Football fans set to have a ball with Emirates' fan-tastic 2010 FIFA World
Cup(TM) packages

TORONTO , Dec. 16 /CNW/ - An unforgettable sporting experience of a lifetime awaits Canadian football fans, following today's launch of Emirates' 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) travel packages.

As an Official Tour Operator for the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) in South Africa , Emirates, is offering a number of tailor-made travel packages that include flights, accommodation, ground transportation and match tickets.

The award-winning airline also unveiled its unique 'follow-your-team' component of the tour package, which is testament to the airline's commitment to the beautiful game and its followers. Emirates packages guarantee fans gold-dust tickets for each of their team's matches, right up to the final on July 11th .

Canadians can book a 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) package inclusive of match tickets by selecting the team they want to follow and a hotel in South Africa . Emirates will fly you there, transport you to your hotel and provide transfers to and from the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) stadiums.

"We are pleased to offer our first-class expertise in travel services to football fans in Canada and around the world," said Mary Heron , Manager Canada , Emirates airline. "To support your team at a World Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many supporters and we aim to make sure it is an unforgettable experience for them."

Canadians will travel from Toronto aboard the Emirates A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft to Dubai then connect on one of five daily flights into South Africa , with the options of travelling to Johannesburg , which hosts 15 matches including the opening match and final; Cape Town , host city of eight matches and Durban , which is home to seven FIFA World Cup(TM) matches.

In Canada , Emirates Travel Packages to the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) South Africa will be exclusively distributed through MYESCAPADES.ca.

Thierry Weil, FIFA Director Marketing Division, said: "At FIFA we are confident that our partner Emirates will offer FIFA World Cup(TM) fans with the perfect travel solution to be in South Africa to support their team.

"The FIFA World Cup(TM), which kicks off at South Africa's Soccer City Stadium in 177 days time, is one event that should not be missed and there is surely no better way that to travel to the tournament than enjoying the world class hospitality and service on board Emirates."

Emirates' partnership with FIFA began at the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) when it became the first airline to be a sponsor of the prestigious sporting event. Following on from the success of the tournament in Germany , Emirates then cemented its status as an Official FIFA Partner up to and including the 2014 FIFA World Cup(TM).

For more information on booking your dream ticket to the ultimate sporting extravaganza, visit emirates.com/fifa or emirates.com/ca.

For further information: Olga Petrycki for Emirates airline, [phone] ext. 226, [email protected]; Matt Howard, Emirates Corporate Communications, Tel: [phone], Mob: [phone], email: [email protected]; visit :www.theemiratesgroup.com