tourist sports definition

What is sports tourism and why it is so big?

Sports tourism is BIG business. We all know that sport tourism involves sporting activity, that much is pretty obvious, but there is much more than a game of sport involved in the multi million Dollar global industry. In this article I will explain what sports tourism is, I will tell you about the different types of sports tourism and I will discuss the benefits of sports tourism.

What is sports tourism?

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Sports tourism is the act of travelling from one locality to another, with the intention of being in some way involved with a sporting activity or event .

Many people believe that sports tourism relates only to watching a sporting event. However, this is not correct. The sports industry is much more than this.

Sports tourism encompasses travelling for your own sporting purposes, such as a yoga teacher training course, a badminton competition or to learn to surf. Sports tourism includes attending sporting events such as a Formula One race or a Premiership football match. Sports tourism includes nostalgic visits to places of historical importance, such as the Olympic stadium in Barcelona or to see memorabilia related to your favourite sporting hero, such as the museum at the Maracana football stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

There are, in fact, four main types of sport tourism. These types are known as:

• Sport Event Tourism
• Active Sport Tourism
• Nostalgia Sport Tourism

Passive sports tourism

While sports tourism has not always been extremely popular, during the recent decade the amount of people attending out of area sporting events has drastically increased. People are now traveling far and wide just to attend their favorite events, and it is no wonder as to what has encouraged the sudden spike in popularity.

Sport tourism is a relatively new concept, although it has been around for a long time.

There are many academic studies which delve into the concept of sports tourism, particularly sports tourism that involves large sporting events, such as the football World Cup or the Olympic Games. Some scholars and sports tourism stakeholders have attempted to define the term sports tourism.

According to Neirotti (2003), sports tourism can be broadly described as;

‘Including travel away from one’s primary residence to participate in sports activity, for recreation or competition purposes, travel to observe sport at grassroots or elite level, and travel to visit a sports attraction such as a sports museum, for instance’.

Weed and Bull (2004), provide a conceptualisation of the sports tourism phenomenon as;

‘A social, economic and cultural phenomenon arising from the unique interaction of activity, people and place’’.

Gammon and Robinson (2003) state that sports and tourism is;

‘Not just about the management and operation of mega events; it also concerns offering consumer-specific sports and tourism-related services and experiences to the sports tourist.’

Read also: Sustainable tourism- everything you need to know

Gammon and Robinson (2003) further argue that the sports tourism industry cannot be defined easily and that there should be different definitions according to the type of sports tourism that is being discussed. They visualise this in the model below.

Today, sport is regarded as the world’s largest social phenomenon. And, tourism is predicted to become the world’s biggest industry early in the next century. So it doesn’t take a genius to work out that sports tourism is pretty big business!

The sports tourism industry has grown considerably in recent years. In 2016 the sports tourism industry was worth $1.41 trillion and this figure is expected to increase to approximately $5.72 trillion by 2021. This is a whopping 41% growth in only four years!

**Studying sports tourism? I recommend- Sports Tourism: Participants, Policy and Providers **

The sports tourism industry makes up a significant part off the overall tourism industry. Some people claim that this figure is as high as 25%, meaning that a quarter of all tourism in the world is sports related!

The importance of sports tourism is further emphasised by the media statements from the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which in 2004, announced their commitment to reinforce their partnerships on collaboration in the sports and tourism domain. They stated that; 

‘Tourism and sport are interrelated and complementary… both are powerful forces for development, stimulating investment in infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, stadiums, sporting complexes and restaurant-projects that can be enjoyed by the local population as well as tourists who come to use them.

This demonstrates that sports tourism has a wider economic and social impact than simply the sporting occasion itself. It provides social and economic opportunities for the local population , as well as visitors to the area.

The different types of sport tourism

Sport tourism can be segregated into four main types: sport event tourism, nostalgia sports tourism, active sports tourism and passive sports tourism. Below I have provided a short explanation of what each type of tourism is, along with some examples.

Sport event tourism

Sports event tourism is tourism which centres around a sporting event. Sporting events can be of any size and importance, however it tends to be the major sporting events which gain the most gravitas.

Hallmark events, such as the Olympics or football World Cup, are important centres for sport event tourism, bringing millions of tourists to the host destination.

Smaller events, such as the Henley Regatta in the United Kingdom or a national tennis competition also clarify as sport event tourism.

An often overlooked example of sport event tourism are amateur sporting events. Events such as regional school competitions, youth sporting leagues and non-profit community based sport events are just a few examples.

Wimbledon, also known as ‘The Championships’ is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. A prestigious sporting event, Wimbledon is often associated with the upper class, where spectators sip sparkling wine and Pimms whilst dressed in their best frocks.

Knowing very little about tennis, I attending Wimbledon a couple of years ago just to experience this famous event, which is an integral part off British heritage!

Dating back to 1877, Wimbledon has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, on the outskirts of London, each year. The tennis is played on outdoor grass courts, which is unlike tennis matches played in many other parts of the world.

Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the others being the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open.

The tournament takes place in late June/early July each year.

The football World Cup, known officially as the FIFA World Cup, is an international football tournament held every four years.

The  Fédération Internationale de Football Association  (FIFA) is the sport’s global governing body. The football consists of mens only teams and boats the most skilled footballers in the world.

Teams must first pass the qualification phase, which takes place over the preceding three years. After this, 32 teams, including the automatically qualifying host nation, compete in the tournament. The World Cup tournament generally lasts about one month.

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition that takes place. It involves what are considered to be the six best nations in terms of rugby in Europe The six nations are:

The Six Nations tournament begins on the first weekend in February each year and finishes with ‘Super Saturday’ on the second or third Saturday in March.

Each team is required to play every other team once (making a total of 15 matches). Each team will play one match at home and one match away from home.

I attended a six nations match once and whilst I’m really not into rugby (surprise!), I really enjoyed the sophisticated and supportive atmosphere at the venue.

Inspired by the ancient Greeks, the modern Olympic Games have been running since 1896. But, in fact, the games have been played in some form or another since long before this date.

The Olympics is perhaps the most famous and the most popular international sporting event. It features both summer and winter sports competitions which take place every four years. Like many other major sporting events, the Olympics are held in a different location each time.

Read also: Slow tourism: Everything you need to know

The Olympics involves thousands of athletes from around the world who compete in a range of different sports, from trampolining to running. Over 200 nations participate in the event.

The Super Bowl is the annual championship of the National Football League (NFL). Based in the Unites States of America, this is the most popular sport tourism event of the year.

Some interesting facts include The Super Bowl being the second-largest day for food consumption in the USA (after Thanksgiving) and the Super Bowl being the most-watched American television broadcast of the year.

Nostalgia sports tourism

Nostalgia sport tourism involves travelling to famous sport-related tourist attractions.

Nostalgia sports tourism may celebrate sports of the past or the present. It may include visiting museums or exhibitions, visiting sporting hall of fames or visiting sporting venues.

The nostalgia sports tourist does not need to be actively participating in sport or to be spectating. They may simply want to learn more or to reminisce.

Here are some examples of popular nostalgia sport tourism attractions.

We visited Calgary Olympic Park on travels through Canada with a baby and loved it!

WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park (COP), (formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill) was one of the venues used in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Nowadays, it is open to the general public and iw well known for its ski jumping, bobsleigh and luge.

Whilst we did learn a little bit about the Olympics on our visit here, we actually sent more time on the luge ride than anything else because it was so much fun!

The Maracana is a famous football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium is rich in history and was once the largest stadium in the world.

The stadium was opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup. The venue has seen attendances of 150,000 or more at 26 occasions. Over time terraces were replaced with seating, and after the renovation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Maracana’s original capacity was reduced to 78,838.

Nowadays, it is popular to take a tour to visit the Maracana stadium, like I did when I travelled to Buenos Aires with my friend who is football mad!

The Olympic Village, known in Spanish as La Vila Olímpica del Poblenou is an area in the Sant Martí district of Barcelona, Spain.

The Barcelona Olympic Village was built in the late 1980s and early 1990s in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Barcelona.

Nowadays, visiting the Barcelona Olympic Village is a popular sports tourism activity undertaken by many tourists visiting Barcelona.

Active sports tourism

Active sports tourism is when a person travels to actively participate in their chosen sport, or when they travel for other reasons, but taking part in sport is an important part of their tourism experience.

Active sports tourists can be segregated into three classifications: The amateur sports tourist; the hobbyist sports tourist and the professional sports tourist.

I would say that I would generally come under the first category. I am an amateur (at best!) at every sport I try my hand at. But, I still like to give it a go! I’ve attempted skiing in Argentina, kayaking in Vietnam and surfing in Costa Rica, to name but a few.

Read also: Business tourism: Everything you need to know

My husband, on the other hand, is usually either a hobbyist sports tourist or a professional sports tourist. He plays for badminton and football teams and loves playing a large number of sports in his free time. He is also a former athlete, having competed for Britain as a trampoline gymnast. As part of this role he travelled around the workload for professional sporting competitions. This qualified him as a professional sports tourist.

There are a large number of active sports that a tourist may choose to get involved with around the world. Here are a few that I have experienced on my travels. But there are sooo many other sports that you can get involved in as a sports tourist!

• Diving in the Galapagos
• Swimming at the Great Barrier Reef
• Playing tennis in Morocco
• Learning archery in Spain
• Going running in France
• Cycling in Amsterdam
• Taking yoga classes in Bali
• Learning tai chi in China
• Kayaking in Vietnam
• Sailing in Australia
• Skiing in Argentina
• Surfing in Costa Rica
• Playing baseball in Boston
• Hand gliding in Rio de Janeiro
• Fishing in The Gambia
• Climbing in Thailand
• Horse riding in Equador
• Walking in Jeju

Here are a few active sports tourism examples:

Did I ever tell you that I completed a Tough Mudder Race? This was a BIG achievement!

Tough Mudder is an endurance event. It is a an obstacle course, originally designed for army training. It is a test of the mind and body.

The race is usually between 10-12 miles in length. It includes a number of obstacles, many of which involve mud! The obstacles often play on common human fears, such as fire, water , electricity and heights.

**Buy now: Sport and Tourism – a recommended textbook for sports studies students!**

Common obstacles include:

• Arctic Enema – Participants plunge into a tank filled with ice water, where they must swim under the water and past an obstacle to the other side.
• Electroshock Therapy – This is where participants will run through a pit of mud where electric wires sway in the air. Participants will often get small electric shocks.
• Funky Monkey – Monkey bars over a pit of cold water. The bars are covered with a mixture of butter and mud.
• The birthing canal- A small, confined space that the participant must crawl through. The upper layer is filled with water so it feels like you are being compressed as you crawl through the tunnel.

Of course, you will need to travel to a Tough Mudder venue to be classified a sports tourism, but many people do!

Many people choose to travel to South Korea for martial arts holidays and Taekwondo-themed events. These might be amateur sports tourists, hobbyist sports tourists or professional sports tourists, depending on the level of involvement and activity type.

Portugal is a popular destination for surf holidays. You can go it alone, if you have the skills and ‘know-how’, or you can book a tour. There are a number of tour operator who offer specialised surfing holidays for all levels of sports tourists, ranging from beginner to advanced.

