SOUTH AFRICA - All eyes will be on South Africa this year when it hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup - the worldıs largest, most-watched soccer tournament.

Staged across eight provinces and nine host cities, up to half-a-million visitors are expected to experience the 31-day spectacle firsthand. Millions more will tune into televised events.

Tourism officials are hoping the event will do for South Africa what the Winter Olympics did for Vancouver - shine a spotlight on the countryıs attractions and draw tourists in the future.

Long after the fanfare has subsided, improvements made for the World Cup will benefit both residents and visitors, officials say. These include upgrades to communications, public transit and accommodations, and new urban recreational areas and sports facilities.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup takes place June 11 to July 11. For details on events and FIFA-approved tour operators/hospitality agents, see FIFA.com/2010. For details on travel to South Africa, see southafrica.net.