Unlocking Economic Growth: The Power of Sports Tourism & Major Events

Photo by Jannes Glas on Unsplash

Introduction

Sports tourism and major event economies have emerged as powerful engines of growth for communities worldwide. Whether through youth tournaments, amateur competitions, or large-scale spectator events, the economic ripple effect from sports travel reaches far beyond stadium walls. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the benefits, opportunities, and actionable strategies for stakeholders seeking to harness the full potential of sports tourism and major event economies.

Photo by Bunsita H. on Unsplash

The Economic Impact of Sports Tourism

Recent industry data underscores the profound influence of sports tourism on local and national economies. In the United States alone, amateur and youth sports tourism generated $39.7 billion in direct spending in 2021 , resulting in a total economic impact of $91.8 billion. This activity supported 635,000 jobs and produced $12.9 billion in tax revenue for local governments [1] [2] . The rebound in travel post-pandemic illustrates the resilience and growing demand for sports-related experiences, with 175 million travelers attending events in 2021 alone.

Globally, sports tourism now accounts for 10% of all tourism spending and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032, driven by mega-events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics [5] .

Types of Sports Tourism and Their Economic Contributions

The sports tourism sector encompasses both participant-driven events (such as youth and amateur tournaments) and spectator-driven events (like professional league games and international championships). Each category brings distinct economic benefits:

Youth & Amateur Sports: Families traveling for tournaments contribute to hotel bookings, dining, retail, and local attractions. The sector has seen a steady annual growth rate of 5.9% since 2005, with over $9 billion invested in new venues since 2017. Despite the benefits, families should be aware of time commitments and costs, which can be significant. It’s common for participants to spend weekends at out-of-town competitions, fueling demand for local businesses [1] [4] .

Spectator Sports: Major events attract attendees who travel significant distances, stay overnight, and spend extensively. In 2024, spectator sports tourism in the U.S. drove $47.1 billion in direct spending, resulting in a total economic impact of $114.4 billion and supporting 664,860 jobs [3] .

How Sports Tourism Fuels Local Economies

Economic impact is measured in three ways:

• Direct Impact: Spending on hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail, transportation, and event fees.
• Indirect Impact: The supply chain effects-local businesses sourcing goods and services to support event operations.
• Induced Impact: Employees spending their earnings locally, further boosting the economy [1] .

Communities can strategically plan for sports tourism by investing in venue development, improving infrastructure, and fostering partnerships between local businesses and event organizers.

Accessing Sports Tourism Opportunities

For municipalities, hospitality providers, and entrepreneurs, leveraging sports tourism involves several actionable steps:

1. Research Upcoming Events: Identify major tournaments, championships, or recurring leagues in your area. Consult local tourism boards and sports commissions for event calendars.
2. Develop Partnerships: Collaborate with hotels, restaurants, and transportation services to create packages and promotions for attendees.
3. Venue Investment: Advocate for or participate in the development of new or improved sports facilities. Many cities fund venue improvements through hotel tax revenues generated by sports travelers [1] .
4. Marketing & Promotion: Utilize digital marketing platforms and local media to reach potential visitors. Highlight the unique offerings of your community-such as family-friendly attractions, dining, and entertainment.
5. Community Engagement: Involve local organizations, schools, and volunteers to maximize event participation and hospitality.

Challenges in Sports Tourism and How to Overcome Them

While the benefits are clear, stakeholders must address several challenges:

High Costs for Families: Youth sports travel can be expensive, with costs for equipment, lodging, and travel adding up quickly. To manage expenses, families can seek sponsorships, participate in fundraising, and explore travel-sharing options [4] .

Event Saturation & Burnout: For young athletes, excessive specialization in a single sport can lead to burnout and injury. Encouraging multi-sport participation and periodic rest can help mitigate these risks [4] .

Infrastructure & Capacity Issues: Hosting large events strains local infrastructure. Communities can address this by planning ahead, improving transportation networks, and coordinating with emergency services.

Inclusivity and Accessibility: Many organizations are working to make sports tourism more inclusive, with rising interest in women’s and mixed-gender events. Stakeholders should promote equitable access and diverse programming [5] .

Alternative Pathways and Resources

If you’re seeking to engage with sports tourism or major event economies, consider these approaches:

• Contact your local sports commission or convention and visitors bureau for guidance on hosting or attending events.
• Search for industry associations such as the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA), which provides research, networking, and educational resources. Visit the official Sports ETA website or search “Sports Events & Tourism Association” for more information.
• Explore public-private partnerships to fund venue development or event hosting.
• Engage with travel companies that specialize in sports packages-many offer group rates and logistical support for teams and fans.

Emerging Trends in Sports Tourism

Recent trends shaping the industry include:

• Globalization of Major Events: International competitions are driving record attendance and spending, with upcoming Olympics and FIFA World Cup events expected to elevate the market further [5] .
• Rise of Women’s Sports: Attendance and interest in women’s events are increasing, especially among younger demographics.
• Technology Integration: Digital platforms are improving event management, ticketing, and visitor engagement, making participation more seamless.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Many event organizers are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as waste reduction and responsible resource use.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximize Sports Tourism Benefits

1. Assess your community’s assets-venues, hospitality, transport, and attractions.
2. Identify and evaluate upcoming sports events for partnership opportunities.
3. Engage stakeholders, including local government, businesses, and sports organizations, to coordinate efforts.
4. Develop targeted marketing campaigns to attract participants and spectators.
5. Monitor and measure outcomes to refine strategies for future events.

For those looking to get involved, start by contacting your local sports commission, visiting your city’s official tourism website, or searching for “sports tourism opportunities” to explore available programs and partnerships.

Conclusion

Sports tourism and major event economies are catalysts for economic development, job creation, and community engagement. With billions in direct and indirect impact annually, stakeholders have ample opportunity to benefit by aligning with industry best practices, investing in infrastructure, and fostering inclusive, sustainable events. Whether you are an organizer, business owner, or traveler, actionable steps and collaborative efforts can help unlock new value from this dynamic sector.

References

• [1] Halff (2022). Youth and Amateur Sports Tourism Brings Economic Benefits .
• [2] Sports ETA (2022). Sports Tourism State of the Industry Report .
• [3] Sports ETA (2025). 2024 State of the Industry for Spectator Sports Tourism .
• [4] Engage TU (2025). The economic weight of youth travel sports .
• [5] Expedia Group (2025). Sports Tourism is Scoring Big Worldwide .