There are several golfing hotspots around the world. One of the most popular places to travel to for a golfing holiday is Florida . With its year-round pleasant weather and large open spaces, Florida welcomes golf tourists from all over the world to play on their first-class golf courses.

There are many parts of Asia that are known for the popularity of yoga. However, done attracts so many tourists as Bali. Bali is famous the world over for offering top quality yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses.

Lastly, it is important to recognise that whilst sport is inherently active , not all those who participate or who are involved with the sport are themselves active. In fact, passive tourists can actually contribute more to the sport than those who are active!

A passive sports tourist is a person who is not actively participating in the sport. They are spectators or fans. Passive sports tourism involves tourists watching sport being played. This could take place at a major sporting event (qualifying this also as sports event tourism), or they could simply be supporting a family member of friend. Most passive sports tourists are fans.

Football, or soccer, is arguably the most well-known and popular sports in the world.

Manchester United is a particularly famous football club. It is estimated by the BBC that Manchester United has a whopping 659million football fans!

I always find is fascinating when I travel to a country that is so different and so far removed from my own, yet the locals are also quick to ask me about Manchester United!

Many sports tourists will follow Manchester United, or which ever football team is their favourite, around the world to watch their games.

Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer. He has many millions of followers, both from the UK and abroad.

Anthony is a two-time unified heavyweight champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles since December 2019, and previously between 2016 and June 2019. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2014 to 2016.

Anthony Joshua participates in fights around the world and is often accompanies by his passive sports tourism supporters.

The British & Irish Lions is a rugby union team selected from players eligible for any of the Home Nations – the national teams of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 

If rugby is your thing and your from Britain or Ireland, then this is a pretty big deal.

The Lions have many thousands of passive sports tourism supporters who cheat them on each match.

Cricket is pretty big in Australia. So big, in fact, that the Australian cricket team has an estimated 24million supporters! Many of these supporters travel with the team around the world as passive sports tourists.

As with any type of tourism , there are a range of benefits and advantages of sports tourism. Whilst the most obvious is perhaps the economic advantage of tourism , there are also positive social impacts as well as environmental impacts . Below I provide some examples:

• Sports encourages tourists to visit the area
• Sports tourism creates economic growth through tourists booking hotel rooms, eating in restaurants and opening money in local shops
• Sports tourism helps to create exposure and enhances a positive image for the local community
• Many sports tourism infrastructures and facilities can also be used by members of the host community
• The development of sports tourism helps to build a sense of community
• Sports tourism has the potential to attract high-yield visitors and repeat visitors
• It can provide opportunity to develop new infrastructure in the area
• The media can help to promote the destination
• Sports tourism can improve overall tourist numbers
• Money made from sports tourism can be reinvested into the local economy
• Sports tourism creates jobs for local people
• Sports tourism which relies on the natural environment may result in better environmental management and preservation

Whilst there are many positive impacts of sports tourism, however, it is also important that there are a number of negative impacts too. Aspects such as environmental degradation when gold courses, employing foreign rather than local people for major sporting events and locals who feel that their cultural norms are being overlooked (such as not covering your shoulders in the Middle East, for example), are just a few example of negative impacts of sports tourism.

It is clear that sports tourism is big business. Whether its events sports tourism, active sports tourism, nostalgic sports tourism or passive sports tourism, there is a huge market for tourists worldwide. However, as with any type of tourism, sports tourism must be carefully managed to ensure that it is sustainable .

For more information on sports tourism, I recommend the texts below;

• Sports Tourism: Participants, Policy and Providers – explains sports tourism as a social, economic and cultural phenomenon that stems from the unique interaction of activity, people and place.
• Sport Tourism Development – a text book covering the growth and development of sport tourism.
• Sport Tourism Destinations: Issues and Analysis – with contributions from international experts, this book looks at the dramatic effects sports tourism has on the economy and future of tourism destinations. 
• Sport and Tourism – This book proposes a groundbreaking theoretical model which explores globalization, mobility and authenticity providing insight into the unique interrelationship that exists in a sport tourism context between activity, people and place.

• Sport + Travel Magazine

What is sports tourism? 

According to a market report by Allied Market Research , the global sports tourism industry was pegged at $323.42bn in 2020. However, it is expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030.

The report revealed that by region, Europe and North America held the largest share in 2020 – accounting for nearly two-fifths of the market, due to the presence of a large population and high participation in sports activities. However, the global sports tourism market across Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR of 17.7% during the forecast period of 2021 to 2030, owing to increase in sports participation and sports event hosting.

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Sports tourism: a fast-growing niche

The sport and travel industries go hand-in-hand. Whether it is fans attending a match or an event, or if it is teams and officials travelling to fixtures or competitions, sports tourism is now a major niche in the travel industry.

It’s not just Fifa World Cups, the Olympics or major events that are driving the sector, but also team travel, school sports and smaller competitions. 

Did you know that the global sports industry is estimated to be worth between US$480bn and US$620bn, according to research by A.T. Kearney . Globally, travel and tourism’s direct contribution to GDP was approximately US$4.7trillion in 2020, according to a report by Statista .

UN Tourism describes sports tourism as “one of the fastest growing sectors” in the travel industry. It also states that international sports tourism is worth US$800bn and accounts for 10% of the world’s tourism industry. 

Here we look at what sports tourism is and an expert’s view on its impact…

The United Nations’s definition 

What UN Tourism said about sports tourism:

“ Sports tourism is a fundamental axis, generating around 10% of the world’s expenditure on tourism. It has an estimated growth rate of 17.5% between 2023-2030, moving masses intra and intercontinentally. Sports tourism can promote social, economic and environmental action, it accelerates development and can leave a long-lasting positive legacy.

“ Sports and Tourism are interrelated and complementary. Today, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism. More and more tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not. Sport events of various kinds and sizes attract tourists as participants or spectators and destinations try to add local flavours to them to distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences. Mega sport events such as the Olympics and World Cups can be a catalyst for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic and social benefits.”

Impact of sports tourism 

Akis Tsolis, CEO of Active Media Group , organisers of the Navarino Challenge and Santorini Experience in Greece, wrote on gtp.gr :

“Aside from the obvious and vast benefits of travel, sports tourism is great for the economy for one simple reason: it generates economic impact through direct spending into a community.  Sports tourism is a rapidly growing niche in the travel/tourism industry. In fact, we at ActiveMedia Group share the belief that it is the fastest growing segment within the travel industry today, generating billions of dollars every year. Sports tourism is a trend that’s not going away and is expected to continue growing.”

The ChatGPT answer to this question…

What is the definition of sports tourism, how does it benefit the economy and what can we expect in the future.

Sports tourism refers to the act of traveling to a destination with the purpose of participating in or watching a sporting event. It involves a wide range of activities, including attending professional sports games, participating in amateur sports tournaments, and visiting sports-related attractions such as museums or stadiums.

Sports tourism can benefit the economy in several ways. Firstly, it generates revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Secondly, it creates employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industries. Thirdly, it attracts investment in sports infrastructure such as stadiums and training facilities, which can benefit the local community beyond the tourism industry. Additionally, sports tourism can help to promote a destination as a sports hub, which can attract further sporting events and opportunities.

In the future, we can expect sports tourism to continue to grow, driven by the increasing popularity of sports and the ease of travel. Technological advancements such as virtual reality may also create new opportunities for sports tourism, allowing fans to experience sporting events remotely. Additionally, as sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor in tourism, sports tourism may shift towards more eco-friendly practices, such as promoting sustainable transportation and reducing waste.

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR

Santorini experience 2024, cricket: icc women’s t20 world cup 2024, uae , navarino challenge 2024, men’s tennis: 2024 atp finals, turin, hiking: highlander adventure, ras al khaimah, uae, privacy overview.

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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Glossary of tourism terms

Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Activity/activities : In tourism statistics, the term activities represent the actions and behaviors of people in preparation for and during a trip in their capacity as consumers ( IRTS 2008, 1.2 ).

Activity (principal): The principal activity of a producer unit is the activity whose value added exceeds that of any other activity carried out within the same unit ( SNA 2008, 5.8 ).

Activity (productive): The (productive) activity carried out by a statistical unit is the type of production in which it engages. It has to be understood as a process, i.e. the combination of actions that result in a certain set of products. The classification of productive activities is determined by their principal output.

Administrative data : Administrative data is the set of units and data derived from an administrative source. This is a data holding information collected and maintained for the purpose of implementing one or more administrative regulations.

Adventure tourism : Adventure tourism is a type of tourism which usually takes place in destinations with specific geographic features and landscape and tends to be associated with a physical activity, cultural exchange, interaction and engagement with nature. This experience may involve some kind of real or perceived risk and may require significant physical and/or mental effort. Adventure tourism generally includes outdoor activities such as mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, rock climbing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, mountain biking, bush walking, scuba diving. Likewise, some indoor adventure tourism activities may also be practiced.

Aggregated data : The result of transforming unit level data into quantitative measures for a set of characteristics of a population.

Aggregation : A process that transforms microdata into aggregate-level information by using an aggregation function such as count, sum average, standard deviation, etc.

Analytical unit : Entity created by statisticians, by splitting or combining observation units with the help of estimations and imputations.

Balance of payments : The balance of payments is a statistical statement that summarizes transactions between residents and non-residents during a period. It consists of the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, the capital account, and the financial account ( BPM6, 2.12 ).

Bias : An effect which deprives a statistical result of representativeness by systematically distorting it, as distinct from a random error which may distort on any one occasion but balances out on the average.

Business and professional purpose (of a tourism trip): The business and professional purpose of a tourism trip includes the activities of the self-employed and employees, as long as they do not correspond to an implicit or explicit employer-employee relationship with a resident producer in the country or place visited, those of investors, businessmen, etc. ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Business tourism : Business tourism is a type of tourism activity in which visitors travel for a specific professional and/or business purpose to a place outside their workplace and residence with the aim of attending a meeting, an activity or an event. The key components of business tourism are meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. The term "meetings industry" within the context of business tourism recognizes the industrial nature of such activities. Business tourism can be combined with any other tourism type during the same trip.

Business visitor : A business visitor is a visitor whose main purpose for a tourism trip corresponds to the business and professional category of purpose ( IRTS 2008, 3.17.2 ).

Central Product Classification : The Central Product Classification (CPC) constitutes a complete product classification covering goods and services. It is intended to serve as an international standard for assembling and tabulating all kinds of data requiring product detail, including industrial production, national accounts, service industries, domestic and foreign commodity trade, international trade in services, balance of payments, consumption and price statistics. Other basic aims are to provide a framework for international comparison and promote harmonization of various types of statistics dealing with goods and services.

Census : A census is the complete enumeration of a population or groups at a point in time with respect to well defined characteristics: for example, Population, Production, Traffic on particular roads.

Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism : Coastal tourism refers to land-based tourism activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing and other coastal leisure, recreation and sports activities which take place on the shore of a sea, lake or river. Proximity to the coast is also a condition for services and facilities that support coastal tourism. Maritime tourism refers to sea-based activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports and includes their respective land-based services and infrastructure. Inland water tourism refers to tourism activities such as cruising, yachting, boating and nautical sports which take place in aquatic- influenced environments located within land boundaries and include lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, groundwater, springs, cave waters and others traditionally grouped as inland wetlands.

