Sports Tourism: What It Is, Its Types, and Key Characteristics

Sports tourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors within the global tourism industry. Whether through major international events, recreational sports experiences, or travel motivated by physical and mental well-being, millions of people choose destinations based on sports-related activities every year.

For the sports industry and business professionals, understanding sports tourism is essential to identifying economic opportunities, audience behavior, and growth strategies. This knowledge is especially relevant in educational programs such as the MBA in Sports Management at LALIGA Business School, where students learn to design and manage innovative sports experiences connected to tourism.

What Is Sports Tourism?

Sports tourism refers to all travel undertaken for the purpose of participating in, watching, or enjoying sports-related activities. It is considered one of the pillars of the modern experience economy, blending leisure, entertainment, health, and cultural exchange.

A trip can be classified as sports tourism when sport is the main motivation for traveling—either as a participant or as a spectator.

Main Types of Sports Tourism

Sports tourism covers a wide range of activities and motivations. The main categories are:

Active Sports Tourism

This type involves travelers who engage directly in a sporting activity.
Examples include:

• Running marathons abroad
  
  

• Participating in triathlons or cycling tours
  
  

• Ski holidays or surf camps
  
  

• Hiking routes and adventure races
  
  

Active sports tourists seek personal challenge, health, and new environments.

Event-Based Sports Tourism

Here, the main motivation is attending or watching a sports event. It is also the most economically impactful category.

Examples:

• FIFA World Cup
  
  

• Olympic Games
  
  

• UEFA Champions League matches
  
  

• Tennis Grand Slams
  
  

These events attract thousands of international visitors, raising demand for transport, accommodation, hospitality services, and city experiences.

Sports Training Tourism

This type involves travelers who move to practice, train, or improve their athletic skills in specialized environments.

Examples:

• Preseason training camps
  
  

• High-performance centers
  
  

• Altitude training
  
  

• Sports academies
  
  

Professional clubs and athletes travel frequently for this purpose, but it is also popular among amateurs.

Well-being and Fitness Tourism

This category focuses on improving physical and mental health through sport-related experiences.

Examples:

• Yoga retreats
  
  

• Wellness resorts with sports programs
  
  

• Cycling or running holidays
  
  

• Fitness bootcamps
  
  

Key Characteristics of Sports Tourism

Sports tourism has several features that differentiate it from other forms of travel:

Strong emotional component

Fans and athletes often experience feelings of belonging, passion, and identity during sports trips, creating memorable experiences.

Economic impact

Sports events and activities generate spending on hotels, transport, restaurants, merchandising, and tourism services. Cities use sports tourism to boost local economies.

Sustainability and long-term planning

Destinations must manage infrastructures, environmental impact, and social integration to ensure sustainable growth, especially in major events.

Digital transformation

The use of data, artificial intelligence, streaming, and mobile platforms has changed how tourists select, book, and experience sports activities.

Community and cultural connection

Sports tourism promotes cultural exchange and strengthens the visibility of local communities.

Economic Impact of Sports Tourism

Sports tourism generates billions of euros globally each year. Its economic influence includes:

• Increased hotel occupancy
  
  

• Job creation
  
  

• Investment in infrastructure
  
  

• International promotion of cities
  
  

• Growth in sponsorship and sports marketing
  
  

Major sporting events can reposition a city internationally, attracting long-term tourism and business opportunities.

Sports Tourism and the Role of LALIGA BUSINESS SCHOOL

The growth of sports tourism demands professionals capable of designing strategic, innovative, and sustainable projects.

The MBA at LALIGA Business School trains future leaders in:

• Sports event management
  
  

• Tourism strategy and customer experience
  
  

• Sponsorship and marketing
  
  

• Digital transformation
  
  

• Innovation in sports products and services
  
  

Understanding sports tourism allows MBA students to develop projects that intersect sports, business, and global tourism trends.

Sports tourism is a global phenomenon that combines sport, travel, emotion, and economic development. Its diversity from major events to adventure experiences creates opportunities for clubs, cities, federations, and organizations.

Professionals trained in sports management and marketing, such as those from LALIGA Business School, play a key role in developing the strategies that will shape the future of this growing sector.