The fortunes of the South African hire care industry are already improving thanks to the upcoming football World Cup. Soccer’s greatest showcase promises to be a memorable event and many travelers are using rental vehicles to navigate their way around the tournament despite the lengthy distances.

After the recent misery brought about by the economic downturn car hire operators are rubbing their hands eagerly in anticipation of the huge influx of tourists attended the sporting showpiece. The recession impacted rental companies hard over the past two years with Africa in particular feeling the pinch.

However, the recent holiday season proved hugely beneficial for the car hire industry with most South African operators reporting a notable rise in reservations, particularly near the country’s coastal areas. Some companies have been so taken aback by the sudden surge in demand that their entire fleets were booked out.

With the World Cup still months away tourists not attracted to football are using this time to visit the region and get the best deals before prices skyrocket. Tourist numbers are up by around 12 percent for the Christmas period compared to the similar stage a year earlier.

Tens of thousands of football fans are expected to flood into Africa in the coming months and car hire will be in huge demand so make sure you book early, even if many rental companies have claimed that they will be making extra vehicles available to cope with the demand associated with the tournament.