Coherence : Adequacy of statistics to be combined in different ways and for various uses.

Competitiveness of a tourism destination : The competitiveness of a tourism destination is the ability of the destination to use its natural, cultural, human, man-made and capital resources efficiently to develop and deliver quality, innovative, ethical and attractive tourism products and services in order to achieve a sustainable growth within its overall vision and strategic goals, increase the added value of the tourism sector, improve and diversify its market components and optimize its attractiveness and benefits both for visitors and the local community in a sustainable perspective.

Consistency : Logical and numerical coherence.

Country of reference : The country of reference refers to the country for which the measurement is done. ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Country of residence : The country of residence of a household is determined according to the centre of predominant economic interest of its members. If a person resides (or intends to reside) for more than one year in a given country and has there his/her centre of economic interest (for example, where the predominant amount of time is spent), he/she is considered as a resident of this country.

Country-specific tourism characteristic products and activities : To be determined by each country by applying the criteria of IRTS 2008, 5.10 in their own context; for these products, the activities producing them will be considered as tourism characteristic, and the industries in which the principal activity is tourism-characteristic will be called tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 5.16 ).

Cultural tourism : Cultural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features of a society that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions.

Data checking : Activity whereby the correctness conditions of the data are verified. It also includes the specification of the type of error or of the condition not met, and the qualification of the data and their division into "error-free data" and "erroneous data".

Data collection : Systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

Data compilation : Operations performed on data to derive new information according to a given set of rules.

Data confrontation : The process of comparing data that has generally been derived from different surveys or other sources, especially those of different frequencies, in order to assess and possibly improve their coherency, and identify the reasons for any differences.

Data processing : Data processing is the operation performed on data by the organization, institute, agency, etc., responsible for undertaking the collection, tabulation, manipulation and preparation of data and metadata output.

Data reconciliation : The process of adjusting data derived from two different sources to remove, or at least reduce, the impact of differences identified.

Destination (main destination of a trip): The main destination of a tourism trip is defined as the place visited that is central to the decision to take the trip. See also purpose of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.31 ).

Destination management / marketing organization (DMO) : A destination management/marketing organization (DMO) is the leading organizational entity which may encompass the various authorities, stakeholders and professionals and facilitates tourism sector partnerships towards a collective destination vision. The governance structures of DMOs vary from a single public authority to a public/ private partnership model with the key role of initiating, coordinating and managing certain activities such as implementation of tourism policies, strategic planning, product development, promotion and marketing and convention bureau activities. The functions of the DMOs may vary from national to regional and local levels depending on the current and potential needs as well as on the decentralization level of public administration. Not every tourism destination has a DMO.

Documentation: Processes and procedures for imputation,  weighting,  confidentiality  and suppression rules, outlier treatment and data capture should be fully documented by the  survey provider.  Such documentation should be made available to at least  the body financing the survey.

Domestic tourism : Domestic tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor within the country of reference, either as part of a domestic tourism trip or part of an outbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Domestic tourism consumption : Domestic tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Domestic tourism expenditure : Domestic tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor within the economy of reference, (IRTS 2008, 4.15(a)).

Domestic tourism trip : A domestic tourism trip is one with a main destination within the country of residence of the visitor (IRTS 2008, 2.32).

Domestic visitor : As a visitor travels within his/her country of residence, he/she is a domestic visitor and his/her activities are part of domestic tourism.

Durable consumer goods : Durable consumer goods are goods that may be used repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more, assuming a normal or average rate of physical usage. When acquired by producers, these are considered to be capital goods used for production processes, as is the case of vehicles, computers, etc. When acquired by households, they are considered to be consumer durable goods ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.39 ). This definition is identical to the definition of SNA 2008, 9.42 : A consumer durable is a goodthat may be used for purposes of consumption repeatedly or continuously over a period of a year or more.

Dwellings : Each household has a principal dwelling (sometimes also designated as main or primary home), usually defined with reference to time spent there, whose location defines the country of residence and place of usual residence of this household and of all its members. All other dwellings (owned or leased by the household) are considered secondary dwellings ( IRTS 2008, 2.26 ).

Ecotourism : Ecotourism is a type of nature-based tourism activity in which the visitor's essential motivation is to observe, learn, discover, experience and appreciate biological and cultural diversity with a responsible attitude to protect the integrity of the ecosystem and enhance the well-being of the local community. Ecotourism increases awareness towards the conservation of biodiversity, natural environment and cultural assets both among locals and the visitors and requires special management processes to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem.

Economic analysis : Tourism generates directly and indirectly an increase in economic activity in the places visited (and beyond), mainly due to demand for goods and services thatneed to be produced and provided. In the economic analysis of tourism, one may distinguish between tourism's 'economic contribution' which refers to the direct effect of tourism and is measurable by means of the TSA, and tourism's 'economic impact' which is a much broader concept encapsulating the direct, indirect and induced effects of tourism and which must be estimated by applying models. Economic impact studies aim to quantify economic benefits, that is, the net increase in the wealth of residents resulting from tourism, measured in monetary terms, over and above the levels that would prevail in its absence.

Economic territory : The term "economic territory" is a geographical reference and points to the country for which the measurement is done (country of reference) ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Economically active population : The economically active population or labour force comprises all persons of either sex who furnish the supply of labour for the production of goods and services as defined by the system of national accounts during a specified time-reference period (ILO, Thirteenth ICLS, 6.18).

Economy (of reference): "Economy" (or "economy of reference") is an economic reference defined in the same way as in the balance of payments and in the system of national accounts: it refers to the economic agents that are resident in the country of reference ( IRTS 2008, 2.15 ).

Education tourism : Education tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation the tourist's engagement and experience in learning, self-improvement, intellectual growth and skills development. Education Tourism represents a broad range of products and services related to academic studies, skill enhancement holidays, school trips, sports training, career development courses and language courses, among others.

Employees : Employees are all those workers who hold the type of job defined as "paid employment" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employer-employee relationship : An employer-employee relationship exists when there is an agreement, which may be formal or informal, between an entity and an individual, normally entered into voluntarily by both parties, whereby the individual works for the entity in return for remuneration in cash or in kind ( BPM6, 11.11 ).

Employers : Employers are those workers who, working on their own account with one or more partners, hold the type of job defined as a "self-employment job" and, in this capacity, on a continuous basis (including the reference period) have engaged one or more persons to work for them in their business as "employee(s)" (ILO, Fifteenth ICLS, pp. 20-22).

Employment : Persons in employment are all persons above a specified age who, during a specified brief period, either one week or one day, were in paid employment or self-employment (OECD GST, p. 170).

Employment in tourism industries : Employment in tourism industries may be measured as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in any of their jobs, as a count of the persons employed in tourism industries in their main job, or as a count of the jobs in tourism industries ( IRTS 2008, 7.9 ).

Enterprise : An enterprise is an institutional unit engaged in production of goods and/or services. It may be a corporation, a non-profit institution, or an unincorporated enterprise. Corporate enterprises and non-profit institutions are complete institutional units. An unincorporated enterprise, however, refers to an institutional unit —a household or government unit —only in its capacity as a producer of goods and services (OECD BD4, p. 232)

Establishment : An establishment is an enterprise, or part of an enterprise, that is situated in a single location and in which only a single productive activity is carried out or in which the principal productive activity accounts for most of the value added ( SNA 2008, 5.14 ).

Estimation : Estimation is concerned with inference about the numerical value of unknown population values from incomplete data such as a sample. If a single figure is calculated for each unknown parameter the process is called "point estimation". If an interval is calculated within which the parameter is likely, in some sense, to lie, the process is called "interval estimation".

Exports of goods and services : Exports of goods and services consist of sales, barter, or gifts or grants, of goods and services from residents to non-residents (OECD GST, p. 194)

Frame : A list, map or other specification of the units which define a population to be completely enumerated or sampled.

Forms of tourism : There are three basic forms of tourism: domestic tourism, inbound tourism, and outbound tourism. These can be combined in various ways to derive the following additional forms of tourism: internal tourism, national tourism and international tourism.

Gastronomy tourism :  Gastronomy tourism is a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor's experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. Along with authentic, traditional, and/or innovative culinary experiences, Gastronomy Tourism may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes. Eno-tourism (wine tourism), as a sub-type of gastronomy tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards, wineries, tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.

Goods : Goods are physical, produced objects for which a demand exists, over which ownership rights can be established and whose ownership can be transferred from one institutional unit to another by engaging in transactions on markets ( SNA 2008, p. 623 ).

Gross fixed capital formation : Gross fixed capital formation is defined as the value of institutional units' acquisitions less disposals of fixed assets. Fixed assets are produced assets (such as machinery, equipment, buildings or other structures) that are used repeatedly or continuously in production over several accounting periods (more than one year) ( SNA 2008, 1.52 ).

Gross margin : The gross margin of a provider of reservation services is the difference between the value at which the intermediated service is sold and the value accrued to the provider of reservation services for this intermediated service.

Gross value added : Gross value added is the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 3.32 ).

Gross value added of tourism industries : Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI) is the total gross value added of all establishments belonging to tourism industries, regardless of whether all their output is provided to visitors and the degree of specialization of their production process ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.86 ).

Grossing up : Activity aimed at transforming, based on statistical methodology, micro-data from samples into aggregate-level information representative of the target population.

Health tourism : Health tourism covers those types of tourism which have as a primary motivation, the contribution to physical, mental and/or spiritual health through medical and wellness-based activities which increase the capacity of individuals to satisfy their own needs and function better as individuals in their environment and society. Health tourism is the umbrella term for the subtypes wellness tourism and medical tourism.

Imputation : Procedure for entering a value for a specific data item where the response is missing or unusable.

Inbound tourism : Inbound tourism comprises the activities of a non-resident visitor within the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39 ).

Inbound tourism consumption : Inbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Inbound tourism expenditure : Inbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a non-resident visitor within the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(b) ).

Innovation in tourism : Innovation in tourism is the introduction of a new or improved component which intends to bring tangible and intangible benefits to tourism stakeholders and the local community, improve the value of the tourism experience and the core competencies of the tourism sector and hence enhance tourism competitiveness and /or sustainability. Innovation in tourism may cover potential areas, such as tourism destinations, tourism products, technology, processes, organizations and business models, skills, architecture, services, tools and/or practices for management, marketing, communication, operation, quality assurance and pricing.

Institutional sector : An aggregation of institutional units on the basis of the type of producer and depending on their principal activity and function, which are considered to be indicative of their economic behaviour.

Institutional unit : The elementary economic decision-making centre characterised by uniformity of behaviour and decision-making autonomy in the exercise of its principal function.

Intermediate consumption : Intermediate consumption consists of the value of the goods and services consumed as inputs by a process of production, excluding fixed assets whose consumption is recorded as consumption of fixed capital ( SNA 2008, 6.213 ).

Internal tourism : Internal tourism comprises domestic tourism and inbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident and non-resident visitors within the country of reference as part of domestic or international tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(a) ).

Internal tourism consumption : Internal tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of both resident and non-resident visitors within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and inbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Internal tourism expenditure : Internal tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of visitors, both resident and non-resident, within the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and inbound tourism expenditure. It includes acquisition of goods and services imported into the country of reference and sold to visitors. This indicator provides the most comprehensive measurement of tourism expenditure in the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(a) ).

