international sport tourism

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Product development.

• Rural tourism
• Gastronomy and Wine Tourism
• Mountain Tourism
• Urban Tourism

Sports Tourism

• Shopping Tourism

share this content

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

What it is : 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.

Why it Matters : 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.

Sports Tourism Events

1 st World Sports Tourism Congress

2 nd World Sports Tourism Congress

UN Tourism International Conference on Tourism and Sports

UN Tourism / South Africa International Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events

UPCOMING SPORTS TOURISM EVENTS

3 rd World Sports Tourism Congress (more information coming soon)

UN TOURISM PUBLICATIONS ON SPORTS TOURISM

Sport & Tourism

Sport and Tourism are two driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of tourism destinations. To better understand the links between tourism and sport and to increase the awareness of the benefits of their joint contributions, UN Tourism and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) jointly organized the First World Conference on Sport and Tourism in Barcelona on 22-23 February 2001. This publication contains the studies prepared for the Conference as well as the speeches delivered there.

Sport Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Tourism can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This overview illustrates how sport tourism can contribute to the SDGs and what needs to be considered when developing sport tourism to ensure its contribution to sustainable development. The comparative strength of sport tourism lies in: Engagement in physical activities; Opportunities for interactions; and High development potential almost anywhere. Thanks to these characteristics, sport tourism can play an important role in achieving various SDGs if developed with consideration.

Maximizing the Benefits of Mega Events for Tourism Development

A mega event benefits a host destination in terms of attracting visitors to the event and drawing global attention to the destination. However, in addition to such short-term benefits, it can be a catalyst for longer-term tourism development in various aspects from economic to social. This publication on Maximizing the Benefits of Mega Events for Tourism Development provides practical references on what a host destination can do to fully leverage the event opportunity for tourism development with a variety of illustrative cases. Although the report refers to insights from mega events, the practical references can be applied to any scale of events in any destination.

Walking Tourism – Promoting Regional Development

Walking tourism is now one of the most popular ways to experience a destination. It allows tourists to better engage with local people, nature and culture. It also meets the growing demand of travellers of outdoor activities in general, including when they travel. Walking tourism can be developed anywhere as a sustainable tourism offer with a relatively small investment. It can bring about social and economic benefits to residents and communities if properly developed and managed. This report showcases various successful examples of walking tourism and aims to serve as a practical reference for destinations with a focus on the role of walking tourism in regional development.

Sports Tourism in Latin America

Tourism and sport are key cultural elements of today’s world and have significant impact on modern society and international tourism. With this in mind, the WTO has carried out a new study aimed at providing a more complete analysis of the role that sports tourism and sports in general among the products offered in Latin America by European tour operators and tourism websites.

Sport and Tourism – Introductory Report

Sport and Tourism have a major socio-economic impact, appreciated in most civilian societies and increasingly recognized by governments. This is one of the many conclusions of this report which was prepared for the First World Conference on Sport and Tourism jointly organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and WTO.After developing a theoretical framework for the system of Sport and Tourism and analysing the future trends of sport and sports tourism this report looks at the different socio-economic impacts of sport and tourism and how they can be managed best.

Sport Activities during the Outbound Holidays of the Germans, the Dutch & the French

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepared this study on the level and characteristics of the sport activities engaged in during holidays abroad. Germany, the Netherlands and France were chosen for this study. These countries ranked among the leaders in terms of international tourism expenditure in 1999. Even though this study does not cover all the major generating markets, we are sure that it gives a clear picture of the importance of sport activities in tourism, and it makes many suggestions. This study also deals with many practical aspects, e.g.: length of stay, expenditure, seasonal demand, booking patterns, accommodation, and consumer profiles such as gender, age, social status, and area of residence.

How does sport contribute to tourism?

Tourism is one of the world’s most important economic sectors. It allows people to experience the world’s different cultural and natural riches and brings people closer to each other, highlighting our common humanity.

The many important contributions of tourism encouraged the  UN World Tourism Organization  ( UNWTO ) to institute World Tourism Day, celebrated annually since 1980 on 27 September, to highlight the importance of tourism and its impact on our society.

Tourism and sports

According to UNWTO , tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world, while sport is one of the world’s largest social phenomenon. As a professional or leisure activity, sport often involves travel to other places, to play and compete in various destinations. Further, major sporting events, such as the Olympics and various World Cups, have become powerful tourist attractions.

Sports tourism constitutes a large part of the tourism industry, with some sources claiming that a  quarter of all tourism in the world is sports-related. Sports tourism includes not only participation in and attending sporting events, but also personal recreational activities.

Statements from the World Tourism Organisation and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have highlighted the importance of sports tourism; in 2004, the organisations committed to reinforcing their partnership and collaboration in the sports tourism domain, stating :

“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 restaurants- projects that can be enjoyed by the local population as well as tourists who come to use them.”

Sports tourism and sustainable development

Tourism is an essential pillar of the  2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development  and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially  goals 8 ,  12 , and  14 . As a segment of tourism, sports tourism can also help achieve sustainable development .

At an economic level, sports tourism contributes to SDGs 1 (end poverty in all its forms everywhere) and 8 (promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all). Sports tourism promotes local businesses, creating demand in areas such as transportation, hotels and restaurants. Thus, local populations can avail jobs and income opportunities. Depending on the nature of the sports and experiences, local people can work as instructors and guides, who are likely to be paid more due to their special skills.

Further, sports tourism contributes to SDG 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages). Besides providing the tourists with sporting opportunities and an outlet for physical exercise, investment in sports tourism can also promote the participation of local populations in sporting activities.

Finally, sports tourism can also contribute to SDG 11 (make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Accessible sports tourism products like hand bikes provide access to sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Para-sport activities can be enjoyed by tourists and residents alike. The development of accessible sports tourism can improve accessibility in the destination city by the provision of not only sports products, but also accessible accommodation and transport. Furthermore, accessible sports tourism helps increase the understanding of people with disabilities in society.

