Respondents were also generally very positive about becoming involved at various levels, ranging from being volunteers to capitalising on entrepreneurial opportunities.
The majority of the 386 respondents surveyed by Tania Pretorius and Prof Ernie Heath Department of Tourism Management were of the opinion that the event could have significant economic impacts for Tshwane and South Africa as a whole, in the form of, among others, new foreign investment (71%); improved infrastructure (81%); and training and skills development (82%).
Of particular significance is that 85% of respondents were of the opinion that there could be significant benefits for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs.
The majority of respondents (75%) were of the opinion that Tshwane's image as a tourism destination would be boosted as a result of the hosting of the event and that the event would provide a major international marketing opportunity (89%) for South Africa. Furthermore, 91% of respondents believed the event would be a major boost for South Africa's tourism industry.
Regarding the perceived social and economic impacts of the event, 66% of respondents were of the view that the community would embrace the event and become actively involved and that the event will be a boost to nation-building (62%). Of further interest is the finding that 47% of respondents were of the view that sports participation among South Africans would increase as a result of the hosting of the event.
As could be expected, a relatively high percentage of respondents (72%) expressed concerns regarding crime and personal safety during the event. Other challenges identified by respondents included ensuring responsible pricing (70%); managing traffic flows and crowds (67%); and curtailing soccer hooliganism (56%). Some respondents expressed concern that rural people would not benefit from the event (35%) and that the World Cup would only have short-term benefits (31%).
Two key suggestions provided by respondents were that facilities for the disabled should be provided (94%) and that the event should have a true African flavour and focus (73%). The majority of respondents (72%) believed that South Africa would be great hosts during the event.