International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities : The International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) consists of a coherent and consistent classification structure of economic activities based on a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, principles and classification rules. It provides a comprehensive framework within which economic data can be collected and reported in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking. The classification structure represents a standard format to organize detailed information about the state of an economy according to economic principles and perceptions (ISIC, Rev.4, 1).

International tourism : International tourism comprises inbound tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips and the activities of non-resident visitors within the country of reference on inbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(c) ).

International visitor : An international traveller qualifies as an international visitor with respect to the country of reference if: (a) he/she is on a tourism trip and (b) he/she is a non-resident travelling in the country of reference or a resident travelling outside of it ( IRTS 2008, 2.42 ).

Job : The agreement between an employee and the employer defines a job and each self-employed person has a job ( SNA 2008, 19.30 ).

Measurement error : Error in reading, calculating or recording numerical value.

Medical tourism : Medical tourism is a type of tourism activity which involves the use of evidence-based medical healing resources and services (both invasive and non-invasive). This may include diagnosis, treatment, cure, prevention and rehabilitation.

Meetings industry : To highlight purposes relevant to the meetings industry, if a trip's main purpose is business/professional, it can be further subdivided into "attending meetings, conferences or congresses, trade fairs and exhibitions" and "other business and professional purposes". The term meetings industry is preferred by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Reed Travel over the acronym MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) which does not recognize the industrial nature of such activities.

Metadata : Data that defines and describes other data and processes.

MICE : See meetings industry.

Microdata : Non-aggregated observations, or measurements of characteristics of individual units.

Mirror statistics : Mirror statistics are used to conduct bilateral comparisons of two basic measures of a trade flow and are a traditional tool for detecting the causes of asymmetries in statistics (OECD GST, p. 335).

Mountain tourism : Mountain tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. It encompasses a broad range of outdoor leisure and sports activities.

National tourism : National tourism comprises domestic tourism and outbound tourism, that is to say, the activities of resident visitors within and outside the country of reference, either as part of domestic or outbound tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.40(b) ).

National tourism consumption : National tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of resident visitors, within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism consumption and outbound tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

National tourism expenditure : National tourism expenditure comprises all tourism expenditure of resident visitors within and outside the economy of reference. It is the sum of domestic tourism expenditure and outbound tourism expenditure ( IRTS 2008, 4.20(b) ).

Nationality : The concept of "country of residence" of a traveller is different from that of his/her nationality or citizenship ( IRTS 2008, 2.19 ).

Non-monetary indicators : Data measured in physical or other non-monetary units should not be considered a secondary part of a satellite account. They are essential components, both for the information they provide directly and in order to analyse the monetary data adequately ( SNA 2008, 29.84 ).

Observation unit : entity on which information is received and statistics are compiled.

Outbound tourism : Outbound tourism comprises the activities of a resident visitor outside the country of reference, either as part of an outbound tourism trip or as part of a domestic tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.39(c) ).

Outbound tourism consumption : Outbound tourism consumption is the tourism consumption of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( TSA:RMF 2008, figure 2.1 ).

Outbound tourism expenditure : Outbound tourism expenditure is the tourism expenditure of a resident visitor outside the economy of reference ( IRTS 2008, 4.15(c) ).

Output : Output is defined as the goods and services produced by an establishment, a) excluding the value of any goods and services used in an activity for which the establishment does not assume the risk of using the products in production, and b) excluding the value of goods and services consumed by the same establishment except for goods and services used for capital formation (fixed capital or changes in inventories) or own final consumption ( SNA 2008, 6.89 ).

Output (main): The main output of a (productive) activity should be determined by reference to the value added of the goods sold or services rendered (ISIC rev.4, 114).

Pilot survey : The aim of a pilot survey is to test the questionnaire (pertinence of the questions, understanding of questions by those being interviewed, duration of the interview) and to check various potential sources for sampling and non-sampling errors: for instance, the place in which the surveys are carried out and the method used, the identification of any omitted answers and the reason for the omission, problems of communicating in various languages, translation, the mechanics of data collection, the organization of field work, etc.

Place of usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides, and is defined by the location of his/her principal dwelling (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.20 to 2.24).

Probability sample : A sample selected by a method based on the theory of probability (random process), that is, by a method involving knowledge of the likelihood of any unit being selected.

Production account : The production account records the activity of producing goods and services as defined within the SNA. Its balancing item, gross value added, is defined as the value of output less the value of intermediate consumption and is a measure of the contribution to GDP made by an individual producer, industry or sector. Gross value added is the source from which the primary incomes of the SNA are generated and is therefore carried forward into the primary distribution of income account. Value added and GDP may also be measured net by deducting consumption of fixed capital, a figure representing the decline in value during the period of the fixed capital used in a production process ( SNA 2008, 1.17 ).

Production : Economic production may be defined as an activity carried out under the control and responsibility of an institutional unit that uses inputs of labour, capital, and goods and services to produce outputs of goods or services ( SNA 2008, 6.24. ).

Purpose of a tourism trip (main): The main purpose of a tourism trip is defined as the purpose in the absence of which the trip would not have taken place ( IRTS 2008, 3.10. ). Classification of tourism trips according to the main purpose refers to nine categories: this typology allows the identification of different subsets of visitors (business visitors, transit visitors, etc.) See also destination of a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 3.14 ).

Quality of a tourism destination : Quality of a tourism destination is the result of a process which implies the satisfaction of all tourism product and service needs, requirements and expectations of the consumer at an acceptable price, in conformity with mutually accepted contractual conditions and the implicit underlying factors such as safety and security, hygiene, accessibility, communication, infrastructure and public amenities and services. It also involves aspects of ethics, transparency and respect towards the human, natural and cultural environment. Quality, as one of the key drivers of tourism competitiveness, is also a professional tool for organizational, operational and perception purposes for tourism suppliers.

Questionnaire and Questionnaire design : Questionnaire is a group or sequence of questions designed to elicit information on a subject, or sequence of subjects, from a reporting unit or from another producer of official statistics. Questionnaire design is the design (text, order, and conditions for skipping) of the questions used to obtain the data needed for the survey.

Reference period : The period of time or point in time to which the measured observation is intended to refer.

Relevance : The degree to which statistics meet current and potential users' needs.

Reliability : Closeness of the initial estimated value to the subsequent estimated value.

Reporting unit : Unit that supplies the data for a given survey instance, like a questionnaire or interview. Reporting units may, or may not, be the same as the observation unit.

Residents/non-residents : The residents of a country are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located in its economic territory. For a country, the non-residents are individuals whose centre of predominant economic interest is located outside its economic territory.

Response and non-response : Response and non-response to various elements of a survey entail potential errors.

Response error : Response errors may be defined as those arising from the interviewing process. Such errors may be due to a number of circumstances, such as inadequate concepts or questions; inadequate training; interviewer failures; respondent failures.

Rural tourism : Rural tourism is a type of tourism activity in which the visitor's experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing. Rural tourism activities take place in non-urban (rural) areas with the following characteristics:

• Low population density;
• Landscape and land-use dominated by agriculture and forestry; and
• Traditional social structure and lifestyle

Same-day visitor (or excursionist): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Sample : A subset of a frame where elements are selected based on a process with a known probability of selection.

Sample survey : A survey which is carried out using a sampling method.

Sampling error : That part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.

Satellite accounts : There are two types of satellite accounts, serving two different functions. The first type, sometimes called an internal satellite, takes the full set of accounting rules and conventions of the SNA but focuses on a particular aspect of interest by moving away from the standard classifications and hierarchies. Examples are tourism, coffee production and environmental protection expenditure. The second type, called an external satellite, may add non-economic data or vary some of the accounting conventions or both. It is a particularly suitable way to explore new areas in a research context. An example may be the role of volunteer labour in the economy ( SNA 2008, 29.85 ).

SDMX, Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange : Set of technical standards and content-oriented guidelines, together with an IT architecture and tools, to be used for the efficient exchange and sharing of statistical data and metadata (SDMX).

Seasonal adjustment : Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique to remove the effects of seasonal calendar influences on a series. Seasonal effects usually reflect the influence of the seasons themselves, either directly or through production series related to them, or social conventions. Other types of calendar variation occur as a result of influences such as number of days in the calendar period, the accounting or recording practices adopted or the incidence of moving holidays.

Self-employment job : Self-employment jobs are those jobs where remuneration is directly dependent upon the profits (or the potential of profits) derived from the goods or services produced.

Self-employed with paid employees : Self-employed with paid employees are classified as employers.

Self-employed without employees : Self-employed without employees are classified as own-account workers.

Services : Services are the result of a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units, or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets. They cannot be traded separately from their production. By the time their production is completed, they must have been provided to the consumers ( SNA 2008, 6.17 ).

Social transfers in kind : A special case of transfers in kind is that of social transfers in kind. These consist of goods and services provided by general government and non-profit institutions serving households (NPISHs) that are delivered to individual households. Health and education services are the prime examples. Rather than provide a specified amount of money to be used to purchase medical and educational services, the services are often provided in kind to make sure that the need for the services is met. (Sometimes the recipient purchases the service and is reimbursed by the insurance or assistance scheme. Such a transaction is still treated as being in kind because the recipient is merely acting as the agent of the insurance scheme) (SNA 2008, 3.83).

Sports tourism : Sports tourism is a type of tourism activity which refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

Standard classification : Classifications that follow prescribed rules and are generally recommended and accepted.

Statistical error : The unknown difference between the retained value and the true value.

Statistical indicator : A data element that represents statistical data for a specified time, place, and other characteristics, and is corrected for at least one dimension (usually size) to allow for meaningful comparisons.

Statistical metadata : Data about statistical data.

Statistical unit : Entity about which information is sought and about which statistics are compiled. Statistical units may be identifiable legal or physical entities or statistical constructs.

Survey : An investigation about the characteristics of a given population by means of collecting data from a sample of that population and estimating their characteristics through the systematic use of statistical methodology.

System of National Accounts : The System of National Accounts (SNA) is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity in accordance with strict accounting conventions based on economic principles. The recommendations are expressed in terms of a set of concepts, definitions, classifications and accounting rules that comprise the internationally agreed standard for measuring indicators of economic performance. The accounting framework of the SNA allows economic data to be compiled and presented in a format that is designed for purposes of economic analysis, decision-taking and policymaking ( SNA 2008, 1.1 ).

Total tourism internal demand : Total tourism internal demand, is the sum of internal tourism consumption, tourism gross fixed capital formation and tourism collective consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.114 ). It does not include outbound tourism consumption.

Tourism : Tourism refers to the activity of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ).

Tourism characteristic activities : Tourism characteristic activities are the activities that typically produce tourism characteristic products. As the industrial origin of a product (the ISIC industry that produces it) is not a criterion for the aggregation of products within a similar CPC category, there is no strict one-to-one relationship between products and the industries producing them as their principal outputs ( IRTS 2008, 5.11 ).

Tourism characteristic products : Tourism characteristic products are those that satisfy one or both of the following criteria: a) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share total tourism expenditure (share-of-expenditure/demand condition); b) Tourism expenditure on the product should represent a significant share of the supply of the product in the economy (share-of-supply condition). This criterion implies that the supply of a tourism characteristic product would cease to exist in meaningful quantity in the absence of visitors ( IRTS 2008, 5.10 ).

