Organisers of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France have announced the travel agents who are exclusively authorised to sell ticket-inclusive travel packages for the tournament.
Groupe Couleur, the exclusive global rights holder for the rugby union event’s travel programme, has selected 22 agencies from 13 different countries. Many agencies selected come from established rugby territories such as Japan, while China, Germany and the Netherlands have dedicated agents for the first time.
France 2023 said more than 200,000 tickets have already been pre-ordered by the Official Travel Agents (OTAs), a “significant increase” compared to Rugby World Cups 2015 and 2019, held in England and Japan, respectively.
World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper said: “The Official Travel Agent Programme has been one of the major success stories for Rugby World Cup, proving a hit for sports fans from around the world, delivering its unforgettable memories and exceptional experiences.
“Following a very special Japanese tournament in 2019, enthusiasm for Rugby World Cup France 2023 is exceptionally strong, and we are delighted to see so many countries expressing interest in our showcase event. Starting today, fans can start preparing for their French experience.”
England Rugby Travel has been appointed as an OTA for rugby fans across the UK, and will launch packages in early 2021. Packages will range from day return coach and accommodation options to a wide variety of games, to extended multi-night stays. Other UK partners include Gullivers Sports Travel, MSG Tours and Sportbreaks.com.
Tower Travel has been named as the OTA for Argentina, while Nippon Travel Agency has been appointed for Japanese fans, and All Blacks Tours have been named as the OTA for New Zealand fans.
Edusport, SA Rugby Travel, and Sportsnation have been named as the OTAs for South Africa, while Gullivers Sport Travel, Keith Prowse Travel, Sportsnet Holidays, and Wallabies Travel have been appointed for Australia and Ireland’s OTA is Killester Travel.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup, which will be held between September 8 and October 21, will be the 10th edition, as well as marking 200 years of rugby.
Claude Atcher, chief executive of France 2023, said: “Because a Rugby World Cup is sometimes a trip of a lifetime, I am pleased with this public announcement of the Official Travel Agents. The OTAs will assist fans from all over the world plan their trip to France so that they can best support their teams during the matches and enjoy France’s sightseeing. It’s a very exciting perspective for everyone.”
Following the Rugby World Cup 2023 draw on December 14, and the official match calendar announcement scheduled for the first quarter of 2021, OTAs will finalise their different packages.
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