The future of the FIFA Confederations Cup looks uncertain and it is possible that next years event in Russia will be the last – but Russia will do everything possible to make it a memorable event.

This was evident as the host pulled of an entertainment packed event, which brought many famous Russian musicians to the stage. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Yelena Isinbaeva and five-time Russian Premier League winner Sergey Semak drew the teams of the World Cup warm-up tournament into two groups.

Group A – Russia, New Zealand, Portugal and Mexico

Group B – Champion of Africa, Chile, Australia and Germany

The opening match will be played on Saturday, 17 June 2017, with Russia taking on New Zealand in St Petersburg. Known as the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Russia this city will also host the final on 2 July.

The Cup winner will receive $4.1 million, with the runner-up still taking home $3.6 million. The huge prize money should guarantee great performances of the teams.

Russian President Vladimir Putin promised that all the stadiums would be built in time, ready for both events, Confed and World Cup.

Khaya’s management attended the Draw and confirmed that the FIFA World Cup’s ‘little brother’ will see a number of Khaya clients sending exploration teams to the event, as a ‘training exercise’ ahead of Russia 2018.

Global Sales Director, Rafael Sperotto noted: “The choice of Kazan for the Draw was very important to our clients. The city, being the least structured of the four Confed Cup host cities, allowed for a first impression of facilities and brainstorming of their plans.”

Today Khaya has a great selection of hotels with easy access to the Kazan Arena where the city will host Portugal vs Mexico, Mexico vs Russia and Chile vs Germany during the group phase, as well as one of the semi-finals.

Khaya Russia’s Country Manager, Elena Anaclerio, revealed:  “We concluded major deals with various hotel groups in preparation for both the 2017 Confederations Cup and the World Cup in 2018. We are ready, right on track, to offer our clients a wide variety of accommodation as well as transport options in all the host cities. We will make it happen… We are wherever you are!” 

As a leading provider of accommodation and logistic solutions at large sport events KhayaMedia is undergoing a rebranding. “Until now we were known as KhayaMedia but most clients refer to us as “Khaya”, explains CEO Volkhard Bauer.  

In a short period of nine years this destination management company has become a household name amongst broadcasters and other media companies.  

The relaunch is a consequence of the broadening of the client base. The company now also provides services to corporate sponsors, sport federations and tour operators, as well as many other clients requiring accommodation and logistic solutions.  

“We provide everything from hotel rooms and serviced apartments to dedicated drivers and translators at large sport events,” explains Global Sales Director Rafael Sperotto.  

Word of the high levels of service Khaya provides has spread. This has resulted in new clients and exciting developments for the company.  

Understanding each country like a local   

Khaya currently has offices in nine countries around the world. This strategy ensures full control of the services provided and Khaya is able to maintain a high standard at international sporting events.  

Carefully selected local personnel are given comprehensive training and therefore clients benefit from dealing with local staff that speak the language and can bridge the cultural differences.  

With the strengthening of the teams at its offices in Seoul and Tokyo the company is ready to support its clients and is also open for cooperation with other companies seeking to move into these exciting territories.    

Unique accommodation solutions  

Sourcing suitable accommodation at a global event is a challenge for any visitor, and even more so for groups who have particular requirements. Khaya has demonstrated that it is able to find solutions for these challenges.  

“Rio was our biggest challenge so far,” reveals Volkhard. “Due to the lack of hotel rooms we turned 500 private apartments into fully serviced accommodation. It's been a great team effort.”  

All 55 clients at the Games were impressed with the quality and convenient location of the apartments, which were within walking distance to the Olympic Park and IBC. Khaya provided in excess of 50 000 room nights’ accommodation at Rio 2016. Together with the 20 000 room nights it secured for the UEFA EURO in France the company can look back at two events, where it proved its ability and strengthened its market position.  

Further afield, the company’s team in Moscow recently announced that it has concluded major deals with various hotel groups in preparation for the FIFA World Cup and is ready to supply a wide variety of accommodation as well as transport in all the host cities.  

News from Korea is that finding accommodation in PyeongChang is the biggest challenge for everyone planning to attend the Winter Games. However, Khaya in on track to fulfil the needs of broadcasters and Olympic Federations.  

New brand to be launched at SPORTELMonaco  

The new brand, name and logo, will be launched at the SPORTELMonaco Convention. “What will stay are our dedication and the red shirts our team is recognized by at large events,” says Rafael with a smile.  

SPORTELMonaco exhibitors and visitors will be able to meet the new Khaya at Stand A55.  

Ready for the future  

With the successful delivery at recent events in mind, Khaya is preparing for its next highlights.  

The upcoming events include:  

• 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang
• 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
• 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
• 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
• 2020 UEFA EURO in Europe

Today Khaya looks forward to a bright future with its new name, new look, and a solid strategy to provide clients with exceptional service at major international events.