Sports, tourism and sustainability

Sports federations, like the IOC, have realised the need for sustainable practices during mega sporting events. Thus, the IOC launched the International Federation (IF) Sustainability Project in 2016 to obtain an overview of their sustainability initiatives, identifying common topics, challenges and good practices. Building on the Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC Sustainability Strategy was developed in close cooperation with many stakeholders and partners to fundamentally shape the working practices of the IOC, the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement.

To develop synergies between the stakeholders so that sports and its facilities can be included in the local assets, it is necessary for decision-makers at all levels to understand their potential and agree to work together to set up sustainable development strategies. 

Host cities should target participants who are most likely to engage in sustainable behaviour while in the destination. This includes developing event portfolios geared towards sustainable event practices. The host city should also harness collaborative partnerships to foster social cohesion and build the capacity to increase sustainable practices.

From the design and construction of sports facilities and the way resources are managed, to valuing the natural environment and health and well-being of people, all decisions should be informed by sustainability principles. As the role and relevance of sport in today’s society continue to grow, progress can only be in cooperation and partnership with others, including the tourism industry.

• Related article: Active tourism
• Related article: How can fans support sustainability in sports?

Related Articles

PSD completes the first and second batches of Level 1: Introduction to S4D

Moving People deserve organisations that treat them as their first priority

Sport for Development Coalition launches weekly drop-in webinar series

Building communities through participatory sport for development

Steering board members.

What is sports tourism and why it is so big?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

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?

Sports tourism definitions, sports tourism statistics, football world cup, six nations rugby championship, the olympics, the super bowl, calgary olympic park, maracana football stadium, rio de janiero, barcelona olympic park, tough mudder race, london, martial arts holidays, south korea, surfing holidays, portugal, golf tours, florida, yoga retreats, bali, football fans- manchester united spectators, boxing fans- anthony joshua followers, british & irish lions rugby spectators, australian cricket fans, benefits of sport tourism, sports tourism: conclusion, further reading on sports tourism.

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.

Liked this article? Click to share!

• Business events website
• Travel Website
• Travel trade website
• Corporate & media website
• Why South Africa?
• Planning a meeting
• Events calendar
• Press centre
• Get in touch

Choose your country and language:

• Congo Democratic Republic
• South Africa

Asia Pacific

• South Korea
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

By creating an account, I agree to the Terms of service and Privacy policy

South Africa's Vibrant Sports Tourism: A Field of Dreams and Opportunities

B B y Nomasonto Ndlovu - Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism

As Acting CEO of South African Tourism, I am often drawn to the vibrant blend of experiences that our beautiful country offers to both domestic and international visitors. Among these, sports tourism has emerged as an exciting frontier with boundless potential. I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of our sports tourism, a sub-sector that isn't merely a pastime but a vital part of our nation's identity and economy. South Africa's rich sports culture is more than just a game to us; it's a passion, a unifier, and an economic powerhouse.

I recently posted on social platforms that I strongly believe that Sports tourism has the potential to change the trajectory of our tourism industry and fast-track tourism recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. After that post, I received a flurry of messages and comments about this topic, and this prompted me to expand here on my thoughts on this matter.

Domestic Sports Tourism: Building a United Nation

South Africa's domestic sports tourism landscape is flourishing, spurred by our rich history and cultural diversity. From the vuvuzela-sounding Premier Soccer League games, the heart-pounding games of the Vodacom Super Rugby to the thrilling cricket battles at the Wanderers, marathons, and cycling tours laced with the diverse and beautiful landscapes and the precision and majestic golf courses, catering to upscale clientele.  Our sports events reflect our national character.

According to Future Market Insights, the value of the South African sports tourism market was estimated at US$3.67m for 2022. Local communities, small businesses, and the hospitality ecosystem are the real winners here, with substantial investments and opportunities cascading down to the grassroots level.

Our stadiums are not just arenas for games; they are melting pots of our Rainbow Nation, where our unity in diversity, and the joy of Freedom are celebrated.

International Sports Tourism: A Global Playing Field

South Africa's sports culture isn't confined to our borders; it echoes around the globe. With the successful hosting of numerous significant sporting events in recent years, including prestigious competitions like the 1995 IRB Rugby World Cup, the 1996 African Cup of Nations, the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, the 2007 World Twenty20 Championships, the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL), the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour, the 2009 Confederations Cup, the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, The Cape Town ePrix and the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town. The Cape Town ePrix, a Formula E racing sport, a street circuit race, showcasing the future of all-electric sport, which was successfully held in Cape Town, on the 25 February 2023, a first of its kind in South Africa, played right into our Sustainably proposition as a Tourism destination.

Successfully hosting these events has not only bolstered South Africa's tourism infrastructure but also enhanced its standing as a global tourist destination and contributed tremendously into the local economy in a broader scale and attracted international tourists, but most importantly created much needed jobs.

But it's not only about the numbers; it's about the international relationships and networks built. Stakeholders, ranging from government to private sector, worked collaboratively, in unison to place South Africa on the global sports map. Add to this, our exceptional sports talent, where various talented South African sports stars have done amazing work using their Talent to place South Africa on the International stage. From Lucas Radebe, Bernie McCarthy, Ernie Els, Chester Williams, Caster Semenya, Siya Kolisi… the list is endless.

The Economic Impact: More than a Game

Sports tourism is more than an industry; it's for many South Africans.  Sports, has proved itself to be a catalyst for Economic Development, an investment driver with a huge ability to create much-needed jobs. From the local tavern, taxi’s, e-hailing services, and vendors outside stadiums, B&B’s, to the luxury hotels hosting international fans, the economic ecosystem of sports tourism is intricate and inclusive, and the Impact is far-reaching.

