France will be on show to the world for two weeks next month when the Rugby World Cup opens in Paris on September 7.
Twenty teams from Scotland to Samoa and Australia to Argentina will be battling it out in venues across the country to take the title from England, the winners in 2003.
As thousands of fans from all over the globe are also planning to make their way to France to try to see a piece of the action, opportunities abound for agents to get in on the act.
Under Rugby World Cup rules, only appointed agents can sell ticket-inclusive packages, and they have to sell direct to the public. Appointed agents include Kuoni Sports Abroad, Travelscope, Gullivers Sports Travel and Mike Burton.
However, agents can sell travel and accommodation to clients who have bought tickets direct from the Rugby World Cup website.
Mike Burton marketing and communications manager Justin Hopwood said: “A lot of people bought tickets two years ago and are suddenly realising they need to get there and find somewhere to stay.
“But many of the towns where matches are being held are small with very little accommodation, so agents will struggle to find rooms. Our message to the trade is that we have travel and accommodation options so we can help.”
