In 2025, Across Australia welcomed a dynamic new partner into its growing portfolio of inbound travel services: Team Travel Management Australia (TTM Australia). Born from a strategic collaboration with Tourvest—Africa’s largest and most diversified tourism group—TTM brings decades of global expertise in elite sports travel directly into the heart of the Australian market. For Across Australia and its clients, this marks an exciting expansion into one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the travel industry: sports tourism.
With operations now fully integrated to Across, TTM Australia is perfectly positioned to deliver high-impact travel solutions for professional teams, federations, sponsors, and supporters attending major events such as the Rugby World Cup 2027, which will be hosted across seven Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, and Townsville. Additionally, the Netball World Cup 2027 will take place in Sydney, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games are on the horizon. This partnership doesn’t just enhance Across Australia's offerings—it redefines them. Leveraging TTM’s international reach, hands-on event experience, and local insight, Across can now provide a level of specialised support for sports-related travel unmatched in the region.
In this exclusive interview, Damien Cornelli, Business Development Manager of TTM Australia, shares how this collaboration is unlocking new opportunities for Across Australia's clients and how, together, they are redefining what it means to deliver world-class travel experiences—on and off the field.
• Across Australia: Can you introduce Team Travel Management Australia and share a bit about how it started?
• Damien Cornelli: Team Travel Management (TTM) is a leading global sports tour operator with offices in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia, along with a strong network of representatives around the world. In addition to our core locations, TTM has experienced staff based in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the Philippines, enabling us to actively engage with and support clients in these key markets.
TTM operates as a division of Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd, South Africa’s largest and most diversified tourism group. Under the Tourvest umbrella, TTM proudly partners with respected industry brands such as Pure Sports Travel, SA Rugby Travel, and Rugby Travel Ireland—creating a powerhouse of expertise in global sports tourism and event travel.
• Across Australia: What led to TTM becoming part of the Across Australia family in 2025?
• Damien Cornelli: What began as initial discussions between Across Australia and Rugby Travel Ireland (RTI)—exploring how Across could support RTI as their official ground handler for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour—quickly evolved into a broader conversation. This led to a strategic collaboration involving TTM and Across, focused on delivering high-quality sports tours and supporting major global sporting events in the Australian market. From this partnership, TTM Australia was established, with a vision to expand its presence across the APAC region as a leading player in the sports travel sector.
• Across Australia: How does this integration support our inbound strategy?
• Damien Cornelli: This integration marks a significant milestone for Across, unlocking new opportunities through TTM’s extensive global network and strategic partnerships. With a strengthened international footprint across Europe and Africa, we are now uniquely positioned to attract and support sports teams and organisations travelling to Australia for major events, high-performance training camps, and elite-level tournaments. This global reach enhances our ability to deliver world-class sports travel experiences with a truly international perspective.
• Across Australia: What makes TTM unique in the sports tourism space?
• Damien Cornelli: We take great pride in our global presence within the sports tourism industry. With dedicated offices across Europe, Africa, and Australasia, and team members based in countries spanning four continents, we offer a uniquely international perspective that sets us apart. What truly distinguishes TTM is our hands-on approach—our staff have personally visited and inspected the destinations we serve, including hotels, training venues, and sporting grounds, to ensure they meet the highest standards and are perfectly suited to our clients’ needs. This commitment to on-the-ground quality control enables us to confidently deliver tailored, high-quality experiences for travelling teams and sporting groups. Few companies in this space can match our combination of global reach, local expertise, and operational assurance.
• Across Australia: What types of services does TTM offer specifically for inbound sports groups and events?
• Damien Cornelli: We offer a comprehensive range of event management services designed to support VIPs, sponsors, media, sports teams, and supporters. This includes conducting detailed site inspections to assess venues in advance and ensure every requirement is met. We manage event logistics from start to finish, coordinate branding and event materials, and provide essentials such as signage, uniforms, and décor. Each group’s itinerary is fully customised, including social activities, sightseeing, and excursions.