According to South African Tourism’s Departure Survey, sports tourism to South Africa has been a consistent mover of people. In 2010, South Africa welcomed 7.9 million tourists and more than 348 000 of those people were traveling primarily for sport chiefly driven by the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted in South Africa.  The year before, almost 128 000 sports tourists arrived in South Africa primarily to attend the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Sport tourism has continued to positively contribute to our arrivals. In 2019 (pre-pandemic), South Africa received a total of 10.2 million arrivals of which 53 640 were tourists traveling primarily either to attend or participate in a sporting event. In 2023 for the first six months, we saw more than 29 000 people travelling to South Africa for the same reasons contributing R0.6 billion to the country’s economy.

Domestically, sports tourism can ignite regional development, drive local economies, and instill a sense of shared national identity. The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) estimated that the 2023 Comrades Marathon’s economic impact on Kwa Zulu-Natal alone was R550 million. 

Our Sports Culture: A Mirror of Our Soul

South Africa's sports culture is not just about the numbers or the games; it's about our people. The Soweto Derby isn't merely a football match; it's a cultural festival. The Comrade’s Marathon isn't just a race; it's a symbol of human endurance. The blend of world-class golf courses with South Africa's scenic beauty has made golf tourism a significant part of the country's tourism industry. Our sports culture reflects our resilience, our hope, and our united vision for a better South Africa.

Team Players: The Essential Stakeholders

Undoubtedly, success in sport tourism is a collaborative effort, and I firmly believe in the synergy between various stakeholders:

• Government Agencies: Their role in infrastructure development, regulations, and funding cannot be overstated.
• Private Sector: From accommodation providers to travel agencies, their innovative packages and services enrich the tourist experience.
• Sporting Bodies and Federations: Aligning with them ensures standardization, quality, and attraction of world-class events. They are key in the bidding processes.
• Local Communities: Engagement with local communities ensures that the benefits of sport tourism trickle down to the grassroots level.

The Future: Endless Opportunities

Looking towards the future, I see endless opportunities for sports tourism in South Africa. The future of sports tourism in South Africa shines with promise and potential. With a rich legacy of hosting world-class events, a diverse array of scenic landscapes, and an enduring passion for sports that resonates nationwide, South Africa is poised to further solidify its position as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. Governmental support, infrastructure development, and community engagement will play vital roles in harnessing this potential. By embracing innovative strategies, fostering inclusivity, and focusing on sustainability, South Africa can create a sports tourism model that not only elevates the economy but also inspires, unites, and celebrates the unique cultural heritage of the nation. The path ahead is not without challenges, but the momentum is building, and the opportunities are vast, laying the groundwork for a thriving and vibrant future in sports tourism.

In alignment to sports tourism, we (SA Tourism) have announced Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi, as our new global advocate ahead of the Rugby World Cup starting in September in France. He is the perfect person to partner with South African Tourism in our marketing and promotional efforts as we seek to attract more travellers to come to visit our country.

The Winning Strategy: Enhancing Sport Tourism

To harness the full potential of sport tourism for both domestic and international appeal, we must:

• Invest in Infrastructure : Developing modern, accessible sports facilities across urban and rural areas.
• Strengthen Marketing Efforts : Showcasing South Africa's sporting prowess and natural beauty to targeted audiences.

3. Promote Accessibility : Simplifying visa processes, enhancing transportation, and providing affordable packages will make South Africa an attractive destination.

• Ensure Sustainability: We must ensure that our pursuit of sport tourism aligns with responsible environmental stewardship.
• Prioritize Safety and Security : Implementing rigorous safety measures will foster a sense of trust and well-being among visitors.

Conclusion: Our Field of Dreams

As a South African, the growth and impact of sports tourism in our nation are personal to me. It represents our potential, our creativity, and our collective spirit.  I see sports tourism as a conduit for social transformation, economic growth, and international unity. It has the power to transcend boundaries and resonate with people from all walks of life. It’s more than a game; it's a story of our people, our land, and our future.

We are a nation with dreams as vast as our landscapes, and sports tourism is one field where those dreams are taking shape, one game at a time.

The field is open, and the time is now. Let's play.

South Africa on social media

Don’t miss out on what happened in the world of South African tourism with our #TourismTuesday newsletter. Read ou… https://t.co/Xk6Pi5bY5S

Continuation.. To all the fathers in tourism, we salute you for your hard work, passion, and dedication. Thank you… https://t.co/0X57HLE8Su

Continuation... On this special day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the fathers… https://t.co/QasYn074vK

Fathers ensure a safe environment in which everyone can enjoy our country's diversity and play a pivotal role in cr… https://t.co/k5QzIk9Bx6

Continuation... Today, we want to celebrate and honour the remarkable dads who play a vital role in shaping the wor… https://t.co/A9hHWEnjTe

@sontondlovu, the ACEO/COO of SA Tourism, joins in celebrating Father's Day by sending warm wishes to all the fathe… https://t.co/btR3BjcAtc

In commemoration of Youth Day, let’s shine a spotlight on the Basic Quality Verification programme by @TGCSA_, that… https://t.co/FpQTVpFLKc

Keep up with the latest news and developments in the South African tourism industry with our weekly #TourismTuesday… https://t.co/Dmr3x6vzCW

RT @AAXO_SA: Happy Global Exhibitions Day, everyone! We've had a thrilling day filled with exciting conversations. Unpacking the role of MI…

Today we celebrate Global Exhibitions Day, spotlighting the exhibition industry as an enabler of tourism and econom… https://t.co/hOU1RJ7L4F

The Global Exhibitions Day panel is in full swing, featuring respected thought-leaders in tourism: @sontondlovu (AC… https://t.co/PWcRbVybFz

RT @AfsarAl77645971: Global Exhibition Day @techpartnersza @AAXO_SA @UFI_GED_2022 @EXSA_SA #GED2023 https://t.co/50926oU66k

Our Acting CEO @sontondlovu is speaking to @SABCNews about the importance of Global Exhibitions Day.… https://t.co/Aoa5K0Dnzs

