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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
The expected shortage of places to stay during the 2010 World Cup, particularly in smaller centres like Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Nelspruit and PE has resulted in a number of Internet sites offering private home accommodation rentals. However, iStopOver.com, which is owned by Brightspark 3.0 Inc., is filling a gap in the market. Project 2010 spoke to CEO Mark Skapinker...  There are several online rental agencies for the 2010 World Cup - what makes this different? We do not charge for listings. We only charge the guest a 15% for successful bookings. We have credibility and a successful track record marketing to guests worldwide. We have a model that lets the guest pay up front yet feel confident that they have protection against problems. And we have solid partnerships with market leading partners like Jawitz Properties and SAA vacations. Where did the idea for this initiative come from? We launched iStopOver on a general basis in response to the economic downturn in North America. We soon realised that it was really useful in time based activities like the World Cup where the need is high. Based on the hugely positive response we received in South Africa, we launched our 'Ambassador program' to let people offer added services like airport pickup and drop-off, meals and other services. Are there concerns about the shortage of accommodation for the World Cup? We are focused not only on the accommodation shortage but the need for alternative, well priced alternatives to hotels. We keep hearing from visitors that they would like to find more personalized locations, and ways to afford to stay for a few weeks. How has the response been? So far, very positive. We have thousands of listings from enthusiastic homeowners. We have enough interest from guests all over the world to take on even more listings. We have many thousands of enquiries and many bookings taking place every day. more interviews... |