Tourism connected products : Their significance within tourism analysis for the economy of reference is recognized although their link to tourism is very limited worldwide. Consequently, lists of such products will be country-specific ( IRTS 2008, 5.12 ).

Tourism consumption : Tourism consumption has the same formal definition as tourism expenditure. Nevertheless, the concept of tourism consumption used in the Tourism Satellite Account goes beyond that of tourism expenditure. Besides the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips, which corresponds to monetary transactions (the focus of tourism expenditure), it also includes services associated with vacation accommodation on own account, tourism social transfers in kind and other imputed consumption. These transactions need to be estimated using sources different from information collected directly from the visitors, such as reports on home exchanges, estimations of rents associated with vacation homes, calculations of financial intermediation services indirectly measured (FISIM), etc. ( TSA:RMF 2008, 2.25 ).

Tourism destination : A tourism destination is a physical space with or without administrative and/or analytical boundaries in which a visitor can spend an overnight. It is the cluster (co-location) of products and services, and of activities and experiences along the tourism value chain and a basic unit of analysis of tourism. A destination incorporates various stakeholders and can network to form larger destinations. It is also intangible with its image and identity which may influence its market competitiveness.

Tourism direct gross domestic product : Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) is the sum of the part of gross value added (at basic prices) generated by all industries in response to internal tourism consumption plus the amount of net taxes on products and imports included within the value of this expenditure at purchasers' prices ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.96 ).

Tourism direct gross value added : Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) is the part of gross value added generated by tourism industries and other industries of the economy that directly serve visitors in response to internal tourism consumption ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.88 ).

Tourism expenditure : Tourism expenditure refers to the amount paid for the acquisition of consumption goods and services, as well as valuables, for own use or to give away, for and during tourism trips. It includes expenditures by visitors themselves, as well as expenses that are paid for or reimbursed by others ( IRTS 2008, 4.2 ).

Tourism industries : The tourism industries comprise all establishments for which the principal activity is a tourism characteristic activity. Tourism industries (also referred to as tourism activities) are the activities that typically producetourism characteristic products. The term tourism industries is equivalent to tourism characteristic activities and the two terms are sometimes used synonymously in the IRTS 2008, 5.10, 5.11 and figure 5.1 .

Tourism product : A tourism product is a combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions, facilities, services and activities around a specific center of interest which represents the core of the destination marketing mix and creates an overall visitor experience including emotional aspects for the potential customers. A tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels and it has a life-cycle.

Tourism ratio : For each variable of supply in the Tourism Satellite Account, the tourism ratiois the ratio between the total value of tourism share and total value of the corresponding variable in the Tourism Satellite Account expressed in percentage form ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.56 ). (See also Tourism share).

Tourism Satellite Account : The Tourism Satellite Account is the second international standard on tourism statistics (Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008 –TSA:RMF 2008) that has been developed in order to present economic data relative to tourism within a framework of internal and external consistency with the rest of the statistical system through its link to the System of National Accounts. It is the basic reconciliation framework of tourism statistics. As a statistical tool for the economic accounting of tourism, the TSA can be seen as a set of 10 summary tables, each with their underlying data and representing a different aspect of the economic data relative to tourism: inbound, domestic tourism and outbound tourism expenditure, internal tourism expenditure, production accounts of tourism industries, the Gross Value Added (GVA) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) attributable to tourism demand, employment, investment, government consumption, and non-monetary indicators.

Tourism Satellite Account aggregates : The compilation of the following aggregates, which represent a set of relevant indicators of the size of tourism in an economy is recommended ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.81 ):

• Internal tourism expenditure;
• Internal tourism consumption;
• Gross value added of tourism industries (GVATI);
• Tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA);
• Tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP).

Tourism sector : The tourism sector, as contemplated in the TSA, is the cluster of production units in different industries that provide consumption goods and services demanded by visitors. Such industries are called tourism industries because visitor acquisition represents such a significant share of their supply that, in the absence of visitors, their production of these would cease to exist in meaningful quantity.

Tourism share : Tourism share is the share of the corresponding fraction of internal tourism consumption in each component of supply ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.51 ). For each industry, the tourism share of output (in value), is the sum of the tourism share corresponding to each product component of its output ( TSA:RMF 2008, 4.55 ). (See also Tourism ratio ).

Tourism single-purpose consumer durable goods : Tourism single-purpose consumer durables is a specific category of consumer durable goods that include durable goods that are used exclusively, or almost exclusively, by individuals while on tourism trips ( TSA:RMF 2008 , 2.41 and Annex 5 ).

Tourism trip : Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips ( IRTS 2008, 2.29 ).

Tourist (or overnight visitor): A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Tourism value chain : The tourism value chain is the sequence of primary and support activities which are strategically fundamental for the performance of the tourism sector. Linked processes such as policy making and integrated planning, product development and packaging, promotion and marketing, distribution and sales and destination operations and services are the key primary activities of the tourism value chain. Support activities involve transport and infrastructure, human resource development, technology and systems development and other complementary goods and services which may not be related to core tourism businesses but have a high impact on the value of tourism.

Travel / traveller : Travel refers to the activity of travellers. A traveller is someone who moves between different geographic locations, for any purpose and any duration ( IRTS 2008, 2.4 ). The visitor is a particular type of traveller and consequently tourism is a subset of travel.

Travel group : A travel group is made up of individuals or travel parties travelling together: examples are people travelling on the same package tour or youngsters attending a summer camp ( IRTS 2008, 3.5 ).

Travel item (in balance of payments): Travel is an item of the goods and services account of the balance of payments: travel credits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from an economy by non-residents during visits to that economy. Travel debits cover goods and services for own use or to give away acquired from other economies by residents during visits to other economies ( BPM6, 10.86 ).

Travel party : A travel party is defined as visitors travelling together on a trip and whose expenditures are pooled ( IRTS 2008, 3.2 ).

Trip : A trip refers to the travel by a person from the time of departure from his/her usual residence until he/she returns: it thus refers to a round trip. Trips taken by visitors are tourism trips.

Urban/city tourism : Urban/city tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business.

Usual environment: The usual environment of an individual, a key concept in tourism, is defined as the geographical area (though not necessarily a contiguous one) within which an individual conducts his/her regular life routines ( IRTS 2008, 2.21 ).

Usual residence : The place of usual residence is the geographical place where the enumerated person usually resides (Principles and recommendations for population and housing censuses of the United Nations, 2.16 to 2.18).

Vacation home : A vacation home (sometimes also designated as a holiday home) is a secondary dwelling that is visited by the members of the household mostly for purposes of recreation, vacation or any other form of leisure ( IRTS 2008, 2.27 ).

Valuables : Valuables are produced goods of considerable value that are not used primarily for purposes of production or consumption but are held as stores of value over time ( SNA 2008, 10.13 ).

Visit : A trip is made up of visits to different places.The term "tourism visit" refers to a stay in a place visited during a tourism trip ( IRTS 2008, 2.7 and 2.33 ).

Visitor : A visitor is a traveller taking a trip to a main destination outside his/her usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose (business, leisure or other personal purpose) other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country or place visited ( IRTS 2008, 2.9 ). A visitor (domestic, inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist (or overnight visitor), if his/her trip includes an overnight stay, or as a same-day visitor (or excursionist) otherwise ( IRTS 2008, 2.13 ).

Wellness tourism : Wellness tourism is a type of tourism activity which aims to improve and balance all of the main domains of human life including physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual and spiritual. The primary motivation for the wellness tourist is to engage in preventive, proactive, lifestyle-enhancing activities such as fitness, healthy eating, relaxation, pampering and healing treatments.

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What Is Sport Tourism

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Donnamarie Chaudhry

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of sport tourism! Whether you are a sports enthusiast looking to combine your love for sports with travel, or a travel lover seeking unique experiences, sport tourism is the perfect blend of these two passions. This emerging trend in the travel industry has gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting millions of tourists worldwide.

Sport tourism refers to the act of traveling to different destinations to witness or participate in various sporting events. It offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals to explore different cultures, interact with fellow sports fans, and engage in thrilling sports activities. From cheering on your favorite team at a major sporting event to embarking on an adventure-filled skiing trip, sport tourism offers a wide range of experiences for travelers of all ages and interests.

The concept of sport tourism has evolved significantly over time. In the past, sports events predominantly attracted local spectators, but now they have become international spectacles that draw crowds from all corners of the globe. With the advancements in transportation, communication, and media coverage, sports events have transcended geographical boundaries, turning into global phenomena.

Sport tourism can be classified into different types, including spectator sport tourism, active sport tourism, and event sport tourism. Each type offers a unique experience and caters to different preferences. Whether you want to watch a thrilling football match at a renowned stadium, participate in a marathon in an exotic location, or witness a world championship in your favorite sport, there is sport tourism option for everyone.

One of the main reasons behind the popularity of sport tourism is the countless benefits it brings to both the travelers and the destinations. For travelers, it provides an opportunity to indulge in their passion for sports, create lifelong memories, and explore new destinations. On the other hand, sport tourism injects significant economic benefits into the host destinations, boosting local businesses, supporting job creation, and showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

However, like any other industry, sport tourism also faces its own set of challenges. Sustainable management of sports events, infrastructure development, and maintaining the balance between tourism and the environment are just a few of the challenges that need to be addressed. Nevertheless, the potential and growth of sport tourism make it an exciting and promising niche in the travel industry.

In the following sections, we will explore the different types of sport tourism, delve into the benefits and challenges it presents, and highlight some of the major sport tourism destinations around the world. So, tighten your shoelaces, put on your favorite team jersey, and join us on this thrilling journey through the world of sport tourism.

Definition of Sport Tourism

Sport tourism can be defined as the intersection of sports and travel, where individuals travel to different destinations to either participate in or spectate various sporting events. It encompasses a wide array of activities, ranging from attending major sporting events like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or Wimbledon, to engaging in sports-related adventures such as skiing, golfing, surfing, or trekking.

At its core, sport tourism revolves around the passion for sports and the desire to explore new destinations. It provides a platform for sports enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the excitement and energy of sporting events while also experiencing the cultural, social, and natural aspects of the host location.

There are several key elements that contribute to the essence of sport tourism:

• Sports Events: Sport tourism revolves around participating in or spectating various sports events. These events can range from local tournaments to international championships, drawing participants and spectators from around the world.
• Destination: Sport tourism involves traveling to different destinations to engage in sports-related activities. These destinations can be renowned sporting cities, such as Barcelona or Rio de Janeiro, or even remote locations famous for specific sports, like Chamonix for skiing or Hawaii for surfing.
• Cultural Exchange: Sport tourism provides an opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures and interact with fellow sports enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. It allows for the exchange of ideas, traditions, and experiences, creating memorable and enriching encounters.
• Adventure and Recreation: Sport tourism is not limited to watching or participating in sports events but also includes engaging in adventure sports and recreational activities. This can involve adrenaline-filled adventures like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or rock climbing, as well as more leisurely activities like golfing or fishing.
• Social Connection: Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering camaraderie, and building social bonds. Sport tourism provides a platform for individuals to connect with like-minded individuals who share a common passion for sports.