Cheers to celebrating the remarkable spirit of our industry! #MeetSouthAfrica #GED2023 https://t.co/5V6N3mebIy

Exhibitions have the potential to generate direct spending, create jobs, and more! This is just another reason we a… https://t.co/rXB88xzw1r

“The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) already estimates that this industry accounts for between US$ 650 bill… https://t.co/sWkhg7so4p

Our Acting CEO/ COO, @sontondlovu, is a panellist at today’s Global Exhibitions Day event at Gallagher Estate. She… https://t.co/2yRg04oMl8

Welcome to #TourismTuesday. This week, we highlight the amazing progress being made in the South African tourism in… https://t.co/iKelnyAo0a

We are kicking off Africa’s #TravelIndaba23 with BONDay. The aim? To empower businesses with the latest in global b… https://t.co/3u3cMeKJNi

RT @travel_indaba: Looking back at some of the highlights at SATSA Panel Discussion With @sontondlovu [ACEO South African Tourism] & Tshifi…

• Useful links
• Request for proposal
• Travel trade
• Visa & entry info
• Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa
• Why South Africa
• Incentive activities
• COVID-19 Coronavirus

Where will your next run take you?

Where will your next ride take you, event details, etape du tour, tdf grand depart, tdf village depart.

Sports Tours International have been taking runners and cyclists to the biggest mass-participation events in the world for 50 years. What’s your next challenge?

📞 Call the team: 0161 703 8161

Sports Tours International have been taking runners and cyclists to the biggest mass-particiation events in the world for 50 years. What’s your next challenge?

View this tour

The Athens Authentic Marathon brings history to life. Finishing in the legendary stadium where the first Olympic games of the modern era in 1896 took place, you now have the chance to run this unique and truly memorable marathon route. Athens has been the centre of Greek civilization for over 4,000 years, and is dominated by 5 th -century BCE landmarks. With a multitude of conquerors occupying Athens, this wonderful city welcomes you with an array of splendid monuments and historical sights.  From the temple of Olympian Zeus to the hilltop of Acropolis, with ancient buildings such as the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Athens is also known as a contemporary city and it’s not uncommon for the nightlife hubs of Kolonaki, Psiri and Gazi to stay busy until dawn.

While there are many running events held at Disney World each year, the most popular event is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. The Marathon is part of a weekend race series that also includes a 5K, a 10K, and a Half Marathon. With more running, more medals and more runners than any other runDisney © weekend, this event is a runner’s paradise!

Sports Tours International is proud to be an official partner and travel operator for the Tokyo Marathon 2025. Each of our packages has the option to add guaranteed entry into the 2025 marathon. The Tokyo Marathon is one of the most difficult marathons in the world to get into. Around 320,000 runners enter the ballot for one of 37,500 places.

Also Available:

• Etape du Tour event entry
• Bike rental options (please see read more section) – for further information please email   [email protected]
• Airport Transfer Service at set times. Please see the package details for more information.
• Sports Travel Insurance
• Souvenir entry includes: a bib, a flask, an engraved medal with your first name, your race time, as well as a photo and video package

Sports Tours International is the official tour operator of the Etape du Tour. We offer event support, a race briefing, additional feed stations, mechanical services and much more.

Our staff service at the Etape du Tour includes the following:

• Assistance at the event expo and throughout your stay
• Mechanical support from our professional mechanics
• A 24 hour emergency number
• Two additional feed stations on the route
• Refreshments available after the race at the arrival village

Why ride the Etape du Tour with us?

• We welcome all nationalities
• The option to buy a guaranteed entry to the 2023 Etape du Tour
• Dedicated additional feed stations for Sports Tours International customers
• Assistance of Sports Tours reps and mechanics
• Payments for travel packages are financially protected by ABTA

By taking a package tour to the 2023 Etape du Tour, you will benefit from our years of logistical experience in taking cyclists to cyclosportive and Gran Fondo events.

Sports Tours International is the Official Premium Tour Operator of the TDF. Our spectator tour to the 2024 Grand Depart gets you close to the action. We include transport and hotels in Florence. You will also get a front seat of the action as official Tour VIP access and hospitality are included. Join us for a fabulous long weekend of top class cycling in the Florence! Our travel package to the Grand Depart of the 2024 Tour will be for 4 nights at centrally based local hotels. With our weekend, exclusive VIP access and hospitality are included, as well as the services of our excellent team of hosts.

In total, more than 600 kilometres will be run in Italy, from Piazzale Michelangelo, the heart of Florence and the Italian Renaissance, to Turin, the first capital of Italy, through Emilia-Romagna and the Via Emilia.

Why book with us?

• Guaranteed race entry for all events
• Access to all six marathon majors
• Europe’s no.1 sports tour operator
• Our packages make competing hassle free

Sports Tours Acquires US Tour Operator, Destination Marathons

How can you become a 6 star finisher with sports tours, by crossing the finish line at the boston marathon, six stars: one passion – london, taking on the tokyo marathon with helen carroll, running the world: sally brider’s six star journey, “riding the mallorca 312 may as well be the tour de france” – david millar, mad, chaotic and insanely brilliant – the tour of flanders by david millar, how life began at 50 for 6* finisher mckenley mason, 2023 dublin competition winner niamh o’driscoll is heading to the 2024 london marathon.

Duane Bridger

27, Coventry

This is the first time I have used Sports Tours and I am really impressed. The efficiency, the friendliness, the off-the-cuff vital advice all made this toughie as enjoyable as it can. Few companies have retained their ethos since covid and this is one of them.

Steve Turner

The organisation from the Sports Tours team was amazing from start to finish – every member of staff from the airport team, mechanics, organisers, drivers and drink stop team could not do enough for us all and they never stopped smiling! Please pass on my thanks to everyone! All 8 of us finished (somehow!!) and if we are ever stupid enough to ride it again we will be using you guys to book.

