Sports tourism represents a specific form of travel, where a person involved is passively or actively taking part in a sporting event. Whether it’s merely watching or actually participating in a sports competition or activity, it is considered as sports tourism. It is a rapidly growing sector in the tourism industry, developing exponentially after the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. One of the things that helps sports tourism grown is the popular world of online sports betting. By using the best betting site out there, you can gain a bigger knowledge of sports and sport activities and start practicing sports tourism as a hobby!
Immense popularity
A couple of key factors have influenced the expansion of sports tourism, the most significant one being the economic forces. With tourism being a multi-billion industry and sports attracting huge media coverage and investment, one can notice why money has had a great impact on the evolution of sports tourism. Ultimately, the increased affluence of families, especially in the Western societies have motivated people to participate in sport tourism activities.
How did technological innovations influence the development of sports tourism?
With the vast expansion of the automobile and airline industries and the creation of exceptional vehicles, people have become able to move from point A to point B in no time, thereby being able to take part in various sports events across the globe. As people were more and more comfortable leaving their home for accommodations, this led to the tremendous development of hotels, inns, and villas, creating the necessary space and commodity for tourists.
The press and the television had a significant influence on the popularization of spectator sports too, thus leading to the rapid growth of sports tourism. Finally, it was also thanks to the development of sports equipment that sports tourism went through a surge in popularity.
That said, it comes as no surprise that sports tourism has a great impact on today’s world. Let’s take a look at how and in what ways.
Potential positive influence on people
Since tourism and sports have been a massive factor in the global economy, sports tourism has a significant economic impact. However, event organizers should be careful as they sometimes underestimate the expenses of the event, and that could potentially offset potential investors.
Besides the economy, sports tourism has a huge impact on society itself, especially the host population. It can boost the community spirit as the locals use promotion of their culture as a way of bonding. On the other hand, it can also help preserve and rejuvenate some old cultural traditions.
Given everything we have said, it’s no wonder sports tourism can highly influence the development of the infrastructure and create a positive image for your community.
The downside of sports tourism
Unfortunately, sports tourism can have an adverse effect on natural resources and cause irreversible damage to plants and soil. Excessive noise can rout animals and cause structural damage to the eardrum on people. Building hotels, stadiums, and motels can cause environmental damage.
In addition, crowd fights still represent an unsolved problem for the authorities all over the world. Excessive violence and severe tension between hosts and visitors can have disastrous consequences.
Overall impression
If utilized correctly, sports tourism can have an enormous impact on the society and culture. However, a couple of problems concerning the preservation of nature should be solved. All in all, a great future is ahead when comes to sports tourism.
