Sports Tourism
Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry. It involves people travelling to another destination to watch, participate in, experience, or celebrate sport, from major international tournaments and professional leagues to grassroots competitions, adventure sports, and community sporting events.
With sports increasingly becoming a powerful driver of travel, hospitality, entertainment, and local economic development, sports tourism is estimated to contribute around 10% of global tourism revenue.
It is no longer just about watching a game. It is about travelling for sport, experiencing a destination through sport, and using sport to transform destinations.
Main Types of Sports Tourism
- Event-Based: Travelling to watch major global competitions like the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, or Wimbledon.
- Active Sports: Travelling to physically take part in marathons, cycling tours, surf camps, or ski trips.
- Nostalgia and Heritage: Visiting historic stadiums, team museums, and halls of fame.
- Training and Wellness: Visiting specialised high-performance centres, fitness bootcamps, or yoga retreats.
Sports Tourism in India
Sports Tourism Village Project
This project aims to make Kanjippadom, a beautiful village in Alappuzha district, the first SPORTS TOURISM VILLAGE of India. It’s part of the mission to make Kerala India’s sports tourism hub.
How
- Create an action plan for making KANJIPPADOM Sports Tourism Village
- Cooperation of various stakeholders such as MPs, MLAs, District Administration, Local Self Governments, Different departments, other organizations and business houses
- Creation of sports tourism properties using the existing resources
- Creation of sports tourism properties using the new resources
- Explore the maximum sports tourism potential of existing sports properties
- Creation of Sports Tourism calendar and follow