Roddy Hamilton

31, Manchester

For 3 years, through cancellations, lockdowns and multiple flight cancellations, Sports Tours International have remained responsive and professional – all staff and especially yourself, Vicki, very helpful and efficient, and the organisation and hotel set-up was first-class, I’d not hesitate to book with Sports Tours again.

Race For A Good Cause

We champion health and wellbeing initiatives through promoting the benefits of active living and a healthy lifestyle. Get fit, challenge yourself, raise awareness and funds for a great cause.

A Reason to Belong

Europe’s leading tour operator for the active lifestyle community.

Every year we take thousands of participants and spectators to some of best and most popular events around the world. Whether it’s achieving a new goal, or a challenge on your best times, we create great experiences and memories that will last a life time.

Corporate Events

Vip packages, club la santa.

Official tour partner for the biggest races on the planet

Appointment In IFMST Department

Appointment in IFMST Department of Representatives By the decree of the President of the International Federation of Municipalities’ Sports and Tourism (more…)

Health Benefits of Strength Training

Strength training, sometimes called resistance training or weight training, is a type of exercise geared toward increasing your muscle strength, endurance, and sometimes even muscle mass. To achieve these goals,

International Online Workshop

International online Workshop on Modern Perspective for Sport and Aging in World Cities,With the presence of  Professor. Farhad Rahmani Nia Time: 28 May 2024, 2:30 to 5:30 PM, London time

Appointment in IFMST Department of Representatives By the decree of the President of the International Federation of Municipalities’Sports and Tourism (more…)

International online Workshop for Familiarization Workshop With Top Firefighter Sports,With the presence of Dr. Abobakr Ravand (more…)

International online Workshop for Getting to know Board Games ,With the presence of Dr. Safargar (more…)

Why Am I Not Losing Weight?

Why Am I Not Losing Weight? Weight loss often results from eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Still, you may wonder, "Why am I not losing weight?" Not experiencing weight loss could

Leads You to a healthy lifestyle

Please Review Our Calendar To Discover Upcoming Events.

Take a glance at our calendar to explore a wide range of scheduled events

Follow Us on social Medias

Events-news-videos, our sponsors.

The International Federation of Municipalities Sports and Tourism Promotes Sports and Tourism Initiatives at the Local Level, Aiming to Enhance the Quality of Life, Foster Cultural Exchange, and Stimulate Economic Growth Within Municipalities Worldwide.

• https://www.vave.life
• List Item #2
• List Item #3
• List Item #1

© All rights reserved IFMST ©

VCWC 2024 cements Rwanda's ascent as a global sports tourism destination

T he inaugural Veterans Club World Championship (VCWC), scheduled for September 1-10 in Kigali, and which is expected to attract over 150 former international football stars, is a yet another proof of Rwanda's commitment to becoming an international sports tourism destination. Rwanda's emergence as a sought-after destination for international sports events signifies a remarkable journey marked by strategic vision, investment in infrastructure, and commitment to excellence. ALSO READ: Rwanda confirmed as hosts of 2024 veterans’ World Cup The VCWC summerizes Rwanda's trajectory towards becoming a hub for sports tourism, with implications that extend beyond the sphere of athletics. There are varied benefits Rwanda accrues from its rapidly growing status as a host for prestigious international sporting spectacles. ALSO READ: Organisers upbeat about Kigali's readiness to host VCWC 2024 Firstly, the influx of high-profile sporting events bolsters the country's global reputation and visibility. That's the barest of facts. By attracting renowned football legends like David Trezeguet, Ronaldinho Gaucho, and Michael Owen, Patrick Mboma and George Weah among so many, Rwanda elevates its stature on the world stage. The eyes of millions of sports enthusiasts across the globe turn towards Kigali, placing the country in the spotlight and amplifying its brand recognition. Such exposure not only fosters a sense of pride among Rwandans but also generates positive publicity, showcasing the nation as a vibrant and dynamic destination capable of hosting high-level events which primarily stimulates economic growth and development. These tournaments come with the influx of participants, spectators and media personnel which injects significant revenue into the local economy, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail. Hotels experience heightened occupancy rates, restaurants cater to a surge in clientele, and souvenir shops capitalize on the demand for memorabilia. Beyond immediate financial gains, the long-term economic impact is profound, as enhanced infrastructure and facilities create a conducive environment for continued tourism and investment. Furthermore, the global exposure garnered from hosting such events attracts future visitors, fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem that contributes to Rwanda's economic diversification and resilience. In addition to economic benefits, international sports events foster social cohesion and cultural exchange. The VCWC in Kigali serves as a platform for cross-cultural interactions, as players, and fans from diverse backgrounds alike, converge to celebrate the universal language of sport. Nothing brings peoples together than sports. Rwandans have the opportunity to engage with football icons and experience the camaraderie that transcends borders, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding. Besides, the tournament promotes inclusivity by showcasing Rwanda's commitment to hosting events that embrace diversity and promote dialogue. Such cultural exchanges enrich the fabric of society, nurturing relationships that extend beyond the realm of sports and contribute to global harmony. Rwanda's investment in sports infrastructure underscores its commitment to sustainable development and legacy building. The reconstruction of the Amahoro Stadium exemplifies the country’s dedication to providing world-class facilities that leave a lasting impact. VIDEO & PHOTOS: Amahoro National Stadium engineers “committed to deliver” before August Beyond serving as a venue for the VCWC, the stadium becomes a cornerstone of Rwanda's sports legacy, hosting future tournaments and events that continue to attract international acclaim. The legacy of such infrastructure projects extends beyond sports, catalyzing urban development and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Additionally, the hosting of international sports events amplifies Rwanda's soft power and diplomatic influence on the global stage. By successfully organizing tournaments that garner widespread attention and admiration, Rwanda enhances its credibility as a competent and reliable partner on the international scene. The diplomatic dividends accrued from such endeavors facilitate partnerships, collaborations, and investments that propel Rwanda's development agenda forward. Furthermore, the positive associations forged through sports diplomacy transcend traditional boundaries, fostering goodwill and fostering international cooperation. Rwanda's ascent as a destination for international sports events represents a testament to its resilience, innovation, and vision for the future. The inaugural Veterans Club World Championship in Kigali exemplifies the transformative power of sports in driving economic growth, promoting social cohesion, and enhancing Rwanda's global standing. As Rwanda continues to invest in sports infrastructure, cultivate a vibrant tourism sector, and embrace the values of inclusivity and excellence, its journey towards becoming a premier sports tourism destination is poised to reach new heights. Through strategic partnerships, sustainable development initiatives, and a commitment to excellence, Rwanda is set to leave an indelible mark on the world stage, one sporting event at a time.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Latest News
• Popular News
• Current Issue
• Lion dance world tournament to boost Indonesia's sports tourism: Gov't

