Major sporting events and responsible tourism : analysis of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Issues of environmental censorship and sustainability have in recent times gained prominence among global participants vying to deliver sustainable major sport events. Various studies have enunciated the ability of sport tourism events to impact either positively or negatively on the sustainability outlook of host destinations. The concept of responsible tourism has hitherto been introduced in sport tourism events with the aim of promoting sustainability. This study appraises visitors' perceptions and attitudes of the 2013 AFCON tournament in Port Elizabeth, with specific focus on evaluating the host city as a responsible tourism destination. A spatially based systematic sampling approach was adopted and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 386respondents on selected days during the AFCON tournament. Key findings of the study revealed that visitors were satisfied with the responsible tourism practices in Port Elizabeth, with emphasis placed on the need to continuously educate sport tourists on responsible tourism behaviour during major sporting events. The study recommended that future events hosted at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium are implemented within the principles of responsible tourism precepts and ensure that the city maintains and augments its standing as a responsible tourism destination.