Miss World to cost Joburg R45m
2009-11-05 09:23
Johannesburg - It will cost the Johannesburg city council about R45m to entertain the world's most beautiful women next month.
The Miss World competition will be held in Johannesburg for the second consecutive time this year. The crowning event, with about 120 beauties, will take place at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on December 12.
Virgil James, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, confirmed that the council had to pay R45m to host the pageant.
Victor Penning, the DA caucus leader, said the council had to pay a deposit of about R30m to the Miss World title as guarantee that they would host the event. He said the council exceeded its budget for this competition and for the Confederations Cup by R12m last year.
Marketing campaign
The biggest part of the budget overrun was due to the hosting of the Miss World competition, he added.
"The amount (R45m) is not only to host the event, but also for large marketing campaigns to attract international interest and for expenses like travel and accommodation costs."
James said the hosting of the Miss World competition created huge opportunities for the host city to improve the country's image worldwide.
"November and December are usually quiet months for Johannesburg. This event will cause more visitors to come to the city, to stay longer and spend more money," said James.