaps during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Skinner (2009) believes that the 2010 FIFA World Cup provides an opportunity to start to make a positive difference in South Africa. The will to successfully host the World Cup should be all South Africans’ first priority. The real benefit from a successful World Cup will be how it builds the image of the country worldwide, and its value as a business tourism destination (www. outhafrica. net, 2008). Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism also said: â€Å"The World Cup affords us an once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase the best we have as a tourism destination, namely our people, our natural heritage, our world class infrastructure and a sense of place that fills all of us with pride. † (Betser, 2009). The FIFA World Cup holds a lot of advantages for South Africa and with good planning and management it is believed that the country can successfully host the World Cup. REFERENCE LIST Bester, R. , 2009. Media statement by the office of Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism [Online] Available at: http://www. info. gov. za/speeches/ 2009/0907 1516451001. htm [Accessed 1 March 2010]. Bird, R. amp; Donaldson R. , 2009. â€Å"Sex, sun, soccer†: stakeholder-opinions on the sex industry in Cape Town in anticipation of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Urban Forum, 20 (1), pp. 33-46. Bob, U. amp; Swart, K. , 2009. Resident perceptions of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup stadia development in Cape Town. Urban Forum, 20 (1), pp. 19-32. Detwyler, T. R. , 1971. Man’s impact on environment. United States of America: McGraw – Hill book company. Horn, A. amp; Breetzke, G. , 2009. Informing a crime strategy for the FIFA 2010 World Cup: a case study for the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane, South Africa. Urban Forum, 20 (1), pp. 19-32. www. southafrica. net, 2008. Business tourism and FIFA 2010 soccer World Cup [Online] Available at: http://www1. southafrica. net/Cultures/enUS/bt. south africa. net/News+and+events/News/Lateral+Thinking+Business+Tourism+and+the+2010+Soccer+World+Cup. htm# [Accessed 1 March 2010]. www. southafrica. net, 2010. Tourist arrivals expected to top 10m [Online]