First-rate centre launched to assist international, domestic visitors with provincial travel during and post World Cup

Cape Town, 26 April, 2010: With just 45 days to go to the World Cup 2010 kick-off, the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s most iconic travel and leisure destinations, this week announced the launch of its new easily accessible information centre. A collaboration with tourism bodies Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the centre will provide first-rate tourism assistance such as facilitating travel arrangements and offering guidance on ‘must-go’ attractions to the up to 250 000 international and domestic visitors expected in the Mother City during the tournament as well as visitors who come to Cape Town once the football fever is over.

David Green, V&A Waterfront CEO says, “Arriving in a new city or country can be daunting to first-time travellers, especially if they don’t know where to go for reliable information on accommodation options, transportation or how to book activities. Within walking distance from eight of Cape Town’s top hotels, world renowned conference centre and the Cape Town stadium, the information centre is conveniently located to provide visitors with a variety of information - from wine tours, shark-cage diving and safari excursions, not to mention the history of the V&A Waterfront that dates back to the 1900s - to ensure they experience the best that Cape Town has to offer.”

Over and above its partnerships with Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the V&A Waterfront, an acclaimed tourism and retail attraction itself, is also part of the city’s Big Six: a collaboration among Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company,  Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Valley aimed at driving local and international visibility of the city’s most iconic tourist destinations.

Says Green, “We are committed to working closely with other Cape Town tourist attractions to showcase our beautiful and culture-rich country as we believe it will only create a more memorable experience for visitors. In turn, this will create positive experiences and perceptions of South Africa and help sustain the economic effect for the tourism industry long after the World Cup is over.”

The information centre is situated alongside Ferrymans in Dock Road and is housed in one of the 22 historical monuments on the V&A Waterfront property. It will be open every day between 09h00 and 18h00 and offers facilitation of transportation, accommodation and tours, international exchange and up-to-date information on things to do in the CBD and surrounds.

For more information about the information centre, please visit www.waterfront.co.za or call 021 408-7600.

ENDS

About the V&A Waterfront during World Cup 2010
The V&A Waterfront is an historic landmark and one of Africa’s most visited shopping, leisure and entertainment destinations. It is strategically located next to the Cape Town Stadium, which will play host to eight games during World Cup 2010, including a quarter and a semi-final match. The V&A Waterfront is therefore perfectly positioned to host the more than 250 000 expected visitors during the upcoming football tournament.  A complete football experience is being created for all local and international football fans travelling to Cape Town during the once-in-a-lifetime international event. The V&A Waterfront is committed to providing a fun, safe and secure environment for the enjoyment of all visitors, including families.