Our multilingual team ensures smooth communication across different regions, while our logistics services cover ground handling and transport throughout the event. We also provide VIP guest support, tailored accommodation, and catering solutions that address specific dietary and sport-related needs. For media teams, we offer setup and operational support. Throughout every project, we prioritise health, safety, and emergency planning to ensure a seamless and secure experience.
• Across Australia: Why should international travel agencies and tour operators consider working with Across Australia / TTM?
• Damien Cornelli: We bring extensive experience in sports travel and event management through our global network of offices. We’ve played a key role in delivering travel and logistics support for some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events—including the UEFA Champions League, FIFA and Rugby World Cups, Olympic Games, UEFA Europa League, United Rugby Championship tournaments, and Cricket World Cups, among others.
Our teams are well-versed in the complexities of managing travel for corporate clients and VIPs at major events, while also handling the ongoing logistical needs of top-performing sports teams. Our travel partners trust us to deliver a seamless and efficient experience, no matter the size or complexity of the event. This depth of expertise allows us to meet the high expectations of elite sport with confidence, professionalism, and precision.
• Across Australia: In what ways can travel agencies leverage TTM to expand their product offerings for clients interested in sports events or team travel?
• Damien Cornelli: Agencies can confidently draw on our specialised knowledge and hands-on experience in sports travel to offer highly tailored solutions to their clients. With TTM as a trusted and experienced partner, travel professionals can diversify their product range and tap into new markets—whether that means organizing tours for amateur clubs, professional teams, or fan groups attending global sporting events.
• Across Australia: How flexible is TTM when it comes to creating custom packages for niche sports, academies, or mixed travel (sports + leisure)?
• Damien Cornelli: We are a highly flexible organisation. We understand that a sports tour or event trip is rarely just about the competition—it’s also about discovering a new country, connecting with a different culture, and sharing enriching moments as a group. Our aim is to design tours that reflect this broader experience, offering well-rounded, memorable journeys that combine sport, leisure, and cultural exploration in a seamless way.
• Across Australia: With events like the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney, and Townsville, the Netball World Cup 2027 in Sydney, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, what role will TTM play?
• Damien Cornelli: We see ourselves playing a central role in these landmark events. Our offices are strategically located in countries with strong followings in rugby, netball, and Olympic disciplines, which positions us perfectly to support the anticipated influx of fans, teams, sponsors, and corporate groups traveling to Australia. We also maintain strong relationships with travel agents and federations worldwide—many of whom are already working with us on logistics, ground handling, and travel planning in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. These relationships allow us to offer seamless, end-to-end service that meets the highest international standards.
• Across Australia: Are there specific opportunities travel agents should be looking at now to get involved early with these events?
• Damien Cornelli: Absolutely. With the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia and the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA approaching quickly, we encourage agencies—particularly those in countries that have already qualified or are likely to qualify—to start engaging with us now. Early discussions enable us to proactively design customised travel packages and be fully prepared once official draws and schedules are released. This head start ensures a smooth rollout and maximises value for both agents and their clients.
• Across Australia: Will TTM also support smaller, non-elite sports or grassroots programs that want to travel to or within Australia?
• Damien Cornelli: Most definitely. Supporting grassroots sports is a core part of what we do. We're currently partnering with Action Sports Australia as the official travel provider for the NASC Netball Championships in Adelaide. We're also collaborating with various international federations in preparation for the TAG Rugby World Cup in Coffs Harbour in 2026. Beyond that, we’re actively coordinating outbound tours for schools and community clubs involved in sports like water polo, cricket, football, and hockey. Whether it’s elite competition or a youth tour, we apply the same level of care, attention, and professionalism.
• Across Australia: TTM is powered by Tourvest, a global DMC. How does this international backing translate into benefits for travel agents and their clients?
