ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an analysis of sport tourism, with a specific focus on the continent of Africa. The chapter begins by contextualising the phenomenon of sport tourism, recognising it as a growth area for African economies. While drawing parallels in terms of developmental objectives with the global north economies, the chapter argues that the African political economy of sport tourism events is largely de-linked from main capitalist structures. Global inequalities are seen to impinge on the capacity of many African countries to compete to host world class events. However, the allure of such events, mainly linked to associated benefits, has seen a number of states in the semi-periphery bidding to host mega-events. Travel constraints, and safety and security issues are highlighted as the main challenges that impede sport tourism participation in Africa. Notwithstanding, opportunities for sport tourism development and image enhancement exist for Africa. The chapter concludes by recommending the need for further research in relation to sport tourism on the continent. Specifically, the need to generate data routinely, so that trend analysis can be undertaken to examine domestic sport tourism (within the continent and nationally), and the global value chain of sport tourism in Africa with a focus on understanding economic, political and social dimensions to promote increased participation and generation of economic opportunities that are able to contribute to eradicating poverty and fostering job creation.