Lion dance world tournament to boost Indonesia's sports tourism: Gov't

• May 17, 2024 13:39 GMT+700

Translator: Donny A, Tegar Nurfitra Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga Copyright © ANTARA 2024

• lion dance world championship
• fobi world championship
• youth and sports ministry

Related News

Indonesia to host international lion dance competition in May

• 17th April 2024

Indonesian lion dance majorly contributes to sports tourism : KONI

• 21st January 2022

Minister launches Aceh's mascot, logo, and tagline for 2024 PON

• 28th January 2023

Preparations for 21st National Sports Week nearly complete: Minister

• yesterday 12:36

Sports Ministry assures of funding for SEA Games athletes' training

• 9th May 2024

Indonesia, Hungary discuss sports cooperation

• 8th May 2024

Ministry conducts training to boost youth development index

• 27th March 2024

 5 archery athletes qualify for Paris Paralympics

• 12th March 2024

Ministry commends thousands of runners expressing support to Palestine

• 25th February 2024

Sports Ministry to open aquabike, powerboat academy in Balige

• 8th February 2024

Need to optimize international sporting events in Indonesia: Minister

• 1st October 2023

Ministry allocates US$26 million for FIFA U-17 World Cup

• 12th September 2023

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Why is Trump’s son-in-law allowed to build in Europe’s first wild river national park delta?

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Joni Vorpsi was protesting outside the Albanian Parliament when he heard the draft law he was there to stop had passed.

Law 21/2024, as it’s officially known, is a nightmare for environmentalists as it enables the construction of five-star mega resorts anywhere in the country - including protected natural areas.

Its approval came in February, three days after Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner went public with his plans to create two resorts by the Vjosa River delta, an ecologically priceless wetland.

“It was devastating,” says Vorpsi, a project manager at the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) NGO. “It's the biggest attack on Albanian nature since the 90s,” he adds, looking back to a dark chapter in his nation’s history when “people couldn’t see nature as something to preserve.”

This country has become the first in modern history to lose all of its glaciers

Jellyfish could be one marine creature that benefits from climate change

Today, Albania appears to have recognised the value of its natural assets. More than 21 per cent of the country’s total landmass is within a network of protected areas, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment says. It won international plaudits for making the Vjosa Europe’s first wild river National Park last year after bowing to pressure from a prolonged campaign by activists.

But the protection did not stretch to the delta, something which alarmed PPNEA since this coastal wetland is the most biodiverse part of the waterway, home to Dalmatian pelicans, endangered water frogs, flamingos, spoonbills and loggerhead turtles.

Underneath the current of positivity, environmentalists say there is a clear pattern of nature being sacrificed to development, as the government looks to realise its vision of an Albanian riviera.

‘Everything is connected’: The airport by the lagoon

Nearby where Kushner is eyeing up developments - on the Zvërnec peninsula and Savan island - lies the construction site for a new airport , begun in 2022.

Vlora International Airport is being built on the edge of the 40 kilometres squared Vjosa-Nartë Lagoon, a key stopover for migrating birds that has been protected for 20 years.

But the government redrew the boundaries of this nature reserve (among others), meaning the airport site fell outside of the protected area and was then given a construction permit. PPNEA is involved in two ongoing lawsuits over these steps.

The EU (which Albania aims to join) has said the airport contradicts both national laws and international biodiversity protection conventions that Albania has ratified. The Committee of the Bern Convention tells Euronews it is following the situation closely, after its call to suspend construction was ignored.

For environmentalists, the airport is the start of a slippery slope. “If they start saying that we are building the airport in protected areas because it's for the public interest, then they will start doing it in all the protected areas with resorts,” Vorpsi says.

He claims that the Vjosa wild river national park designation is being used by the Albanian government to portray themselves as protectors of nature.

A government spokesperson tells Euronews Green that, “The airport project isn't emerging from nothing; rather, it's evolving in an area where the previous airport operated until the early 1970s. This location falls outside the protected areas system and has no impact on Natural Monuments such as the Narta Dunes, the Zvernec Forest, and the Narta Lagoon.”

Green groups welcome Commission caution on fast-track renewables deployment

The Albanian law change that enables construction in protected areas

Under the change to Albania’s law on protected areas, the National Territory Council can award permits for luxury tourist resorts anywhere in the country.

MPs submitted the draft law in November, and it was sped through in February, despite the EU requesting the government to suspend voting and make the process more transparent.

The delegation of the EU to Albania - a diplomatic mission which guides the country towards integration with the bloc - said in response that it will be following the implementation of the new legal provisions “very closely.”

For Vorpsi, that doesn’t go nearly far enough. He describes the significance of Law 21/2024 in much stronger words: “we realise that now things have changed forever. Now we will be in a constant war.”

Where five-star resorts are permitted, he foresees a much wider sprawl of infrastructure - from highways and bridges to new power plants and golf courses .

