The Impact of Sporting Events on Sports Tourism

Abstract

Sports tourism, as a dynamic sector of the tourism industry, combines sports activities with travel, drawing significant attention in recent decades. Hosting major sports events can contribute to tourism development, enhance destination image, and boost economic revenues. However, such events may also pose challenges and negative impacts that require careful planning and management. To examine the impact of hosting sports events on the development of sports tourism, focusing on the analysis of achievements, challenges, and opportunities. This study adopts a narrative review and descriptive analysis approach. Data were gathered from secondary sources, including scholarly articles, reports, and credible case studies, and analyzed within the theoretical framework of sustainable tourism development. The results indicate that hosting sports events can lead to increased tourist attraction, infrastructure development, improved destination image, and strengthened national identity. However, challenges such as high hosting costs, environmental issues, and pressure on local resources also emerge. Analyzing successful cases at national and international levels highlights that strategic planning, community participation, and the use of modern technologies can enhance the positive impacts of these events and mitigate negative consequences. To optimize the opportunities associated with hosting sports events and achieving sustainable tourism development, policymakers and stakeholders must implement comprehensive planning and effective management strategies based on successful experiences.