Ensuring the success of any sporting event involves the precise running of a logistics machine that comprises hundreds or even thousands of separate components. Just a handful of these components being overlooked or unaccounted for could jeopardise the event — and, when it comes to the organisation of events in vastly different geographical locations around the world, there are even more decisions and contingency plans to be made.

The precise location of an event, or series of events, can heavily influence the aspects which must be factored into the logistics happening in the background. No matter how remote, how many athletes and pieces of equipment which need to be flown in, and how extensive the planning period required — spectators expect a return on the time and money they’ve invested into attending, and that includes the planning going off without a hitch (at least not one detectable to the public).

An event like the London 2012 Olympic Games is not without its own complex challenges, but one of the saving graces when a major city is hosting the occasion is the fact there’s often a good infrastructure in place already. With five international airports and a network of motorways and major transport links, London is already equipped to welcome an estimated 30 million tourists a year........

© Sports Business Journal