Strategic planning – implications for the bidding of sport events in South Africa

Abstract

This article will argue that a coordinated bid for the hosting of major international sport events would be more beneficial to the development of a sustainable sport tourism industry in South Africa as opposed to individual bids by cities in South Africa. It is further argued that strategic planning can assist key stakeholders in deciding which cities should bid for particular events as part of an overall strategy to develop the sport tourism segment in South Africa. Firstly, the status of tourism and sport in South Africa, the relationship between sport and tourism, hallmark events and independent bids by cities and competition among bid cities will be briefly described. Secondly, the need for strategic planning to develop a sustainable sport tourism industry and strategic planning for hallmark events will be reviewed. Finally, current tourism and sport policies in South Africa will be reviewed in relation to its affect on sport tourism and a strategic plan for the bidding of international events in South Africa will be outlined.