The world recession has caused global tourism figures for January to October to drop by a whopping 8% and business tourism has dropped by up to 30% compared with the same period last year.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for African tourism meccas like the Garden Route.

According to research by Euromonitor International, which gauges international tourism patterns and trends, the industry is set to reach growth levels of 1% because of events like the Fifa World Cup.

The slowdown in international tourism this year affected the Garden Route, with most holidaymakers shortening their stays, said Knysna Tourism acting chief executive Mike Mills.

However, they were confident next year would see increased visitors, he said yesterday.

“Everywhere in the country will be affected by 2010 and we expect a lot of traffic at the end and beginning of the World Cup.

“There is quite a bit of space between games towards the end of the World Cup and we really believe people will visit us.”

He joined other tourism bodies in the Southern Cape in assuring visitors that despite the drought, the Garden Route would have sufficient water as municipalities put in place measures such as desalination and waste-water recycling.

“I believe the municipalities are coping well with the challenge, but water is a precious commodity and we should not waste it.”

Europe and Britain have always been core Garden Route tourism markets, but with the advent of the World Cup, Mossel Bay is set to break into the South American market as they host Paraguay and George will be hosting Japanese tourists as their team bases itself at Fancourt. Both France and Denmark have chosen Knysna as their top base camp pick.

Although no World Cup matches will be played in the Garden Route, the teams basing themselves in the area are expected to bring in tens of thousands of fans.

In addition, Pacaltsdorp has been selected to host a Fan Park viewing area and Mossel Bay will host the Western Cape media hub.

Cape Town Routes Unlimited (CTRU), the Western Cape’s tourism agency, said the province was uniquely placed to take advantage of next year’s predicted growth, having been selected as the host for the final Fifa World Cup draw on December 4.

CTRU chief executive Calvyn Gilfellan said that with Cape Town securing the draw announcement, the Western Cape had an advantage in leveraging other international events.

He said the tourism body would market the province aggressively at the upcoming European Global Meetings and Incentives Exhibition next month.

By Janine Oelofse

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