B&Bs gear up to host international guests

Owners of bed and breakfasts are gearing up for a potential double boost to their business from football's biggest sporting event to be held in South Africa in just 82 days. Although fewer foreign tourists are expected to descend on South Africa than initially projected, micro accommodation operators are hoping to emerge from the slump in June. Bed and breakfasts and guest lodges in and around Gauteng have invested millions of rands on renovations and upgrading to ensure fully booked establishments when international soccer fans arrive in the country.

Soweto-based Lolo's Guest House, a stone's throw away from Soccer City stadium, has already completed renovations.

Lolo Mabitsela, the owner of the lodge, said although fewer people were expected in the country for the tournament, she expects to be fully booked out. "I've already had people booking at my lodge from Mexico, Italy, Brazil and France, because I have gained a very good reputation with foreigners in the past, especially during the Confed Cup," she said.

The 72-year-old, known as Mama Lolo, not only offers luxury accommodation, but gives her guests a true African experience.

Although Mama Lolo will be increasing her prices during the World Cup, she has no plans to take advantage of tourists who book at her lodge.

"Normally I charge R600 a night, but for the World Cup I will be charging R1 200, which is a very reasonable price for a four-star lodge, especially during the World Cup month," said Mabitsela.

"And if people cannot afford the R1 200 fee we could always negotiate a price that we both agree on," she added.

Mabitsela, who was contracted by Match (Fifa's official hospitality agent), said the organisation had pulled out at the last minute and released all her rooms.

"Initially I thought it was a great idea to contract with Match, but this week they sent me an e-mail saying they have released all my rooms. I was shocked and surprised, and they gave some lame excuse.

"I think they could not find suitors and are struggling with overseas tourists, so they are releasing all accommodation that they have contracted," said Mabitsela.

"We have a few cars, and my daughter will drive all our guests around. We don't want them taking taxis and then getting into all sorts of problems," laughed Mabitsela.

The four-star lodge, which has been running for nine years, has gained quite a reputation among tourists visiting South Africa.

"Everyone knows Mama Lolo's guest lodge, I have appeared in The New York Times and several other international publications," said Mabitsela.

"I worry ab-out the other small bed and breakfasts who do not have a reputation. They may suffer during the World Cup, and to make it worse, fewer foreigners are expected, so some B&Bs may not benefit at all from such a big tournament," she added.

On the other side of town, another guest house which has gone the extra mile to make guests feel at home during the soccer tournament is the Highland View Executive in Kensington. The lavish five-star establishment is just 5km away from Ellis Park Stadium.

Owners Kenneth Butler and Ryno de Waal are also aware of the range of opportunities that the World Cup offers and have gone all out to ensure that their guests leave the place with a lasting impression.

"For us the World Cup is an opportunity to market our guest house so that once the tournament is over we will have been exposed to a wide international market," said Butler.

Currently the guest house has 10 available rooms, with another two being built in preparation for the tournament.

Guests will be offered transport to the stadium, and on non-match days, tours of the city will be offered at an additional cost. A night at the five-star guest house during the World Cup has increased from R1 200 to R1 500.

"We have increased the fee by 15 percent, but this is a nominal amount, due to the added service of airport transportation. We want people to have a good time and not pay exorbitant prices. We could charge more, but we want people to remember us for our hospitality and exemplary service," Butler said.

He said the World Cup would offer them a chance to penetrate a new market which would have lasting effects well after the event.

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