Only about 10 percent of the accommodation available in the Kruger National Park has been booked by World Cup accommodation agent Match, an official said on Monday.

So far they had about 50 bookings, through Match, in Skukuza and 16 bookings in three other camps.

Match is a company contracted by Fifa to provide ticketing, accommodation and event information technology for the World Cup.

Sanparks agreed to have 30 percent of its inventory marketed for the World Cup through official Fifa ticketing and accommodation agents.

"There were to be specific release periods if the inventory was not sold on time by Match," Phillips said.

Sanparks released 9132 room nights previously reserved for Match in December. Phillips said Sanparks negotiated the release of the rest of the accommodation from Match on Friday.

We did not want to have the situation that come June, July we sit with a number of empty spaces."

Sanparks would immediately release 14,731 room nights to the general public. Space in the Skukuza, Berg-en-dal and Pretoriuskop camps in the Kruger National Park would be available from 7.30am Thursday.

"It is important to note that normal rates will apply, no increases will be effected."

Sanparks would honour bookings already made through Match.

Special arrangements would be made for fans at the Kruger Park during the World Cup.

"Some restaurants would have viewing areas for games at night, so there would be some noise that normally we would not allow, and there would be escorts for fans who... view matches in Nelspruit and come back at night."

He expected the park to be fully booked through June and July, especially as there would be an extra week of holidays, but didn't expect international tourists to visit the park before or after the World Cup.

"The impression that I get from the industry is that there will be very few people interested in pre- and post- (World Cup) tours. People are just coming for the event and will then leave," he said.

Fifa declined to comment on the issue. Match can only be reached through Fifa and no comment could be obtained immediately.

Sapa

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