Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation to set up tourism villages in South Africa

Lagos — With the 2010 World Cup just four months away, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has concluded plans to set up tourism villages in two centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town

Lagos — With the 2010 World Cup just four months away, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has concluded plans to set up tourism villages in two centers in Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa, as part of efforts by the country to support Africa’s first ever World Cup.

The village, according the Director General of the corporation, Olusegun Runsewe, is the result of agreement reached with MATTH, a South African based tourism organisation that arrange tours for tourists, and is geared toward providing soccer loving Nigerians and other visitors all necessary services during the World Cup.

He disclosed that for interested Nigerians, there would be three categories, adding that Nigerian dishes and culture would be on display for visitors, while other sundry services, such as 24 hours transportation services and accommodation, would also be provided to the tourists.

The NTDC boss, who spoke at a media forum organised by the FCT chapter of the Sports Writers Association, said the move to support the host to organise a hitch free World Cup is in keeping with the determination of the country and other African nations to ensure the success of the global showpiece.

“This is African World Cup, and it is our desire to support to South Africa, believing that if they do a good job, it would be to the glory of Africa. We also want to make a statement as the first African nation to rally support to South Africa and showcase African hospitality at its best”.

He explained that the economic benefits of staging the World Cup is enough to boost the economy of the host by over 15 percent, adding that Nigerians would be eager to learn how the host is preparing for the World Cup, as she gets set to bid for the mundial when the hosting right returns to Africa.

“A lot of people would like to come and see what South Africa has on offer; and we in Nigeria have to start early, so that when the World Cup comes back to Africa, Nigeria would not have any difficulties. A lot happens at such tournaments and all know that football is played for 90 minutes, but after, what do the spectators do? They relax and unwind,” he said.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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