Stellenbosch is Ready to Welcome 2010 World Cup Visitors

The beautiful university town of Stellenbosch is poised to host visitors to South Africa during the football World Cup this year.

Since the announcement of South Africa's successful World Cup bid, Stellenbosch has been gearing up to host local and international visitors during the soccer World Cup in July. This grand international event is set to boost economic empowerment and social development in Stellenbosch, but at the same time give visitors a real feel for South African hospitality and tradition.

From first-rate accommodation and restaurants to World Cup viewing facilities, outstanding training and media facilities and a secure environment that encourages soccer participation and support, Stellenbosch is well prepared for the 2010 soccer event.

"The South African stage is set for one of the most celebrated sporting events in the world, and our town aims to maintain the prestige associated with the event,"� says Alderman Cyril Jooste, Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch.

"We've been anticipating the 2010 World Cup with great excitement, and we've ensured that the town is equipped to cater for all the needs of its visitors. Our town is going to be transformed into a football hub " but it's also going to provide a first-rate holiday experience by offering warm and memorable local hospitality."�

Football fans to experience Stellenbosch's finest food, wine and sporting facilities

Stellenbosch is a town renowned for its university, world-class wines and magnificent scenery. Set in the Western Cape's Boland region, the area is lush with vineyards and oak-lined streets. Stellenbosch University, situated in the heart of the town, imbues the region with distinguished charm, while the ample sports fields reveal the town's affinity for soccer " both at grassroots and professional level.

Stellenbosch is also a region recognised for its export-quality wines, gourmet cuisine and luxury accommodation, and football fans of all ages will have plenty to look forward to in the picturesque town. "Stellenbosch caters to all travel preferences and budgets, offering a range of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment venues and sporting facilities,"� explains Alderman Jooste.

And, when it comes to football, the town is well equipped to cater to the needs of visiting teams, as well as local players of all levels. "Soccer is an integral part of Stellenbosch's heritage, and has greatly influenced the traditions of our township. We place great emphasis on maintaining high-quality soccer fields, developing young talent and providing world-class training facilities for local and visiting teams. Whether visitors wish to watch the matches at our viewing facilities or practise on our fields, we're geared to providing for every soccer-related need."�

Tips for staying in Stellenbosch during the 2010 World Cup

For those staying in Stellenbosch during the soccer event, it's recommended that you book accommodation early - and even to secure restaurant bookings in advance, if possible. Use online restaurant guides to discover the ratings, offerings and opening hours of Stellenbosch's restaurants.

It's also highly recommended that visitors take time to explore the greater Stellenbosch area, including its magnificent wine farms, museums, golf courses, historical buildings and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, in order to fully appreciate the splendour of the town.