World Cup fans planning to go to Korea and Japan next year are being urged to shop around for the best flight and accommodation deals.
Previously the international football association Fifa has appointed official tour operators to sell ticket-and-travel packages but is now distributing tickets via its website. Fans will either have to book their own flights and accommodation or go through a sports operator or specialist travel firm operating to the Far East for the finals, which take place between 31 May and 30 June.
Fifa has set up its own accommodation bureau, www.fifa-hotels.com, which has a large inventory of hotels in Korea and Japan, from budget to five-star properties. John Parker, director of marketing for the Fifa bureau, said previously fans were at the mercy of the official tour operators which had their own ticket allocations.
'This new system should result in much more competitive pricing as the fan now has the purchasing power rather than the tour operator,' he said. 'People are now much more confident about making their own travel arrangements, particularly since you could now book your own flights and accommodation over the internet.'
Some travel firms may launch charter flights to Korea and Japan, which could result in some competitive airfares. Tour operators are holding off from releasing details of packages until after 1 December when the World Cup draw takes place. England and Ireland fans will then know where the first-round matches are being played.
Quest Travel is still finalising its hotel rates for the event but is currently offering Korean Air flights to Seoul and Tokyo from £925 on 29 May, two days before the event kicks off. 'Travellers can either fly via Seoul to Tokyo or the other way round,' said air product manager Peter Grimes. Group bookings of more than 15 passengers will get one return flight free. Domestic flights within Korea are currently being sold for £25 per sector.
Fans can fly between Korea and Japan or take a high-speed hydrofoil, which takes three hours, for £80 or an overnight ferry for £35.
Further information
Quest Travel: 0870 444 5552
Korean National Tourism Organisation: 020 7925 1717
Japan Tourism Organisation: 020 7734 9638