The Kushner-backed projects in Albanian nature

Vorpsi didn’t know who Kushner was when he first heard about his designs on Albania. But he can see the attraction: “it's like kilometres of virgin coastline, which every investor would be happy to have.”

Kushner’s Miami-based private equity firm Affinity Partners is on the verge of investing in new tourist developments along this stretch of southern Albania.

Photos shared to his Facebook page show early design images for the resorts on uninhabited Sazan island - a speed boat ride from Vlora airport site - and the Zvërnec peninsula, connected by a wooden bridge to an island in the Nartë lagoon. Affinity Partners, with a pot filled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, has also just got the green light to build a $500 million (€461 mn) hotel complex in Serbia, prompting local protest.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Albania is still “at a very early stage’’ with the Sazan island application, which has been received by the Albanian Investment Development Agency but has to go through several levels of review. Officially, the government has not yet received an application for the project in the Narta area, it adds.

Sazan is in the Karaburun-Sazan national marine park, and Zvërnec is inside the Pishë Poro-Nartë protected area, but the ministry contests that Sazan is a protected area.

Kushner’s plan for Zvërnec reportedly includes up to 10,000 ‘units of villas’. With a minimum of two to a room, Vorpsi fears a deluge of 20,000 tourists and their needs will effectively give rise to a “new luxury city”. Some of the infrastructure required will be supplied by the government, as part of its offer to ‘strategic investors’.

“When you start putting all the pieces in the puzzle, you don't feel very much surprised that there is this big name,” says Vorpsi. But he fears the Trump -related name has been a distraction to the press and public, prompting political rather than environmental discussion.

Locals are divided over the developments, with some viewing them as an economic opportunity. There is a shallow-rooted attachment to the land in villages that were only created during the 1970s, Vorpsi explains, when lagoons were drained for agriculture.

“But still people have started to understand, there is a lot of public rage,” he adds.

Why is a record-breaking year of dam removals good news for Europe’s wildlife?

How will the developments impact biodiversity in the Vjosa delta?

The airport, the law change, the Kushner projects: “all this is a vision” Vorpsi says, which makes it impossible to talk in detail about the species which will be disturbed or lost.

“We are losing the coastal wetlands once and forever because of this vision,” PPNEA’s pelican conservation coordinator says. “We don’t talk at all about biodiversity presence there, in the end [...] it will be vanished.”

People are at risk of losing their natural resources too if the hydrology of the lagoon area and its underwater rivers are wrecked. And since this coastal wetland provides a vital buffer against flooding and sea-level rise, “big catastrophes” could follow, he warns.

Spanning 240 square kilometres as it empties into the Adriatic, the Vjosa Delta is one of the vanishingly few intact deltas in the Mediterranean Basin.

Scientists undertook a data-gathering mission at the site last month. “Our first findings reveal the enormous ecological value of the delta,” says Austrian lead scientist Prof Fritz Schiemer. “Amidst the allure of luxury tourism, we must remember the unparalleled ecological importance of the Vjosa Delta, a treasure unique in all of Europe.”

Environmental NGO Euronatur and others involved in the science delegation are urging the government to include the delta in the Vjosa Wild River National Park. But Vorpsi says this wouldn’t safeguard it from development given the new law.

Renewable records and green awards: Positive environmental stories from 2024

How are environmental campaigners fighting back?

PPNEA is instead channelling its energy into rallying the public, and fighting the government through legal means. One of its lawsuits against the construction permit for Vlora airport, submitted almost two years ago, is now back in the Court of Appeal.

Campaigners feel that the authorities are “waiting until the airport is more advanced and they will say that it's a done fact now,” says Vorpsi.

In the meantime, the delta appears to be fighting back in its own way. Layers and layers of gravel are having to be laid down, each sinking into the mudflat, he says, before the asphalt can go on the runway. The airport opening has been delayed until next year.

In a statement, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment emphasises that, “Albania aims for high-end tourism, as a measure to protect the environment through sustainable tourism and not mass tourism .”

“It's crucial to recognise that protected areas and human communities are not separate entities; they can coexist harmoniously as they did historically,” the ministry spokesperson adds.

“These areas shouldn't be viewed as static reserves or isolated zones akin to zoos, displacing inhabitants from their ancestral homes. The new legislation on protected areas ensures their holistic preservation and integrity.”

Affinity Partners did not respond to a request for comment about its potential investments in Albania, and their impact on the environment.

Recommended Stories

Iran's president was in a helicopter crash: here’s what we know — and what we don’t.

Iran's president was involved in a helicopter crash. Here's what we know — and what we don't so far.

NBA playoffs: Pacers vs. Knicks Game 7 updates, score, highlights, analysis

One team will go on to the Eastern Conference finals. The other will go home.

'SNL' recap: Jake Gyllenhaal marks the ‘End of the Road’ for Season 49 in finale episode

The three-time 'SNL' host wrapped up Season 49 and reminded viewers he can sing, with a new twist on a popular Boyz II Men ballad.

The 27 best Walmart deals to shop this weekend — save up to 75% on early Memorial Day sales, summer essentials and more

Ready for your pre-summer perusal: A massive patio umbrella for over half off, a 65-inch Hisense smart TV for under $500 and a Keurig hot/iced coffeemaker for nearly $70 off.

The big questions JPMorgan investors have for Jamie Dimon

Attendees at JPMorgan's annual investor day Monday will be listening for answers to some key questions. A top concern is how much longer Jamie Dimon plans to run the largest US bank.

The 40+ best Amazon early Memorial Day deals: Save up to 80% on summer essentials, vacuums, tech and more

A No. 1 bestselling Ninja air fryer for $80 is calling our name, as is a sleek stick vac marked down by over 50%. That's just for starters.

Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 NBA offseason preview: The future looks brilliant, but the improvements are obvious

With the right summer moves and expected health, there's no reason to believe the Thunder couldn't win the whole thing next season.

