In partnership with TUI Travel Sports Division Plc, World Sport Tourism Congress will offer guests an opportunity to engage with the most senior executives from the sport and tourism industries during a once in a lifetime event.

Taking place on board the luxurious P&O Pacific Dawn during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, the inaugural World Sport Tourism Congress is limited to just 400 delegates and includes accommodation as well as a fully integrated social and events programme.

The executive congress will comprise four days of inspirational panel debates, cutting edge presentations and priceless networking opportunities.

The fully inclusive cruise package departs from Auckland on the October 10th, returning on the October 14th prior to the Rugby World Cup Auckland Semi Finals.

Already confirmed to speak during the congress are Jeanine Pires, minister special advisor for Rio 2016 Olympic Games and former president of the Brazilian Tourism Board, and Geoffrey Lipman, advisor to the secretary general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and advisor to the World Economic Forum (Aviation & Tourism).

Further details on the planned itinerary for World Sport Tourism Congress can be seen here.

Sports Tourism

With the Rugby World Cup as its backdrop, the inaugural World Sport Tourism Congress will celebrate the $600 billion sports tourism market.

In recent years the integration of sport, sporting events and spectator and participation travel has seen the sector become the industry’s fastest growing.

Indeed, the strength of the market has was illustrated recently, with confirmation over one million tickets have now been sold for the Rugby World Cup later this year.

World Sport Tourism Congress is designed to both reflect this staggering growth and contribute further to it.

Take a look at the official website for more information.