Parallel Session 19, Events Track: This Blows! : The Impact of Extreme Weather on Sporting Events: The Case of the Cape Town Cycle Tour

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of extreme weather on tourism events through the perceptions of participants. Both the number and size of major sporting events have been growing globally as well as their economic contribution to host cities (Kurtzman, 2005). This has been done through a case study of a specific event, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, held in Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is the largest individually timed cycle race in the world, with upwards of 35,000 participants and extending 106 kilometres (Streicher & Saayman, 2010). This event is a major contributor to the economy of Cape Town due to both its size and prestige (Saayman & Saayman, 2012). In 2017, race organizers made the decision to cancel the event attributed to poor weather conditions, primarily extreme wind, just after the event had begun. A number of studies have examined such events, several within the context of South Africa, however, they have focused on either economic aspects of these events or motivations of participants (e.g Kotze, 2006; Saayman & Saayman, 2012; Streicher & Saayman, 2010). This study seeks to investigate a new dynamic necessary for the success of such events: the influence of extreme weather. Weather patterns have repeatedly been shown to influence tourists\u27 experiences in a number of ways (Becken & Wilson, 2013). The significance of weather increases even more when considered in the context of sport tourism due to the importance of favourable weather conditions on the successful completion as well as the comfort of participants. In recent years, extreme weather patterns have become more common and are likely to continue to increase in number and magnitude based on future climate change predictions. Although a number of studies have examined the influence of weather (Becken & Wilson, 2013) and future climate change on tourism, more broadly (Hoogendoorn & Fitchett, 2016), the influence of weather patterns on the success of major sporting events, within a tourism framework, has not been given much attention. Design/methodology/approach The primary data used in this paper were collected using a questionnaire distributed to those who were registered for and scheduled to participate in the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour. The questionnaire was distributed through online cycling portals and was also distributed to cycling clubs throughout South Africa. The questionnaire included both fixed-response and open-ended questions to elicit a range of information relevant in understanding personal experiences at the event. A total of 139 usable responses were obtained. Fixed-response data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistics while open-ended questions were analyzed, thematicized and categorized. Findings Preliminary findings show that the majority of respondents were not from Cape Town (97%), indicating the significance of the event in attracting visitors and most (86%) travelled to Cape Town specifically for the event. Most have participated in the event before (79%) with several having participated more than 10 times (22%). A number of respondents indicated negative experiences with weather during previous participation. Most respondents (62%) arrived at the start of the race, unaware that it was cancelled, however only 11% we able to begin the race before it was cancelled. Of those who began the race, they were only able to cycle a maximum of 20 kilmoeters. In terms of experiences at the event, there was mixed sentiment among respondents. There were a number of emotions used to describe the atmosphere at the start, both before and after cancellation. There was widespread disappointment but a number mentioned relief. Prior to cancellation several respondents mentioned feelings of anxiousness due to the weather they experienced getting to the start. Very few injuries were reported, but a number of respondents had been blown off their bicycles. Although the majority (80%) did feel that the weather was sufficiently bad to warrant cancellation, explanations often mentioned worse weather in previous years, particularly among those who had participated in the event in 2009, 2010 and 2015. In addition, a number of other obstacles occurred in Cape Town along the route on race day including fires and protesters barricading the route. A few respondents felt strongly that the wind was, indeed, a factor in cancellation but that these other incidents, particularly protests were also responsible. Interestingly, despite frustrations at the cancellation of the event, 75% of respondents stated that they would participate in the event in the future, while very few said they would not (11%). Research limitations/implications This study is an exploratory investigation into the impact of extreme weather on sporting events. It provided important insight into the potentially detrimental impacts of extreme weather on sporting events and associated revenue generated. The contribution of these findings to research on the topic of weather and tourism is also significant. Unlike other forms of tourism, according to these results, participants in major sporting events demonstrate a relatively strong sense of loyalty to the event. Furthermore, a single, or even several, negative experiences with weather do not appear to significantly influence future participation. Findings are, however, limited to a single event. A great deal of additional research is needed on the interaction between extreme weather and sporting events as there are significant potential consequences as weather patterns continue to become increasingly unpredictable under climate change predictions. Practical implications There are many practical implications of these findings. Weather and climate are particularly important in the context of sporting events, since it can influence the safety, comfort and, overall well-being of participants, all of which are crucial for the continued success of major sporting events. It is important for race organizers and host destinations to consider a number of dynamics that will ensure the success of these types of races including changing weather patterns. In addition, the cancellation of the Cape Town Cycle Tour can have substantial financial consequences if these issues are not resolved in future races. Originality/value This study provides important insight into the impact of extreme weather on the events industry. As one of the largest individual sporting events in the world, the Cape Town Cycle Tour provides an important platform from which the investigation into the influence of extreme weather on events can be spring-boarded. As of yet, an evaluation of participant reactions to the cancellation of an event of this magnitude due to weather conditions has yet to be published. Furthermore, it provides a unique perspective by discussing these issues within the context of South Africa, an emerging destination for major international sporting events. References Becken, S. & Wilson, J. (2013). The Impacts of Weather on Tourist Travel. Tourism Geographies, 14(4), 620-639. Hoogendoorn, G. & Fitchett, J.M. (2016). Tourism and Climate Change: A review of threats and adaptation strategies for Africa. Current Issues in Tourism, 1-19. Kotze, N. (2006). Cape Town and the Two Oceans Marathon: The impact of sport tourism. Urban Forum, 17(3), 282-293. Kurtzman, J. (2005). Economic impact: Sport tourism and the city. Journal of Sport Tourism, 10(1), 47-71. Saayman, M. & Saayman, A. (2012). Determinants of Spending: A evaluation of three major sporting events. International Journal of Tourism Research, 14, 124-138. Streicher, H. & Saayman, M. (2010). Travel Motives of Participants in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 32(1), 121-131