When the stadiums are empty, plan a tour or activity in or near the World Cup host cities to get to know the real South Africa

By Ethan Gelber and Crystel Carre-Hodgson

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“This World Cup belongs to Africa!” declared Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, at the Cape Town Convention Centre on 5 December 2009, the long-awaited day of the World Cup 2010 draw. Needless to say, since then, Africa’s already considerable pride at hosting the world’s most popular sporting event grows by the day, in lock step with the excitement of soccer fanatics from all across the continent (and around the world) eagerly awaiting kickoff of the first game – South Africa versus Mexico in Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium at 4pm local time on 11 June 2010.

Supporters of Bafana Bafana, the South Africa national soccer team (photo courtesy of South African Tourism)

The success of the World Cup will however be measured by more than just the tenacity of the teams. Nearly 500,000 people are expected to visit South Africa from game 1 until the finals precisely one month later. Their presence comes as an important economic injection, especially in the tourism sector, as the hordes head out to experience the country.

So, as a primer for the independent traveller in South Africa during the games – the traveller passionate about soccer, but also about meeting and making a difference with the local communities hosting the games – here’s a quick overview of how between games you can connect with the people, just a small but important step in being a good guest.
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Posted under General, South Africa, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter

By Crystel Carre-Hodgson and Ethan Gelber

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Rio de Janeiro. We love to think we’re on intimate terms with it, calling it just Rio. But for such a small word, it packs a mighty punch, an explosion of sound, light and flavour. Rio is Carnival and samba; it’s the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; it’s the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches; and so much more. Not at all surprisingly, with all the international travellers flocking to Rio, Rio is also home to a wide range of tourism services. However, at a time when one of the most sough-after qualities of a tour operator is the degree to which it helps make a positive difference in a destination, there are surprisingly few who are genuinely doing the right thing.

No wonder Rio is know as the Marvelous City! An aerial view of Corcovado Mountain and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer gives you just a little taste.

Fortunately, we know one of the best. So if you wish to discover the true Rio, while also giving a little back to the city that welcomes you, turn to Blue Ocean Tour, your whl.travel local connection in Rio and the special kinds of packages they pull together that give you the fulfilment of having seen the highlights as well as helped the local community.
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Posted under Brazil, General, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter