Socio-economic impacts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Abstract

Event tourism is noted to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. Mega events such as the FIFA World Cup are sought after by countries for numerous reasons in particular to boost their image as tourism destinations, to promote investment and to gain benefit from their associated positive socio-economic impacts. Literature on the impacts of mega events on tourism is available but limited in number in terms of the impacts of mega events on local residents. This study analyses the post event socio-economic impacts of the FIFA 2010 World Cup according to the perceptions of local residents in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The study was undertaken in April 2011 in nine areas in Tshwane city involving 1135 respondents. Fixed choice self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics: frequencies, percentages, means, medians, and standard deviations. Findings indicate that although most residents did not attend World Cup matches, they generally found the socio-economic impacts of the tournament positive almost a year after the event. This study presents a perspective into mega events in terms of the host community and thus provides an insight into the legacy of such events. This study provides a foundation of indicators for other mega event organisers and governments to promote the sustainability of future large events.

Keywords: Mega events, economic impacts, social impacts, World Cup, local community.