Sports tourism can play an increasingly important role in the economic diversification, growth and sustainable development of destinations worldwide.
The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses. Held in Zadar (Croatia) under the theme “Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability” the Congress focused on key issues such as sports tourism’s economic impact and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
- UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that's where UNWTO steps in”.
Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.
On the 13th of December a very beautiful, charming tradition is celebrated, i.e. the Saint Lucia’s Day. Being celebrated in the Nordics and some European countries, the main events take place in Sweden and neighbouring Finland. Having become a very popular tradition, nowadays the celebration attracts lots of foreigners as well as Finnish-speaking Finns.
Sports and event tourism is a rapidly growing sector of the global travel industry. TOHOLOGY continues writing reports about important, popular or interesting international events. Today it’s time for ATP tennis tournament St. Petersburg Open 2012.
“It is the best day of my life,” said Damir Dzumhur, the winner of the international tennis tournament St. Petersburg Open 2017 after the final match, which took place in the city on the Neva river.
The World Tourism Organization with the contribution of its members and partners developed global guidelines to restart tourism and formulate a sector-wide response to the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Action plan includes the most effective manners to make travel safe and seamless to all – workers, companies, destinations and travellers.