SA to host Mega sports conference ahead of WC

Travel and Tourism sector has emerged as one of the 21st century's critical drivers of economic growth, job creation, and development of communities, regions, and nations. The "Tourism Economy," a vital source of employment, revenue, investment, trade, and unity, has recently been recognized as a powerful stimulus for recovery from the global economic crisis.

As a reflection of the importance of the travel and tourism sector to unlock the growth potential of nations and the role of major sporting, business, and cultural events to re-inspire tourists to travel to global destinations, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the South African Government announced on October 30, 2009 that the T&T world's first international Tourism, Sport, and Mega-events Summit will be held in Sandton, South Africa from February 24-26, 2010.
The summit will provide a forum for active discussion, debate, and direction around the leverage of mega-events as a vital force for sector growth and advancement in national development strategies.

A number of major global events will be held in 2010, including the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Commonwealth Games in India, the World Exhibition in Shanghai, and the Winter Games in Canada.
With this taken into consideration, the UNWTO seeks to align the global Travel and tourism sector's leadership to create a framework for leveraging sport and other mega-events (including cultural and entertainment events, exhibitions, and business conventions) for economic growth. This process must take into account the economic, social, and environmental consequences for host nations and the massive multimedia opportunities for nation branding and export promotion.

South Africa's Department of Tourism and Department of Sport, as well as CNN International as a global media partner, will be working in partnership with the UNWTO.

As stated by Dr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO: "This important meeting reflects the increasing economic and social impacts of sport, mega-events, and tourism. It will establish new lines of thinking on operations, economics, and sustainability. We are delighted to be working with South Africa - particularly in 2010 which will see a great sporting mega-event in the FIFA World Cup, which promises so much for Africa."
The summit will be held parallel to the annual Meetings Africa, Africa's top business tourism exhibition hosted annually by South African Tourism.

Orlando submits bid for 2018 WC

The United States Soccer Federation has submitted a bid with the hope of hosting either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup . The United States previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, as well as the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1999, and 2003. Earlier this year, President Barack Obama wrote a letter to FIFA President Sepp Blatter in support of the American bid.

Roughly $14 million will be needed to make sure Orlando's Citrus Bowl is up to snuff if Central Florida is to host a World Cup match, but the investment would likely pay off, big time.

The World Cup happens every four years. So far, the USA Bid Committee has pared down the list of prospective host cities to twenty-seven. Orlando is one of four in Florida to make the cut.

The reason why this is such a big deal is that the World Cup is huge for tourism. Having the World Cup in Orlando could be more of an economic impact than the Super Bowl.

If Orlando scores the World Cup, three to five games would be played here. The rest would be spread out across the country. Each match produces a local economic impact of around $100 million.

FIFA is expected to announce its world cup picks next year. Ultimately, if Orlando makes the cut, the City Council will have to vote again to make it happen.