• Damien Cornelli: Our global structure means agencies can work with TTM on sporting events anywhere in the world—not just in Australia. Before designing any travel package, our team personally inspects the destination to ensure it meets our strict quality standards. With teams on the ground through both TTM and Tourvest offices, we’re able to maintain consistency, control, and reliability across all operations—no matter the location. This gives our partners peace of mind and ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
• Across Australia: Are you already collaborating with federations and teams overseas? Can you give examples?
• Damien Cornelli: Yes, absolutely. We’ve worked with the national federations of Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, as well as high-profile clubs like FC Porto, FC Köln, Qarabag FK, and the teams participating in the United Rugby Championship across Europe and South Africa. We also support the England Over-40s cricket team, among others. These collaborations reflect our wide reach and the trust we’ve built in the global sports community.
• Across Australia: What types of partnerships is Across Australia / TTM looking to develop with overseas travel specialists?
• Damien Cornelli: Our goal is to become a trusted long-term partner for travel specialists worldwide. We’re not just here to deliver logistics—we want to work hand-in-hand with agencies on every aspect of their clients’ sports travel needs. Whether they’re planning team tours, fan travel, or VIP experiences, we can help expand their offering and create new business opportunities within the growing world of sports tourism.
• Across Australia: What are your short- and long-term goals for TTM within the Across Australia ecosystem?
• Damien Cornelli: In the short term, we’re focused on working closely with the Across team and its network to create meaningful opportunities around the world’s biggest sporting events. Long term, our ambition is to establish TTM as the go-to sports travel partner for any agency operating within the Across ecosystem—known for reliability, quality, and results.
• Across Australia: Do you have a message for travel agents who are curious but unsure how to enter the sports travel market?
• Damien Cornelli: My advice is simple: don’t go it alone. Partnering with an experienced specialist like TTM can make the entry into this market not only smoother but also far more rewarding. With high-profile tournaments and events taking place year-round, sports travel offers exciting new revenue streams for agencies ready to diversify. It’s a growing sector full of potential.
• Across Australia: What’s the best way for an interested agency to get started working with Across Australia / TTM?
• Damien Cornelli: Agencies are welcome to reach out to me directly at [email protected] or via our team at [email protected]. We’re more than happy to discuss their goals and how we can support their sports travel projects—whether they’re just starting out or looking to scale.
🇦🇺 Major Upcoming Sports Events in Australia :
📅 Dates: October – November 2026
📍 Location: Australia (with some matches in Papua New Guinea)
📅 Date: September 2026 (exact date TBC)
📍 Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
ℹ️ Info: Los Angeles Rams vs TBD – the first official NFL game ever held in Australia.
📅 Dates: March 1 – 21, 2026
📍 Locations: Stadiums across three Australian cities (TBC)
ℹ️ Info: Acts as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
📅 Dates: January 12 – February 1, 2026
📍 Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne
📅 Date: March 2026 (exact dates TBC)
📍 Location: Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
ℹ️ Info: Traditionally the season-opening race of the F1 calendar.
📅 Dates: April 16 – 19, 2026
📍 Location: Adelaide Parklands, South Australia
ℹ️ Info: The only CCI5*-L event in the Southern Hemisphere, hosting the Oceania Championships in both 2026 and 2029.
📅 Dates: TBC (expected mid-2027)
📍 Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
ℹ️ Info: 17th edition – Sydney hosts for the third time.
📅 Dates: October 1 – November 13, 2027
📍 Locations: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Townsville
ℹ️ Info: First edition with 24 national teams.
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Locations: Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand
ℹ️ Info: Top international teams in fast-paced T20 format.
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Location: Kingston Heath Golf Club, Cheltenham (VIC)
ℹ️ Info: USA vs. International Team (excl. Europe), held every two years.
📅 Dates: TBC
📍 Location: Multiple cities across Australia (to be announced)
ℹ️ Info: 10th edition of the tournament.
📅 Dates: July–August 2032 (exact dates TBC)
📍 Location: Brisbane and surrounding regions, Queensland
