North-West University, Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, Potchefstroom, South Africa; North-West University, School of Economics, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Saayman, M., North-West University, Institute for Tourism and Leisure Studies, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Saayman, A., North-West University, School of Economics, Potchefstroom, South Africa
South Africa plays host to a number of major sporting events that takes place annually such as the Two Oceans Marathon, the Argus Cycle Tour and the Midmar open water mile. This research aims to identify the socio-economic differences of participants in the events and to determine the key drivers of their spending. Three surveys were conducted at the events during 2008 and 2010. The data analyses include a factor and a regression analyses. The analyses identified the different motives why participation takes place, the socio-demographic differences between participants and the impact thereof on spending. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.