The Eluding Link: Toward Developing a National Sport Tourism Strategy in South Africa Beyond 2010

Abstract

Abstract This article provides an overview of sport tourism generally and investigates the sport tourism policy in the South African context. The discussion draws upon South Africa's unique context and international experiences to provide guidelines for the development of a national sport tourism strategy. In particular, the opportunities presented by the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup are underscored. The need to consider the full extent of sport tourism products is emphasised and it is argued that the current focus on events as one sub-segment of sport tourism, and especially mega-events, limits the capacity for South Africa to capitalise on the potential benefits of sport tourism. The article concludes by summarising the critical issues that need to be considered when developing a national sport tourism strategy framework. The development of such a framework should be an integral part and key legacy outcome of planning for 2010.