The recent Fifa World Cup in Russia is proof that sports fans are not shy to fork out thousands of rand on flights and accommodation to see their favourite teams in action.
Sports travel has taken off in a big way – whether people go to compete or watch a match, everyone wants a piece of the action.
Nicky Bell, the Edusport Travel and Tours director, describes the sports travel phenomenon as “travel arrangements that are packaged together for a major sporting event”.
And with the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan and the Cricket World Cup in England and Wales next year, more South African travellers are expected to fly across the world to see the games.
Bell, whose company curates sporting itineraries for South Africans, says there is a huge demand for travellers who sought bespoke sports travel-tour packages.
“Sports travel is very specialised. Many people save for years to have a chance to watch their favourite teams play in a match. It is sport that draws them to a destination,” she says.
