Hilton Sandton gearing up for the FIFA Confederations Cup™ 2009

The Hilton Sandton has been identified by Match Services to host one of the finalist teams and wider soccer audience from around the world for the FIFA Confederations Cup^TM in June 2009. “It was a team effort ensuring that we were one of the hotels considered by Match, “says Axel Hauser, general manager of the Hilton Sandton. ” We are very proud to be contributing a large portion of our rooms for such a significant event.” continues Hauser.

“Global travellers recognise the Hilton brand and we are honoured to have been chosen as one of the hotels to host a team for the final match. The FIFA Confederations Cup^TM is the final dress rehearsal for the Soccer World Cup and the team at the Hilton Sandton are very excited to showcase the hotel ahead of the big event in 2010″

The management team at the Hilton Sandton have been gearing up for the tournament for the past six months to ensure that everything is on track and ready for the team and guests staying at the hotel. According to Mr. Hauser various measures need to be met before the guests arrive and strict plans have been put into place to ensure that these guests are well catered for.

The Hilton Sandton has nine meeting rooms all equipped with the necessary tools to host media interviews and team management meetings. The Business Centre in the hotel will be opened for 24 hours should team players or guests need to utilise the facilities for business purposes or to keep in touch with their families.

Security is being managed by the tournament organisers and the Hilton Sandton is aligning internal security according to requirements set out by Match. CCTV cameras have been placed in all public corners of the hotel with 24 hour surveillance. Refresher training on security and big group procedures has also been initiated for all staff.

Training grounds are conveniently located in close proximity to the hotel. In addition, all gym facilities in the wellness centre at the Hilton Sandton will also be available to the players 24 hours a day should they wish to do cardio or weight training. Provision has also been made for additional storage at the hotel should the players require this space for extra gear and equipment.

Executive chef, Frank Salentyn at the Tradewind’s Restaurant was given a menu script for team players. Salentyn is very excited to cook for such a high profiled group of guests and has spent a significant amount of time on the menu over the last few months working with counter parts to ensure that the meals contain balanced nutrition for the players.

Staff members have been trained on standard corporate procedures to handle specific needs of celebrities and other VIP guests that stay at the hotel. Additional training has now also been implemented to train staff on the additional expectations set by such a large group of high profiled guests.

“With a bit of luck we might host a team like Spain, Brazil or Italy, so we have been working together around the clock over the past few months getting everything ready in anticipation for their arrival for the last leg of the tournament” says Hauser.”I am very proud of the hard work put forward by the team in ensuring that the hotel is ready and fully prepared in June,” concludes Hauser .

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