Homeowners around South Africa, particularly those situated in vicinities where the numerous Cricket World Cup games are to be held, stand to benefit from the positive exposure to be gained from hosting this high-profile event, according to Andrew Golding, CEO of the Pam Golding Property group (PGP).
“With World Cup fever running high around the country, the world spotlight will soon be focused on South Africa with thousands of ardent cricket supporters, both local and international, about to descend on the various centres where the games are scheduled to take place,” Golding said on Thursday.
“Sports enthusiasts, particularly those attending an event of such magnitude, are bound to combine the trip with at least a few days or more of leisure time, particularly those travelling from abroad, which means they are highly likely to spend time viewing the local sights and activities.
“Through our experience and through gauging the positive response from other high profile events and international conferences such as the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development, we have found that this proves to be an opportune time for foreign visitors to start thinking seriously about investing in property here.”
PGP’s own in-house travel company, Giltedge Travel, has reported an influx of bookings from tourists timing their holidays to coincide with the cricket World Cup, Golding added.
Sheryl Ozinsky, manager of Cape Town Tourism, said approximately 25 000 additional visitors were expected in addition to the 100 000-odd international visitors that the city normally receives at this time.
She said the incredible exposure via TV coverage broadcast to millions of viewers all over the world, with stunning shots of Cape Town and the Western Cape in-between the cricket coverage, would be a major spin-off, perhaps even more so than the anticipated additional visitors.
Patrick Maingard, regional manager for PGP in the Western Cape, said the three forthcoming matches to be hosted at Newlands cricket grounds had already prompted a buzz of excitement in the area.
“This event provides an ideal opportunity for us to showcase Western Cape properties in general, and particularly those in the Southern Suburbs area where Newlands is situated. While properties in this region are already in huge demand, we are anticipating that new investors will ultimately help boost our stock of rental homes, which are extremely sought after.”
In Gauteng, PGP’s regional MD Ronald Ennik said the group’s Sandton property expo, the largest event of its kind in South Africa and one of the premier events on the residential property calendar, had been brought forward to February 20-23 to coincide with the Cricket World Cup. Featuring some 1 500 homes worth around R1-billion, the exhibition covered the entire spectrum of price and category, including stand-alone residences, cluster homes, golf estate properties, coastal homes, agricultural properties and game farms, guest lodges and B&Bs. – I-Net Bridge