Socio-economic impacts of sport tourism in the Durban Unicity, South Africa

A case study of sport tourism initiatives undertaken in Durban is provided to describe some of the challenges of conducting socio-economic impact research in a transforming South Africa. Based on analyses of socio-economic data of seven sport tourism events held in the last year and supported by the Durban Events Corporation (DEC), key findings and implications of the studies in relation to promoting and sustaining sport tourism in Durban are revealed. In order to maximize sport tourism’s potential, it is concluded that Durban must continue to attract investments and businesses linked to sport tourism, further develop cooperative relationships with sport governing bodies, sponsors, business associations and government departments, and make strategic decisions pertaining to its differential branding of distinctive localities and activities.