Specialist sports travel group Destination Sport Group has acquired The Mike Burton Group, a leader in the sports travel and fan experience sector.
Founded in 1981, The Mike Burton Group has led the way in successfully creating and delivering major rights holder branded supporter travel programmes to some of the world’s biggest sporting events, specifically within rugby over the last two decades.
With over 250 staff in 14 countries around the world, Destination Sport Group is a global leader in sports travel with expertise in travel management for elite sports clubs and governing bodies, supporter travel, youth development tours, endurance and participation travel plus global destination management.
Destination Sport Group Managing Director Paul Hemingway commented, “We are delighted to acquire The Mike Burton Group, a move which supports our ambition to set the global standard in sports travel.
“The Mike Burton Group is renowned for delivering unrivalled sports travel and event experiences, with a major emphasis in rugby, and plans progressing already for the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in 2025.
“This complements Destination Sport Group’s existing presence within rugby, where we have a successful track record in managing team travel and supporter travel for eight domestic rugby teams and Scottish Rugby, plus an established rugby tour programme for schools and clubs.
“We look forward to welcoming The Mike Burton Group and its staff into Destination Sport Group and continuing the growth of both businesses.”
The Mike Burton Group was founded by former Lions, England, and Gloucester prop forward Mike Burton in 1981, and firmly established itself as one of the leading specialists in sports ticketing, travel, and hospitality.
Mike Burton, Founder and Chairman of The Mike Burton Group, who is retiring, said: “We are all immensely proud of what we have achieved with the company. The 42-year journey since the business was formed in 1981 has been part of my life and for so many other people, from family members, staff, clients and fans, through to the valued relationships we have with our joint venture partners.
“I’d like to pay tribute to my late son Andrew who was instrumental in the strategic direction of the business and future vision alongside the global sport right holders, that has got the business to where it is today. I’d also like to thank the on-going support of my two grandsons Rhys and George and the current leadership team.
“Over the last 40 years so many people from the local and wider sporting and business community have been part of the journey we have gone on, and each and every one of them has played a part in what we are today.
“I’m delighted that we have an agreement with Destination Sport Group, who I know will take on the history, values and ambition of this business, and continue to grow it over the coming years.”
For more information on The Mike Burton Group please click HERE.