Overall, sport tourism offers unforgettable experiences for both participants and spectators. It combines the excitement of sports with the allure of travel, providing a holistic and immersive experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are showcasing your skills on the field, cheering for your favorite team, or exploring new destinations through sports-related adventures, sport tourism is a remarkable way to combine two passions into one extraordinary journey.

Evolution of Sport Tourism

The evolution of sport tourism can be traced back to ancient times, where sports events and competitions were held as a form of entertainment and cultural expression. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans organized athletic competitions, including the Olympic Games and the Gladiator Games, which attracted spectators from far and wide.

However, sport tourism as we know it today began to take shape in the early 20th century. With advancements in transportation and communication, sports events started to attract larger audiences, including travelers from different regions. The creation of international sporting organizations like FIFA and the International Olympic Committee further accelerated the globalization of sports and the rise of sport tourism.

The advent of mass media, particularly television and later the internet, played a vital role in the growth of sport tourism. Broadcast coverage allowed fans worldwide to witness sporting events in real-time, creating a sense of excitement and engagement. Viewers became inspired to experience the thrill of live events for themselves, leading to an increase in tourism related to sports.

In the latter part of the 20th century, sport tourism began to diversify, with a wide range of sports events and activities catering to different interests. Traditional sports such as football, basketball, and tennis continued to attract large crowds, while niche sports like surfing, extreme sports, and endurance races gained popularity among adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences.

The hosting of major global sporting events became a catalyst for the growth of sport tourism. Events like the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and Formula One races bring together athletes and fans from around the world, creating a surge in tourism and economic opportunities for the host cities and countries.

As the concept of wellness and health promotion gained traction, sports-related activities focused on well-being and fitness became an integral part of sport tourism. People now seek destinations that offer opportunities to engage in activities like yoga retreats, hiking, cycling, and golf, combining physical activity with leisure and relaxation.

Technology has also played a significant role in shaping the evolution of sport tourism. Online ticketing platforms, travel booking websites, and social media have made it easier for sports fans to plan and book their sport-related trips. These platforms provide information about upcoming events, accommodations, transport options, and even connect fans with like-minded individuals.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable sport tourism. Host cities and event organizers are now focusing on minimizing environmental impact, promoting local culture and heritage, and investing in community development. This responsible approach ensures that sport tourism contributes to the long-term well-being of both the destination and its residents.

Overall, the evolution of sport tourism has transformed the way people engage with sports and travel. From ancient athletic competitions to the globalization of sports events, and the rise of adventure and wellness-focused experiences, sport tourism continues to evolve and captivate the imagination of travelers worldwide.

Types of Sport Tourism

Sport tourism encompasses a wide variety of experiences, catering to different interests and preferences. Here are the main types of sport tourism:

• Spectator Sport Tourism: This type of sport tourism involves traveling to watch and cheer on athletes participating in various sports events. It can range from attending local matches or tournaments to witnessing major international championships like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or Wimbledon. Spectator sport tourism allows fans to experience the electrifying atmosphere of live sports while being immersed in the culture and excitement of the host destination.
• Active Sport Tourism: Active sport tourism is for those who prefer to participate in sports-related activities themselves. It offers opportunities to engage in physical activities such as skiing, snowboarding, surfing, hiking, golfing, cycling, and more. Active sport tourism allows travelers to explore destinations while pursuing their favorite sports, embracing adventure, and enjoying the thrill of physical activity in picturesque surroundings.
• Event Sport Tourism: Event sport tourism revolves around attending specific sports events or tournaments. This can include international competitions, championships, marathons, motor races, and other sports-related events. Event sport tourism provides a chance for individuals to witness top athletes in action, experience the intensity of competition, and be part of the excitement surrounding these events.
• Health and Wellness Sport Tourism: This type of sport tourism focuses on activities that promote health, fitness, and well-being. It includes fitness retreats, yoga or meditation retreats, wellness resorts, and destinations that offer spa and wellness facilities. Health and wellness sport tourism provides a rejuvenating experience, combining physical activity with relaxation and self-care.
• Adventure Sport Tourism: Adventure sport tourism is for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers. It involves engaging in high-energy and extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, and more. Travelers who enjoy adrenaline-packed experiences seek out destinations that offer adventure sports, providing an unforgettable and invigorating experience.

It’s important to note that these types of sport tourism are not mutually exclusive, and travelers may choose to engage in multiple types during a single trip. For example, attending a sporting event as a spectator and also participating in an active sport activity or exploring the health and wellness offerings in the host destination.

Each type of sport tourism offers its own unique experience, allowing travelers to fulfill their passion for sports while exploring new destinations and immersing themselves in the local culture. Whether you prefer the excitement of watching intense matches, the thrill of participating in physical activities, or the serenity of wellness-oriented experiences, there is a type of sport tourism to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences.

Benefits of Sport Tourism

Sport tourism brings a multitude of benefits, both for the travelers and the destinations, making it a compelling and rewarding experience for all involved. Here are some of the key benefits of sport tourism:

• Economic Impact: Sport tourism injects significant economic benefits into host destinations. Major sporting events attract large numbers of spectators, resulting in increased spending on accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, shopping, and local attractions. This boost in tourism expenditure stimulates local businesses, generates employment opportunities, and contributes to the overall economic growth of the host region.
• Community Development: Sport tourism has the potential to foster community development, especially in smaller or lesser-known destinations. Hosting sports events or attracting sports-related activities can revitalize local infrastructure, generate investment, and create job opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, event management, and transportation. Additionally, community involvement in sporting events can promote a sense of pride and unity among residents.
• Cultural Exchange: Sport tourism provides a platform for cultural exchange and interaction between travelers and local communities. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions, customs, and values of the host destination through sports-related experiences. This promotes cross-cultural understanding, enhances tolerance, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the world we live in.
• Promotion of Active and Healthy Lifestyles: Engaging in sports and physical activities during sport tourism promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. Participating in sports events, adventure activities, or wellness-focused experiences encourages travelers to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. This can lead to long-term health benefits and inspire individuals to incorporate regular exercise into their everyday lives.
• Tourism Diversification: Sport tourism offers destinations an opportunity to diversify their tourism offerings. By hosting and promoting sports events or developing sports-related infrastructure, destinations can attract a different segment of travelers who may have specific interests and preferences. This diversification helps reduce reliance on conventional forms of tourism, allowing destinations to tap into a niche market and differentiate themselves from competitors.
• Promotion of Sustainability: Sustainable practices are increasingly being adopted in sport tourism. Host cities and event organizers are placing greater emphasis on minimizing environmental impact, promoting eco-friendly travel options, and supporting local communities. Sustainable sport tourism ensures that the natural and cultural heritage of a destination is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In addition to these benefits, sport tourism also offers personal rewards for travelers. It allows sports enthusiasts to indulge in their passion, create lifelong memories, and experience the thrill of live events. It provides opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a sense of accomplishment through challenge and adventure.

Whether it’s the economic boost for the host destination, the promotion of active lifestyles, the cultural exchange between travelers and locals, or the personal fulfillment of sports enthusiasts, sport tourism offers a myriad of benefits that make it an enticing and enriching experience for all involved.

Challenges in Sport Tourism

While sport tourism offers numerous benefits, it is not without its share of challenges. These challenges must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure the sustainability and success of sport tourism experiences. Here are some of the main challenges faced in sport tourism:

• Sustainable Event Management: Hosting large-scale sports events requires careful planning and sustainable management practices. This involves minimizing the environmental impact of events, ensuring efficient use of resources, and addressing waste management and pollution concerns. Event organizers must work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to implement sustainable practices and mitigate any adverse effects on the natural and cultural environment.
• Infrastructure Development: Hosting major sporting events typically requires substantial investment in infrastructure development. This includes the construction or renovation of stadiums, arenas, hotels, transportation networks, and other facilities necessary to accommodate participants and spectators. The challenge lies in balancing the need for infrastructure development with responsible and strategic planning to avoid overdevelopment or underutilization of resources after the event.
• Social Impact: The influx of tourists during sporting events can put a strain on local communities, especially in smaller destinations. Issues such as overcrowding, increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and a sudden rise in demand for local services can negatively impact the quality of life for residents. It is crucial for destinations to carefully manage the social impact of sport tourism and ensure that the benefits are shared equitably among local communities.
• Financial Considerations: The cost of hosting major sporting events can be prohibitively high for some destinations. Initial investments in infrastructure, marketing, and event organization can be a considerable financial burden. Additionally, smaller destinations may struggle to attract sponsors or secure funding for hosting events. Prime consideration must be given to financial planning and ensuring the long-term viability and return on investment for host destinations.
• Legacy Planning: One of the challenges in sport tourism is ensuring a lasting legacy beyond the event itself. Host destinations must have a clear plan for utilizing sports facilities and infrastructure after the event concludes. Repurposing venues for other sports events, converting them into community assets, or integrating them into the broader tourism infrastructure are crucial to ensure sustainability and continued benefits for the local community.
• Balancing Tourism and Environment: With the rise in popularity of sport tourism, striking a balance between tourism and the protection of the environment becomes paramount. Ensuring that sports activities and events do not negatively impact sensitive ecosystems, wildlife habitats, or cultural heritage sites requires careful planning, regulations, and visitor education.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between governments, local communities, event organizers, and tourism stakeholders. Sustainable management practices, proactive planning, responsible tourism policies, and community engagement are vital to overcome these obstacles and maximize the positive impacts of sport tourism.

By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, the potential of sport tourism can be harnessed to create sustainable and inclusive experiences that benefit both the host destination and the travelers who seek the excitement and joy that sports have to offer.

Major Sport Tourism Destinations

When it comes to sport tourism, there are numerous destinations around the world that attract travelers with their rich sports culture and offerings. These destinations are renowned for hosting major sporting events, offering world-class facilities, and providing unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the major sport tourism destinations:

• Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona is a hub for sport tourism, offering a diverse range of sporting experiences. It is home to FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most iconic football clubs, and has hosted major international events like the Olympic Games. Visitors can explore the magnificent Camp Nou stadium, visit the Olympic Park, or enjoy water sports along the city’s beautiful coastline.
• Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne is known as the sporting capital of Australia. It hosts renowned events like the Australian Open, Formula One Australian Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup horse race. The city boasts impressive sporting facilities, including the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and offers opportunities for tennis, golf, surfing, and more.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro is famous for its vibrant sports culture and natural beauty. It hosted the 2016 Olympic Games and is home to iconic landmarks like the Maracanã Stadium, where football matches showcase the nation’s passion for the sport. Visitors can also enjoy beach volleyball, surfing, and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
• Aspen, Colorado, USA: Aspen is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. It offers world-class ski resorts and facilities, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. The annual X Games, featuring extreme winter sports, also takes place in Aspen, adding to its appeal for adrenaline-seekers.
• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo has a deep-rooted sports culture and will host the rescheduled 2020 Olympic Games. The city offers a range of sporting experiences, from watching sumo wrestling tournaments to attending baseball games or exploring modern sports facilities. Tokyo ensures a blend of tradition and innovation for sport tourism enthusiasts.
• Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is a paradise for adventure and water sports enthusiasts. With its stunning beaches and Table Mountain as a backdrop, the city offers activities such as surfing, kiteboarding, shark cage diving, and hiking. It also hosts the Cape Town Cycle Tour, attracting cyclists from around the world.

