Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/12999
CUP “RUNNETH” OVER AS SAA GEARS UP FORTHE WORLD COMING TO SOUTH AFRICA IN 2010 South African Airways is Flying Thousands of Visitors from North Americato the Big Soccer Matches in Nine different Cities throughout South Africa;SAA Airline Seats Still Available South African Airways (SAA), Africa’s most awarded airline, is finalizing elaborate plans to ensure the best trav- el experience possible for fans heading to the 2010 World Soccer Championships, taking place in South Africa from June 11-July 11, 2010. Everyone at South Africa’s national airline shares in the excitement of their country playing host to the first FIFA World Cup™ to be held on the African con- tinent, and has adapted a “whatever it takes” atti- tude to give visitors to their country a great travel experience on SAA. A complete corporate division within the airline has been created to ensure that the airline is prepared to host the revelers that will descend on South Africa for the tournament. One key initiative in place is that South African Airways is partnering with MATCH, the official hos- pitality provider for FIFA, to lease additional aircraft in order to operate a round-the-clock domestic schedule in South Africa during the tournament. The additional flights will comple- ment the airline’s already extensive flight schedule in South Africa. This schedule will enable fans to select a base city such as Johannesburg, and take day trips from their base city to the different cities in which the matches are being played. Late night flights will allow fans to return to their base city, even after most evening matches. The airline has also invested in upgrading its facilities, with all of its flights now operating from the new, state-of- the-art Terminal B at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo 76 International Airport. A brand-new, luxurious lounge will debut, ready to welcome Premium Business Class passen- gers in new heights of comfort and amenities. “We can’t overstate our excitement at South Africa hosting the World Cup. As South Africa’s national air- line, we look forward to introducing soccer fans to our homeland and to flying them to South Africa as well as to matches in nine different cities across South Africa,” said Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president, North America for South African Airways. “South African Airways has invested time and resources in ensuring that fans have a smooth travel experience. Flying SAA to the tournament will be the most comfort- able and most convenient method for fans to get to the World Cup.” SAA has also been working closely with the four MATCH-approved U.S. tour operators that are exclusively offering air- inclusive travel packages paired with game tickets. Cartan Tours, Destination Southern Africa, Great Atlantic Travel and Sportsmark are each hold- ing space on South African Airways flights for the tour- nament. Soccer fans can also call South African Airways directly to book their seats to South Africa. SAA will help fans shop for the lowest fares on the best available dates. “Fans shouldn’t assume that they can’t get to the World Cup,” added Cavaliere. “There are still reasonably-priced airline seats available during the tournament, so we encour- age them to call and inquire about flights in order to follow their favorite teams. But they should act quickly, as the excitement is building up and the demand for seats on our flights is also going up.” To book seats on South African Airways, fans should call (800) 722-9675, or visit www.flysaa.com. Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com