An overview of sport tourism: Building towards a dimensional framework

Abstract

The notion of people travelling to participate and watch sport dates back to the ancient Olympic Games and the practice of stimulating tourism through sport has existed for over a century. Just recently, however, sport and tourism professionals alike are realizing the significant potential of sport tourism and are aggressively pursuing this market niche. Although the definition of sport tourism may vary based on different people's interpretation of sport and travel, for the purpose of this article sport tourism refers to travel away from home to play sport, watch sport, or to visit a sport attraction including both competitive and non-competitive activities. Sport tourism can be broken down into five main categories: attractions, resorts, cruises, tours, and events. Each of these categories draws from other tourism sectors such as adventure tourism, health tourism, nature tourism, educational tourism, and leisure tourism. This article outlines the benefits and reasons for growth of sport tourism; provides examples of the scope and opportunities within the sport tourism field; and suggests ways to maximise potential by understanding all elements integral to sport tourism.