Rugby World Cup 2015 has scooped a top award for its official hospitality programme, reflecting a very special and record breaking event that set new standards on and off the field.
The award for best VIP/Premium ticketing at the Ticketing and Technology Awards, was presented to STH Group (formerly RTH), the exclusive provider of travel and hospitality for rugby’s showcase event and reflects the record-breaking success of the programme and innovative experience for fans.
More than 270,000 tickets were sold and fulfilled by STH Group across the 48-match, 13-venue tournament, driving revenues in excess of £150 million and significantly contributing to the revenues that World Rugby invests in the global development of the game.
The official travel and hospitality programme for Rugby World Cup 2015 was selected as the winner against a competitive list of global ticketing programmes for the best premium hospitality or VIP ticketing experience. Selection criteria for the award was based on price-value, included services and overall visitor experience – from discovery and purchase through to post-event handling.
STH Group COO Simon Jefford said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 was a resounding success for STH Group. From sales and marketing, to operational delivery, through to guest experience and ticketing we aimed to raise the bar and set a new standard in the sports industry. Winning an award that is selected by industry peers based on innovation is special, and we are proud to have been recognised for the creation of the best VIP Ticketing programme of 2015.”
Rugby World Cup was a record-breaking global celebration of rugby and the travel and hospitality programmes play an important role for World Rugby, with revenues from the commercial programme playing a significant role in game investment over the four-year cycle between Rugby World Cups.
Alan Gilpin, Head of Rugby World Cup, added: “Rugby World Cup 2015 was a very special and record-breaking tournament that had fans and teams at heart, creating unforgettable moments on and off the field. Such moments were characterised by an outstanding and innovative hospitality experience, which really did showcase the very best of the sport and I would like to congratulate STH on a well-deserved award.”
