What Are the Three Types of Sport Tourism?

By Robert Palmer

Sport tourism is a rapidly growing sector within the larger tourism industry. It involves traveling to a destination to participate in or watch sporting events. There are three main types of sport tourism: event tourism, active sport tourism, and nostalgia sport tourism.

Event Tourism

Event tourism involves traveling to a destination specifically to attend a sporting event. This could be anything from the Olympics or World Cup to smaller regional competitions such as marathons or triathlons. The focus of event tourism is on the spectator experience, with travelers often purchasing tickets in advance and making additional travel arrangements such as transportation and accommodations.

Examples of Event Tourism:

  • Attending the Super Bowl
  • Traveling to Wimbledon for the tennis championships
  • Going to the World Cup for soccer
  • Watching the Tour de France cycling race live

Active Sport Tourism

Active sport tourism involves traveling to a destination specifically to participate in a sporting activity. This could be anything from skiing or snowboarding in the winter to surfing or hiking in the summer. The focus of active sport tourism is on participation and physical activity rather than watching others compete.

Examples of Active Sport Tourism:

  • Skiing in Aspen, Colorado
  • Hiking Machu Picchu in Peru
  • Biking through Tuscany, Italy
  • Kayaking in New Zealand’s Milford Sound

Nostalgia Sport Tourism

Nostalgia sport tourism involves traveling to a destination for sports-related reasons that have personal significance or emotional attachment. This could include visiting the birthplace of a favorite athlete, touring famous sports stadiums or arenas, or attending a sports-related museum.

Examples of Nostalgia Sport Tourism:

  • Visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York
  • Touring the Olympic Village in Athens, Greece
  • Visiting the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky
  • Going to the MotoGP Museum in Tavullia, Italy

In conclusion, sport tourism offers a unique way to experience different cultures and destinations around the world. Whether you are a spectator or participant, there are many options available for those looking to combine their love of sports with their desire to travel.