World Cup set to boost South Africa trips
Dec 29 2009 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail
IT’S still December – but Birmingham shoppers are casting off the winter blues by planning their summer holidays.
Gloomy winter months may lie ahead, but some lucky locals are counting down the days before embarking on exciting world-wide trips.
The recession and high unemployment levels are playing their part in some people’s plans but for others, exotic destinations lie in store.
Solihull pair Steven Ruck and Mark Faulds are heading over to South Africa – the host nation of the 2010 World Cup – for a four-week break next summer.
“It’s going to be brilliant over there with all the World Cup hype,” said 24-year-old Steven.
“I’m sure it will be better weather than here as well.”
Mark said he was looking forward to the summer trip as he had never been to Africa before.
“It will be a nice break and I’m hoping for some good weather. I’m sure it will be busy with the World Cup there.”
Ryan Thomson, from Chelmsley Wood, is returning to Ibiza for a second successive year with five of his friends.
“I can’t wait to get back out there,” the 19-year-old said.
“I went out there last year and it was brilliant.”
But it was a different story in the Hewitt household as mum Jane admitted that it would be difficult for her cash-conscious family to get away next year.
“We like going to Brean Sands or Spain” said the 41-year-old from Bordesley Green East.
“But with the way the economy is, it’s going to be hard.”
Amanda Burford, aged 34 and from Yardley, felt the same.
She admitted an English break was her best chance of getting away for a spot of summer sun next year. She said: “I will be going somewhere in England I think because I can’t afford to go anywhere else.”
A report from travel association ABTA predicted 2010 would be the year of ‘chadventures’ – where tourists combine adventure breaks with charity fund-raising.
The report also suggested the World Cup was likely to lead to an increase in trips to South Africa. And it predicted that Egypt, Turkey and Morocco were likely to be strong destinations for Britons heading out of the country.
Frances Tuke, from ABTA, said 2010 appeared to be shaping up well: “This year has been remarkably resilient for the travel industry.
“And the prospects are looking good for 2010, with the trend to more adventurous destinations continuing.”
