Profiles of foreign visitors attending the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Abstract

Several studies have profiled sport tourists at a range of events, from the Olympic Games to major automobile, yacht, and horse races. These events have tended to be held in developed countries. Few studies have examined sport tourists at mega events in developing countries for the simple reason that few mega events have been hosted in developing countries. This changed in 2010 with South Africa hosting the FIFA World Cup, and Brazil and Qatar winning the bids to host the 2014 and 2022 events, respectively. Given this recent selection of emerging countries as hosts, a study of visitors to the 2010 World Cup was warranted. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the profiles of foreign visitors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. During the World Cup, visitors to the host cities (non-locals) were interviewed at Fan Parks and Stadium Precincts in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, three of the main host cities. A purposive, systematic sampling approach was adopted and face-to-face interviews were conducted on all match days. Eight thousand four hundred and forty nine (8 449) visitors were interviewed. The main aspects evaluated were demographic profiles of the attendees, types of attendees in relation to place of residence and travel behaviour. The study revealed that foreign visitors were mainly from Europe and the United States of America (males, 30-39 years of age) and well-educated. Overall, the respondents had positive attitudes towards South Africa as a host nation and tourism destination.