These destinations are just a glimpse of the countless sport tourism hotspots across the globe. Whether it’s the passion for football in Barcelona, the thrill of winter sports in Aspen, or the allure of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, each destination provides a unique and unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts and travelers alike.

It’s important to note that sport tourism destinations are not limited to these examples alone. Countries like Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, and New Zealand, to name a few, also offer a wealth of sporting opportunities, from football matches and rugby tournaments to cycling tours and adventure sports.

When planning your sport tourism adventure, consider exploring destinations that resonate with your favorite sports, cultural interests, and desire for new experiences. Whether you’re a spectator, active participant, or both, sport tourism destinations have something to offer for everyone, creating memories and connections that last a lifetime.

Future of Sport Tourism

The future of sport tourism looks promising, with several trends and developments set to shape this exciting industry. Here are some key factors that will influence the future of sport tourism:

• Technology Integration: Technology will continue to play a significant role in enhancing the sport tourism experience. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies will enable fans to immerse themselves in virtual sports events and iconic stadiums, even when they are unable to attend physically. Digital platforms will provide personalized travel recommendations, seamless ticketing, and real-time event information, enhancing the overall convenience and accessibility for travelers.
• Sustainability and Responsibility: As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the travel industry, sport tourism will be no exception. Host destinations and event organizers will prioritize sustainable practices, focusing on reducing carbon footprints, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, and minimizing the environmental impact of sports events. Additionally, responsible tourism practices will ensure that the benefits of sport tourism are shared equitably among local communities and cultural heritage is respected.
• Emergence of New Sporting Events: New sporting events will continue to emerge, attracting both participants and spectators. Niche sports, unconventional competitions, and innovative formats will capture the attention of sports enthusiasts seeking unique experiences. The evolution of e-sports, for example, has already gained immense popularity, drawing large virtual and in-person audiences, and is expected to further expand in the realm of sport tourism.
• Health and Wellness Focus: The pursuit of health and wellness will remain a prominent aspect of sport tourism. Travelers seeking a balance between active leisure and well-being will focus on destinations that offer sports activities, fitness retreats, spa treatments, and mindfulness practices. The integration of wellness experiences with sporting events, such as yoga sessions during major marathons or wellness retreats near surfing hotspots, will create unique and rejuvenating sport tourism opportunities.
• Growth in Sports Tourism Infrastructure: The demand for sports-related infrastructure and facilities will continue to grow. Host destinations will invest in the development and enhancement of stadiums, arenas, training centers, and sports complexes to attract major sporting events and accommodate the increasing number of sports tourists. Adaptive reuse of existing facilities, eco-friendly design, and multifunctional spaces will be key considerations in future infrastructure development.
• Emerging Destinations: While traditional sport tourism destinations will remain popular, emerging destinations will increasingly attract sports enthusiasts seeking unique experiences. Smaller cities and countries with untapped potential will invest in sports infrastructure and marketing efforts to position themselves as attractive destinations for major sports events. This will provide travelers with opportunities to explore new frontiers and diversify their sport tourism experiences.

It’s important to note that while these trends and developments hold immense potential for the future of sport tourism, challenges such as infrastructure management, financial considerations, and maintaining the balance between tourism and the environment will need to be addressed. Sustainable planning, stakeholder collaboration, and responsible tourism practices will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success and positive impact of sport tourism.

Overall, the future of sport tourism is bright and dynamic. As technology advances, sustainability takes center stage, new events emerge, and health and wellness continue to be prioritized, sport tourism will continue to captivate travelers, offering extraordinary experiences that combine the love for sports with the exploration of new destinations.

Sport tourism is a dynamic and evolving niche within the travel industry, seamlessly combining the passion for sports with the excitement of travel. It offers a wide range of experiences for travelers of all interests and preferences, from spectating major sporting events to actively participating in adventurous activities. Throughout this article, we have explored the various aspects of sport tourism, including its definition, evolution, types, benefits, challenges, major destinations, and future trends.

Sport tourism has transformed over the years, from local competitions to global events that captivate millions of spectators and participants. This evolution has been facilitated by advancements in transportation, media coverage, and technology that have enabled sports to transcend geographical boundaries and connect sports enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

The benefits of sport tourism are significant, both for travelers and the host destinations. It stimulates economic growth, creates employment opportunities, promotes cultural exchange, and encourages active lifestyles. Additionally, sport tourism provides travelers with unforgettable experiences, the chance to witness top athletes in action, and the opportunity to explore new destinations through a sports lens.

However, sport tourism also faces its fair share of challenges. Sustainable event management, community impact, financial considerations, and maintaining a balance with the environment are among the challenges that need to be addressed for the long-term success and sustainability of sport tourism.

Despite these challenges, the future of sport tourism is promising. Advancements in technology will enhance the sport tourism experience, sustainability practices will become the norm, and emerging destinations will attract a new wave of sports enthusiasts. The focus on health and wellness and the growth of unique sporting events will further diversify the sport tourism landscape.

In conclusion, sport tourism offers a remarkable blend of sports and travel, providing travelers with the opportunity to indulge in their passion, create lifelong memories, and explore the world. By addressing the challenges and embracing the trends that shape the industry, sport tourism can continue to thrive, offering enriching experiences that connect people, cultures, and destinations through the universal language of sports.

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What Is Sports Tourism?

Senior Reporter, HuffPost Life

There’s been a lot of buzz lately in the travel industry about “gig-tripping,” as fans of Taylor Swift and other musical artists plan vacations all around the world just for the live concert experience.

Meanwhile, another experience-driven trend is also on the rise: sports tourism. Whether you’re an athlete yourself or just a big fan, you might want to consider this approach to travel.

So what exactly is sports tourism, and what does it involve? Below, industry experts break down the benefits and downsides.

What is sports tourism?

“‘Sports tourism’ refers to when individuals plan their travel tied to specific sporting events, typically to spectate but, depending on the event, it could include participation as well,” said Carolyn Addison, the head of product at travel company Black Tomato . “Some of the classic examples are the Olympics and we’ve often seen this type of travel for events like F1 [Formula One racing] or the Tour de France.”

Sports tourism can sometimes involve venturing to a different city to watch a regular-season away game for your favorite team. Or you might travel to participate in your own athletic endeavor, like a marathon or team competition.

“Sports tourism ranges all the way from youth sports to professional leagues,” said Nate Hardesty, the managing director of the Thompson Austin and Tommie Austin hotels in Texas. “For instance, we see so many families traveling around the country for tournaments that it’s become their spring break or summer trip. The same goes for collegiate and professional sports. We see so many fans follow their teams around the country and take the opportunity to check out the destination while they are here.”

If you live in a popular sports market, it might be easier to get good tickets to your team’s away game in another city. Some people also just like to merge their love of travel and sports into one experience.

Although taking a trip for a sporting event is not a brand-new phenomenon, more fans seem eager to have these kinds of experiences after being forced to stay at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People have been traveling for sports for years,” Hardesty noted. “However, experiential tourism has skyrocketed post-COVID.”

The popularity of shows like “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” which gives a behind-the-scenes look at the world of auto racing, and “Welcome to Wrexham,” a docuseries about a Welsh soccer team, has also sparked greater interest in professional sports experiences.

The sports documentary movement has now expanded to golf with “Full Swing,” as well as to football with “Quarterback.” And with the buzz around the new sports drama “Challengers,” perhaps we’ll see more travelers planning trips around big tennis tournaments.

What are the benefits?

“We find that planning a trip around a sporting event gives a nice framework and intention to an itinerary,” Addison said. “Special events can also be a compelling way to interact with locals in a way that feels spontaneous and unforced.”

She pointed to the powerful energy in crowds at big events and the opportunity to bond with people who have similar interests. Sports tourism might take you to an exciting destination you wouldn’t have otherwise visited.

“You’re crafting your trip around a pivotal core memory and occasion which is supplemented by other local attractions, creating a comprehensive travel experience,” added Nikki Glass, the general manager at The Sawyer in Sacramento, California.

She noted that many sports tourism destinations have made efforts to ramp up various attractions and offerings around sporting events to give fans a multifaceted travel experience.

“These travelers tend to stay in their destination for extended periods to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry and urban milieu, from vibrant dining scenes to museums and green spaces,” Glass said. “Sports tourists are tapping into it all.”

What are the downsides?

“There can be some additional challenges around planning travel during a major event,” Addison said. “Crowds and traffic can make the overall travel experience less enjoyable, and properties often impose higher rates and/or longer minimum stays.”

She emphasized the importance of advance planning to secure hotel reservations, airfare and tickets for sporting events.

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“Sometimes the availability will be tight, and you need to book as soon as you can to get the best available rate,” echoed Lisa Bush, the director of sales and marketing at Thompson Nashville in Tennessee. “The last-minute booker usually learns that procrastination is not the best.”

Expect longer wait times and higher costs for things like accommodation and transportation. If you plan a trip based around sports tourism, you might find yourself in overcrowded areas that aren’t always equipped to deal with a surge of people. And you may have to put in extra effort to get an authentic local experience during times when so many tourists have taken over a destination.

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Sports tourism refers to the travel specifically undertaken to participate in or watch sporting events, whether it's a local marathon, an international soccer match, or the Olympics. This type of tourism not only attracts fans and participants but also brings economic benefits to host destinations through increased spending on accommodations, transportation, and entertainment. Sports tourism can encompass a wide range of activities including recreational sports, spectator events, and even sports-related attractions.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

• The sports tourism market is estimated to be worth billions globally, with significant growth driven by major international sporting events.
• Destinations often invest heavily in infrastructure and marketing to attract sports tourists, which can lead to long-term benefits for local economies.
• Sports tourism includes both active participation in sports, like marathons or ski trips, and passive involvement through attending professional games and tournaments.
• Events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics not only boost tourism numbers but also showcase host cities on a global stage, attracting future visitors.
• Sports tourism is often linked with adventure tourism when travelers seek unique experiences, such as participating in extreme sports or attending niche sporting events.

Review Questions

• Sports tourism significantly contributes to local economies by increasing spending in various sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation during major sporting events. When large numbers of tourists travel to attend these events, they need accommodations, food, and entertainment, leading to job creation and business opportunities for locals. This influx of visitors also boosts brand awareness for the destination and can encourage return visits in the future.
• Global sporting events such as the Olympics have a profound impact on the development of sports tourism in host cities by showcasing their culture and infrastructure on an international level. These events often prompt cities to invest in new facilities and improve transport systems to accommodate tourists. The legacy of such investments can continue long after the event has concluded, turning host cities into year-round sports tourism destinations that attract visitors for various sporting activities.
• Trends in consumer preferences are rapidly shaping the future of sports tourism as travelers increasingly seek unique experiences rather than traditional spectator events. Destinations must adapt by offering more immersive sports experiences such as training camps or opportunities for participation in local sports. As eco-consciousness rises, integrating sustainability into sports tourism offerings will also become essential for destinations aiming to attract this evolving market while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Related terms

Event Tourism : A form of tourism focused on traveling to attend specific events such as festivals, concerts, or sporting competitions.

