MATCH Event Services PTY ("MATCH") is the company selected by FIFA to contract sufficient accommodation to meet the needs of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. MATCH is therefore contracting both hotel and non-hotel (Bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, lodges, South African National Park) accommodation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

In fact, it is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup™ that non-hotel accommodation is being contracted to supplement the official hotel room inventory for the FIFA World Cup. MATCH has endeavored to ensure that it supports the South African government's legacy objectives for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and that it works closely with the appropriate South African stakeholder organizations and groups.

Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has clearly set out the accommodation objectives for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. These include:

  • Incorporating small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) within the accommodation industry into MATCH's accommodation offering.
  • Achieving substantial growth in the number of graded accommodation establishments in South Africa.
  • Showcasing the wide and exciting variety of accommodation types that South Africa has to offer to the world.

In order to support Minister van Schalkwyk in achieving these objectives, MATCH is working in partnership with The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism ( DEAT), the Tourism Enterprise Programme ( TEP) and the Grading Council of South Africa ( TGCSA). MATCH has also developed a strong relationship with South African National Parks ( SANParks) and the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa ( FEDHASA).

MATCH has currently contracted a substantial proportion of available room inventory in all chain hotels in South Africa. Jointly with the TGCSA and TEP, MATCH is also working to increase the numbers of contracted non-hotel accommodation establishments. All accommodation contracted by MATCH will be featured on the FIFA.com website. Further information can be obtained through the MATCH accommodation hotline on +27 11 567 2710, or from ( the TGCSA website). Enquiries to MATCH may be e-mailed to 2010contract@match-ag.com or enquiries@match-ag.com.

The successful implementation of the DEAT-MATCH-TGCSA-TEP partnership will result in heightened global awareness of the range of accommodation offerings available in South Africa.