Biden acknowledges ‘heartbreak’ over Israel-Hamas war in speech to Morehouse grads

President Biden spoke about the Israel-Hamas war during his commencement address at Morehouse College on Sunday.

I’m rooting for Melinda French Gates to fix tech's broken ‘brilliant jerk’ culture

On Monday, Melinda French Gates resigned from the philanthropy organization she ran with ex-husband Bill Gates. French Gates will leave next month with an additional $12.5 billion, she said. The Gates Foundation famously works on projects to help impoverished people, especially in developing countries, such as fighting malaria, polio or improving sanitation.

Trading stocks all day and all night might be an 'inevitability' for investors

Around-the-clock stock trading is likely the future, executives at several trading platforms say, thanks to increased demand from international markets and a new generation of investors who expect constant online access.

PGA Championship Round 4 live updates, leaderboard: Who will emerge from the logjam atop the leaderboard?

Fifteen players are within five shots of the lead entering the final round of the 2024 PGA Championship.

Blue Origin successfully sends tourists to the edge of space again after a long hiatus

Jeff Bezos’ spaceflight company successfully flew six paying customers to the edge of space and back this morning, breaking its nearly two-year-long hiatus from crewed missions. This was Blue Origin’s seventh trip with humans on board.

'Hides the pooch': This loose but 'not sloppy loose' button-down is on sale for just $23

Lightweight and flattering, Amazon's No. 1 bestselling top will get plenty of play in your summer rotation.

Under Armour is collapsing — And Kevin Plank has to take the blame

The Under Armour meltdown continues.

Markets brace for Nvidia earnings: What to know this week

A crucial earnings report from AI leader Nvidia greets a stock market that hit new records last week.

Housing experts revise mortgage rate forecasts for remainder of 2024

Experts are revising their forecasts about mortgage rates and home prices for the rest of the year.

A bottle of this $11 hair conditioner sells every minute: 'Turns straw into gold'

Have eight seconds to spare? Because that's all it takes for this top-seller to work its smoothing magic — grab it on sale.

McLaren ramps up a range of electric 'hyper bikes'

McLaren Automotive is parleying its reputation in the world of supercars and Formula 1 racers to build and market a range of electric 'hyper bikes.'

CD rates today, May 19, 2024 (up to 5.15% APY)

If you’re searching for today’s best CD rates, we’ve narrowed down some of the top offers. Learn more about CD rates today.

Trevor Lawrence hasn't lived up to the hype. The Jaguars still need to pay him big

Ignore the noise whenever this contract comes through. Lawrence has earned it and the Jaguars would be foolish to go in an alternate path.

Record-breaking India captain Sunil Chhetri to quit international football

India’s record goal scorer and most capped player says it’s time for the country to see ‘the next number nine’ in an emotional video announcing his retirement.

India captain Sunil Chhetri says he will retire from international football, ending a record-breaking career for his country spanning two decades.

Chhetri, the country’s most prolific scorer, will retire after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, the 39-year-old announced on Thursday.

Keep reading

Will india, the ‘sleeping giant’ of football, wake up at the asian cup, the impact of india’s growing sports tourism market on football, india’s sunil chhetri passes lionel messi in international goals.

Chhetri has been the face of Indian football for nearly a decade-and-a-half and his 94 international goals make him the third-highest active international goal scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

“It was not that I was feeling tired,” Chhetri said in a video he posted on social media.

“When the instinct came this should be my last game, I thought about it a lot and eventually I came to this decision.

“Will I be sad after this? Of course … the kid inside me never wants to stop if given a chance to play for his country.”

“It’s time for our country to see the next number nine.”

India play Kuwait while being second in qualifying Group A with four points, behind Qatar.

“The game against Kuwait demands pressure, we need the three points to qualify for the next round. It’s hugely important for us,” the skipper said.

“But in a strange way, I don’t feel the pressure because these 15-20 days with the national team and the match against Kuwait is the last,” he added.

He scored a penalty in India’s most recent outing, a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Afghanistan in March.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) heaped praises on the retiring captain in response to his announcement on social media.

“Your legacy on and off-the-field will always be remembered,” AIFF said in a post on X.

“Thank you @chetrisunil11 for your leadership, dedication and commitment to Indian football.”

Football has struggled to find its feet among the 1.4 billion people of India, where the sport’s local following is dwarfed by the nation’s longstanding cricket obsession.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter once called India a “sleeping giant” of the sport.

India are currently ranked 121, one spot below Lebanon which has a population of 5.5 million.

I'd like to say something… pic.twitter.com/xwXbDi95WV — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) May 16, 2024

‘The giant that walked amongst men’

Chhetri is India’s most-capped player having played 150 international matches since his debut against Pakistan in 2005.

Across club and country, his goal tally stands at 252 from 515 appearances, averaging almost a goal every two games.

Chhetri began his football journey in 2002. It was reported in 2009 that he had signed for English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, but was unable to take up the contract after being denied a work permit.

He joined Kansas City Wizards in the United States in 2010 and in 2012 signed for Portugal’s Sporting CP, where he played for the reserves in the country’s second division.

In 2022, FIFA honoured Chhetri with a documentary, titled “Captain Fantastic”.

India coach Igor Stimac said in January that Chhetri was welcome to continue his career for as long as he chose.

“We are not putting any pressure on him whatsoever,” the Croatian said.

Chhetri’s Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC termed him a role model for the younger generation.

“He is a proper role model for many Indian kids dreaming about becoming football players.”

“The phases, the faces, the eras and battles – he’s been the one constant through it all,” Bengaluru FC said on X after the announcement.

“He’s going to do it one last time, and we can never be grateful enough for the giant that walked amongst men.”

The phases, the faces, the eras and battles – he’s been the one constant through it all. He’s going to do it one last time, and we can never be grateful enough for the giant that walked amongst men. #SunilChhetri #ForeverChhetri ♾️ pic.twitter.com/ielMIFx77S — Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) May 16, 2024