BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhuanet) -- In Ghana, World Cup fever is proving good business for some. Sports bars and merchandise-sellers are cashing in on the added interest in the national football team, the Black Stars.
Ebeneezer Asmoah sells t-shirts on the roadside in central Accra, along with his Uncle Godfried.Their stock now has a distinctly football focus.
"We got the Ghanaian one, the home jersey and this is the away jersey." T-shirt vendor Ebeneezer Asamoah said.
The Black Stars’ World Cup qualification has given their business a welcome boost.They are selling each jersey for around 15 dollars.
"It’s always busy here, working, everyone is buying jerseys and those things a lot. The Ghana people are buying the Ghanaian’s home one, they have bought about 40 pieces today. But I think once the World Cup is fully underway people will buy even more." T-shirt vendor Ebeneezer Asamoah said.
Local businesses like this one which are selling merchandise are seeing the benefits of the World Cup boost. Some goes for sports bars across the country which are seeing more people coming to watch the Black Stars’ games. However not every business is seeing the benefit of this tournament being in Brazil.
Businesses like specialist Sports Travel agents.A 15-day all inclusive package to Brazil will cost fans up to $6500.That’s more than double the cost to South Africa 2010.
The high price is denting profit margins.
"In the issue of thinking about profit, you make good profits when the price is cheaper. It becomes difficult when the price is higher. Although we are getting the same number compared to South African 2010, we can say that people are not able to just buy packages without negotiation." Samson Deen, CEO of African Origin Travels, said.
Negotiations like groups wanting discounts. Die-hard fans though will pay top dollar whatever.This firms sold more than 2000 tickets to Brazil so far.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
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