Adventure Tourism : A segment of tourism involving travel to remote or exotic locations to engage in physically challenging outdoor activities.

Eco-Tourism : Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people, often including nature-based sports activities.

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Sports Tourism: What it is and Why it’s Important

• Posted by jumpsix2
• on February 8, 2016

Sports tourism: the fastest growing segment within the travel industry today.

Defining sports tourism.

Broad in its scope, sports tourism is defined as an individual’s travel to a location for the specific purpose of either participating in or viewing a sporting event. Parents who support children who are participating in sporting events can be included in this definition as well. Essentially, sports tourism means different things to a myriad of people. It could be anything from a senior racquetball tournament for retired couples to little Johnny’s travel basketball team flying to Puerto Rico for a select invitational to a weekend getaway in March to see the Royals take on the Padres in Arizona. According to Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences , which houses their economic development programs, sports tourism can be broken into five categories:

• Sports participation
• Sports events
• Sports training
• Luxury sports tourism
• Tourism with sports content

Whatever sport tourists are traveling for, their presence has become quite lucrative. Youth sports tourism, a subset of sports tourism, is growing at a particularly rapid rate, Wintergreen Research, Inc has valued the youth sports tourism industry at $15.8 billion and has projected it to double in size in the next few years. The economic and cultural impact of youth sports tourism even drew the interest HBO’s Real Sports, who discussed it this recent episode.

Why Sports Tourism is Important

Economic impact.

Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing segments within the travel industry. From weekend tournaments to tailgating at Talladega, this kind of tourism brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to a specific location. And guess what? Those people need to eat, and they need places to stay (probably a good souvenir, too). That means more money to hotels, restaurants,  sports facilities , and gift-shops alike. Last year alone, SFM hosted more than 20 million visitors in our sports facilities, many of which were for the purpose of sports tourism. Rocky Top Sports World closed the ‘books’ on their 2017-2018 season and reported a whopping $45.7 million dollars in economic impact – significantly outperforming the original projections.

Placemaking

Sports tourism helps communities throughout the United States establish an identity that can draw visitors who, with time, may become residents. In 2004, the city of Round Rock, Texas launched a campaign to brand themselves as the “sports capital of Texas.” This was done to capitalize on a set of existing sports assets and draw regional and national events and visitors to this city of over 120,000 residents. The city’s branding efforts featured online and offline components and centered around the icon of a folding chair with the Texas flag on it- a nod to an essential item for parents of youth sports athletes.

Today, the Round Rock Sports Center and Round Rock Multipurpose Complex has hosted a myriad of events, including the U.S. Lacrosse Women’s Collegiate National Championship, US Quidditch Cup 11, USA Judo National Championship, and the UIL State Baseball Championship. It’s also the home of the Texas Rangers’ AAA affiliate team, The Round Rock Express and Major League Rugby team, the Austin Herd.

How to Start A Sports Tourism Complex

Starting a new sports tourism complex starts with a vision and quickly moves into understanding the opportunity in the community. If the location, market demand, and other factors are primed, cities of all sizes can take advantage of the economic development benefits generated from sports tourism. Here are a few high-level steps for bringing a sports tourism complex to your city:

• Determine the vision for your complex and define success: What type of complex do you want in your community? Do you want baseball fields? Hockey rinks? A surf park? Are there facilities in place to play these sports? If they exist, are they large enough to host regional or national events? From there, it’s critical to determine what success looks like for your community. For many communities, economic impact is critical. A sports facility needs to bring visitors to their community and generate revenue for local businesses.
• Assess the market: A vision for your sports complex is important, but it’s chances for success must be evaluated closely. A feasibility report provides an analysis of the factors that may impact a proposed facility. This includes an assessment of comparable venues in your market and an analysis of the region’s demographics. This information can help you determine your region’s ability to support a sports complex and inform decisions on the type of facility to pursue. Financial forecasting is critical as well. At Sports Facilities Advisory, we produce a ProForma , which is an institutional grade financial forecast that provides a comprehensive initial picture of all the financial considerations associated with a facility project. Report components include, preliminary construction and start-up cost estimates, a detailed 5-year financial forecast based on options for what a facility may offer, and an economic impact analysis.
• Seek funding and partners: Sports complexes don’t get built without funding. A financial forecast provides a clear picture for banks and other potential funding partners of a project’s ability and timeline for accomplishing its goals. From there, a funding strategy is devised to help identify key funding partners and further define the facility’s business model. Funding presentations are made in this stage in order to reach financial commitments for the project. Beyond financial institutions, partnerships can be built with a variety of entities that can provide financial support and awareness. This includes hospitals, educational institutions, and sports organizations among others.
• Development: Once funding is in place; all phases of facility development can commence. This includes operational tasks such as staff selection and development, facility branding and marketing, bringing in events and sponsors, and most importantly, the construction of the complex. The construction of the facility includes venue planning services . Sports facilities have requirements that stand apart from those of standard facilities. The equipment that is procured and put in place in these facilities must be compliant per the rules of event operators that you are looking to work with.

At Sports Facilities Advisory and Sports Facilities Management, we believe in the power of sports tourism to transform communities. We are with you every step of the way with comprehensive data from sports complexes in over 2,000 communities, the most trusted financial forecast, and expertise in every phase of sports facilities development and management.

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What Is Sports Tourism?

While sports tourism has not always been extremely popular, it is definitely on the rise.  A recent report estimates the value of the global sports tourism market was $587.87 billion in 2022.  The industry is expected to grow at a rate of 17.5% through 2030.  The popularity of events like the Olympic Games, the NBA, and the FIFA World Cup have contributed to this growth.  While these events have economic short-term benefits for an area, they can be a catalyst for longer-term tourism development opportunities.

In 2004, the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and the International Olympic Committee issued a joint statement that illustrates the strong dynamic between sport and tourism, “Tourism and sport are interrelated and complementary. Sport – as a professional, amateur or leisure activity – involves a considerable amount of travelling to play and compete in different destinations and countries. Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, football and rugby championships and auto racing have become powerful tourism attractions in themselves – making a very positive contribution to the tourism image of the host destination.”

What are the Different Types of Sport Tourism?

There are actually four primary types of sport tourism. These include:

• Event-based tourism : Sports event tourism involves traveling to another city or country to watch a sport event.  Examples of sports tourism in this category include traveling to watch major sporting events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl.
• Active sport tourism :  This form of sports tourism revolves around actually participating in a sport while visiting a destination.  Some travelers choose tourism destinations known for a specific sport or outdoor activity.  Examples of active sports tourism include surfing in Hawaii or skiing in Colorado.
• Sports heritage tourism : Sports heritage tourism involves visiting places with historical significance to sports.  Examples might include visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York, Camp Nou in Barcelona, or a sports museum.
• Sports-themes cruises or tours :  These organized trips combine travel with a sporting event or activity.  Examples include cruises for people who love to play tennis or tours that take sports fans to different stadiums around the world.

Technology is Key

While the technological advances in recent years may not have appeared to make a huge impact on the sport industry, they most certainly have. Sports fans can purchase tickets online through various admissions sites, access which was not available a decade ago.

People are also more aware of when and where the games and competitions will take place in advance.  Fans are able to prepare for the cost and time that is needed to be able to attend mega sport events. Sport tourism has not only managed to find a place in the technological industry, but it has increased because of it.

Tourism Consumers

The types of sports tourism consumers vary from sport to sport. The most generalized statistics are that most sports tourists are males between the ages of 18 and 34, and they are in the middle-class economic groups. Delving deeper into the study will help to get a more accurate statistical rank on class, status and age. For example, cricket and rugby fans are generally older and have more disposable income than basic football and basketball fans. While different sports have different sports tourism consumers, all sports have taken a popularity increase in recent years.

Simplifying the Term

Sports tourism is not difficult to figure out. Sports tourism refers to the act of traveling specially for the purpose of enjoying sports in one way or another.  For example, one who travels from Chicago to Houston with the goal of seeing the Houston Texans play is considered a sports tourist . However long or short the trip is does not define the tourism part. The defining factor is whether or not the person is traveling to see a sports competition or traveling with another agenda. If one travels from Chicago to Houston in order to visit family, but happens upon tickets to the Texans game, said individual is not considered a sports tourist, because the main agenda was to visit family.

Related Resource: Sports Medicine Jobs

While the sports tourism industry has gained popularity in recent years, one must stop and consider what it really is and why it has become so popular among the sports fan crowds. Not only has it managed to steadily increase each year, but it has also taken a spot among the top reasons for traveling and vacationing. It appears as though more and more people are using their well-earned vacations to see their favorite players in action. So, what is sport tourism ? Sports tourism refers to an industry that combines a passion for sports with the desire to explore new destinations and experiences.  This creates a memorable and immersive sports related experience.

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What is Sports Tourism?

The term sports tourism refers to visitors who will travel to a location for the purpose of participating in or watching a sports event., the annual direct visitor spending associated with (non-professional) sports events and tourism was calculated to be $11.4 billion in 2017. 1, this market is primarily made up of amateur and youth athletes who travel to participate in sports events., 53 million traveling athletes participate in youth sports events. 2 the grown in youth sports market has been deemed 'recession proof' and the boon has continued year-over-year. families spend an estimated $10 billion on youth sports travel annually. 3, 34.9 million people travel with an overnight stay to participate in or watch an amateur sports event. 4, also, growing we have seen outdoor recreation reach 2.2% of u.s. gdp, at $427 billion in 2017. this was up from $412 billion in 2016, which exceeded mining, utilities, farming/ranching and chemical product manufacturing. outdoor recreation now contributes over $778 billion to the u.s. gross output and supports 5.2 million jobs . 5, the sports tourism market presents economic opportunities for event owners, sporting goods manufacturers, the outdoor recreation industry, the travel industry and host destinations. sports tourism is a powerful driver for economic impact. destinations are leveraging their assets to create sports tourism opportunities that benefit their communities., sports is economic development ..

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Sports Tourism in the New Normal

• First Online: 07 February 2024

Cite this chapter

• María del Mar Martín García   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3842-6114 4 ,
• José Luis Ruiz-Real 4 ,
• Juan Carlos Gázquez-Abad   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9181-2850 4 &
• Juan Uribe-Toril   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0227-801X 4  

135 Accesses

The global pandemic declared in 2020 has not only presented obstacles to the tourism industry, but it has also presented an opportunity to use resilience as a tool to reboot the sector. Sports tourism has risen to this challenge, using the circumstances of the new reality to highlight other aspects of sport and successfully address the new normal. In the context of the normalization of the pandemic, golf is emerging as a sports tourism trend in the new scenario. The promotion of sports would increase opportunities to revitalize golf tourism destinations. This study aims to explore the dimensions that influence the intention to play golf. Using a sample of 343 participants, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. The results suggest that the current increased importance placed on physical and mental health and playing sports in a safe environment may be the main reason for the increase in golf participation in this post-pandemic era.

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Martín García, M.d.M., Ruiz-Real, J.L., Gázquez-Abad, J.C., Uribe-Toril, J. (2024). Sports Tourism in the New Normal. In: Maingi, S.W., Gowreesunkar, V.G., Korstanje, M.E. (eds) Tourist Behaviour and the New Normal, Volume I. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45848-4_11

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