SPORTS TRAVEL – why using a travel company is a game changer

The excitement of attending a big sports event is undeniable. For athletes and support staff, however, the journey to and from the big game often involves a less glamorous reality: complex travel logistics. Here’s where a specialised Sports Travel Management Company (TMC) like Rennies BCD Travel steps in, becoming a crucial teammate in achieving on-field success.

Beyond the Field: The Challenges of Sports Travel

Travel logistics is always challenging, but there are a lot more steps involved in preparation for sports travel. It requires meticulous planning to transport an entire sports team: players, coaches, physiotherapists, security personnel, media, as well as fans and family. 

Every detail needs careful coordination, from securing the right equipment and managing staff requirements to arranging accommodation and catering for specific dietary needs. Think bulky bicycles or cricket bats, tailored physiotherapy schedules, and pre-game warm-ups.

In addition to the travel logistics, it’s important to source accommodation close to the sports venue to make travel to and from training facilities easier and also offer meeting room facilities. Managing room assignments to accommodate team dynamics and preferences to ensure every player gets a good night’s sleep are all factors that can impact performance.

To get this right, you have to trust a travel partner with a lot of experience in this field to ensure athletes and support staff can focus on performance rather than travel complications.

Rennies BCD Travel: A Winning Partnership 

This is where Rennies BCD Travel’s expertise shines. For over 25 years, we’ve been the travel partner of choice for teams, fans, and sporting bodies across South Africa.

Lynn Howarth, Head of M&E at Rennies BCD Travel, highlights the importance of trust and experience in sports travel. ” The first thing we do is build relationships and provide a team that understands the game, the standards required and brings a level of professionalism that is unmatched.

We’ve dealt with big teams before, and that’s always helpful. We had the privilege of working with Cricket South Africa for over 20 years, which included managing T20 games, IPL matches, World Cup events, and more. Beyond this, our experience encompasses major events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup, where we were the appointed domestic air logistics partner and the FIFA licensed tour operator. We have also managed logistics to the Tour de France and other major sport events, all a testament to our ability to handle sports-related travel.

The Benefits of Partnering with a Sports Travel Management Company:

  1. Expertise & Relationships: Our dedicated Sports Travel team comprises seasoned professionals who understand the unique nuances of sports travel. They possess in-depth knowledge of global travel regulations, visa requirements, and specific equipment transportation protocols. This expertise ensures a smooth journey for teams, allowing them to focus on what matters most – winning.
  2. Global Network & Resources: Rennies BCD Travel leverages a vast network of partners worldwide, from airlines and hotels to transportation providers and security firms. This network allows us to negotiate the best possible rates for teams, ensuring value for money while maintaining the highest quality standards.
  3. Flexibility & 24/7 Support: The world of sports is dynamic. Schedules can change, injuries can occur, and unexpected situations may arise. With Rennies BCD Travel, you’re never left stranded. We offer 24/7 support, readily available to handle last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances. Our team acts as a single point of contact, streamlining communication and ensuring a glitch-free travel experience.
  4. Family and Fan Travel Management: Our services extend beyond the team. We can create customised travel packages for fans, complete with match tickets, group bookings, and city experiences. With Rennies BCD Travel, you can offer your fans an unforgettable experience, fostering loyalty and building a strong fan base.

Sports travel is more than just booking flights. It’s about understanding the specific needs of athletes, ensuring their comfort, and minimising travel-related stress. By partnering with a Sports Travel Management Company like Rennies BCD Travel, you gain access to a wealth of expertise, global reach, and unwavering support. This allows your team to focus on what they do best – bringing home the victory.

Let Rennies BCD Travel be your teammate off the field so you can dominate the competition. Contact us to discuss how we can help your team achieve peak performance, both domestically and internationally.