How Sports Tourism Drives Growth in the Global Economy

Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

Introduction

Sports tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel and events industry, driving substantial economic benefits for countries, cities, and local communities. As millions of fans and participants travel worldwide for events ranging from the Olympics and FIFA World Cup to marathons and esports tournaments, the ripple effects extend far beyond stadium walls. This article explores the importance of sports tourism in the global economy, detailing its economic contribution, benefits for destinations, and practical guidance for stakeholders seeking to capitalize on this powerful trend.

The Economic Powerhouse of Sports Tourism

The sports tourism market is expanding at a remarkable rate. According to industry research, the global sports tourism market was valued at USD 587.87 billion in 2022 and is projected to soar to over USD 2.1 trillion by 2030 , with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.5% [1] . Other reputable sources estimate that by 2032, the market could reach USD 2.05 trillion [2] . Sports tourism already accounts for about 10% of worldwide tourism expenditure , and is projected to reach USD 1.3 trillion by 2032 [3] [5] . The massive scale of this sector demonstrates its vital role as a driver of global economic growth.

Key Drivers Behind Sports Tourism Growth

Several factors are fueling the rapid expansion of sports tourism:

• High-profile events: International tournaments like the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and major leagues draw millions of fans and media attention, spurring travel and spending in host cities [1] .
• Government investment: Many governments now view sports tourism as a strategic opportunity to boost economic development, investing in infrastructure and actively bidding for prestigious events [2] .
• Growing middle class and disposable income: Rising income levels worldwide enable more people to travel for leisure and sporting experiences.
• Diversification of sports: The popularity of emerging disciplines, adventure sports, and women’s sports continues to broaden the appeal of sports tourism [3] .

For example, cities that host events like the Paris 2024 Olympics or the 2026 FIFA World Cup can see long-term boosts to their tourism profiles and local economies, with legacies extending years beyond the event itself [2] .

Direct and Indirect Economic Benefits

Sports tourism generates both direct and indirect economic benefits:

• Direct spending: Visitors spend on tickets, accommodation, food, and transportation. In the U.S. alone, the sports tourism sector generated $39.7 billion in direct spending in 2021 [4] .
• Job creation: This spending supports a wide range of jobs in hospitality, event management, security, transportation, and infrastructure. In 2021, sports tourism supported 635,000 U.S. jobs [4] .
• Tax revenues: The same year, sports tourism generated $12.9 billion in tax revenues for U.S. communities [4] .
• Indirect impact: Spending ripples through local economies as visitors frequent restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, benefiting small businesses and local suppliers.

Global events also prompt investment in infrastructure-such as stadiums, airports, and public transit-that can yield long-term benefits for residents and future visitors.

How Destinations Leverage Sports Tourism

Communities and destinations can leverage sports tourism in multiple ways:

1. Hosting Major Events: Cities can bid to host national or international events, which often brings an influx of visitors. For actionable guidance, local governments should consult with their country’s sports ministry or national tourism board for opportunities and requirements.
2. Developing Sports Facilities: Investments in modern stadiums, arenas, and training centers can attract recurring tournaments, camps, and exhibitions.
3. Supporting Grassroots and Amateur Sports: Local tournaments and youth leagues can draw regional visitors, supporting local hotels and businesses.
4. Marketing and Partnerships: Destinations should collaborate with event organizers, travel companies, and sports teams to promote travel packages and experiences. For example, working with platforms like Expedia can increase visibility for sports tourism offerings [3] .

To get started, destination managers can reach out to their national sports or tourism agencies, search for upcoming events, or partner with established event organizers. It’s advisable to research best practices from cities that have successfully hosted major events.

Practical Steps for Entering the Sports Tourism Market

Organizations and individuals looking to benefit from sports tourism can follow these steps:

1. Identify target sports and events: Research which sports and events align with your region’s assets and audience. Analyze successful case studies from similar destinations.
2. Build relationships with sports organizations: Contact national and international sports bodies to understand requirements for hosting events or joining official calendars.
3. Develop infrastructure: Evaluate current facilities and plan upgrades where necessary. Consider the broader needs of tourists, including accommodations, transport, and leisure amenities.
4. Promote your destination: Collaborate with local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to create appealing packages. Leverage digital marketing and social media to reach sports fans worldwide.
5. Prepare for legacy planning: Ensure that investments in sports infrastructure deliver ongoing benefits to the community beyond the event itself.

For official guidance, consult your country’s sports ministry or national tourism board for available programs, grants, and event bidding calendars. You can also search for “sports tourism development grants” or “event hosting support programs” relevant to your region.

Challenges and Solutions

While sports tourism offers significant economic opportunities, challenges do exist:

• Event volatility: Global events such as pandemics can disrupt schedules and travel, as seen in 2020 when multiple major leagues suspended their seasons [1] .
• Infrastructure costs: Building stadiums and related facilities can require substantial investment, with potential for cost overruns or underutilization post-event.
• Environmental and social impact: Large events can strain local resources and infrastructure. Sustainable planning and community engagement are essential.

Solutions include diversifying event types, focusing on both major and grassroots events, and adopting sustainable practices in planning and execution.

Photo by Jannes Glas on Unsplash

The Future of Sports Tourism

Looking ahead, several trends will shape sports tourism:

• Growth of women’s sports: Younger generations are driving more interest in women’s and mixed-gender sporting events [3] .
• Technology and digital engagement: Enhanced streaming, ticketing, and virtual experiences are making events accessible to wider audiences.
• Health and wellness focus: Travelers increasingly seek experiences that combine sports participation with wellness activities, such as marathons, cycling tours, and adventure sports.

Destinations that adapt to these trends and invest in inclusive, sustainable sports tourism are poised to benefit most from this dynamic global market.

References

• [1] Grand View Research (2023). Sports Tourism Market Size & Share Analysis Report.
• [2] Coherent Market Insights (2024). Sports Tourism Market Size, Trends & Forecast.
• [3] Expedia Group (2025). Sports Tourism is Scoring Big Worldwide.
• [4] SportsTravel Magazine (2022). Sports Tourism Sector Economic Impact Report.
• [5] Statista (2025). Sports tourism – statistics & facts.