Sport Tourism finding its Place

Abstract

Watching the recent team performances that took place in the opening matches at the football World Cup in Brazil, viewers could be forgiven for acquiring more enjoyment from the surprised look on the managers’ faces — as they did from the open and attacking styles displayed by their teams. Why was it that even the most defensively minded of teams played more creative and expansive football? Part of the answer undoubtedly has to do with place. The ambience and atmosphere, coupled with the history and heritage of Brazilian football seemed to impact on the players (arguably in a negative way for the local team). This, albeit, over simplistic example, illustrates well the invisible connections that influence how sport tourists (in all their guises) feel, perform and behave in designated areas primarily designed for sport.