On the ball in Brazil

As the FIFA World Cup 2014 enters the business end of the competition, the Round 16 Bracket, so too has a duo of UCT business science marketing students, Julia Cassar and Chesney Sneyd.

UCT marketing students Julia Cassar and Chesney Sneyd joined the massive influx of visitors to the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2014 in Brazil and are based in Rio de Janeiro to collect research data on safety and security and its impact on tourist perceptions.

These are big issues when it comes to international mega events like the FIFA World Cup.

"The vibe here is amazing," said Cassar. "It seems like everyone is on holiday, locals included. We have been collecting data for our thesis from the fan park on Copacabana Beach. This city is just amazing!"

Their research is based on a 2013 study by two UCT business science marketing students who studied crime/risk satisfaction among tourists-cum-fans at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, and the likelihood of repeat visits to that country.

"Our study includes a few more elements in the research model, such as the destination's image and how and where visitors found information about Rio de Janeiro specifically," said Cassar.

"We're spending three weeks in Rio for data collection, utilizing a questionnaire that will be completed by 300 foreign tourists."

Who're they supporting?

"We"re traveling with two South African German friends so we have to support Germany! But when Brazil play, we support them just because it's a massive celebration. Even shops and malls close when Brazil plays."

(This area of research has been established by the convenor of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies [Tourism and Events Management], Associate Professor Richard George, over a period of 12 years.)

Story by Helen Swingler. Image courtesy of Julia Cassar.