The 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress will take place in Madrid from November 28-29, 2024, bringing together global stakeholders to explore the economic, social, and environmental impact of sports tourism. Organized by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, the event will focus on the theme “Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations.”

As one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors, sports tourism was valued at $609 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at 16% CAGR through 2030, according to UN Tourism. The congress will highlight best practices, sponsorship trends, sustainable infrastructure, and digital innovations that are shaping the future of sports-driven tourism development.

Key Topics on the Agenda

The congress will feature high-level discussions on:

• Sports Tourism on Government Agendas – The role of governments in developing and regulating sports tourism.
• Partnership Models – Strategies for collaboration between governments, sports federations, and private entities.
• Long-Term Planning – How destinations can build sustainable, high-impact sports tourism strategies.
• Sponsorship & Brand Alignment – The role of corporate partnerships, brand activations, and destination branding.
• Community Engagement in Sports Events – Maximizing social benefits and local participation.
• Innovation in Sports Infrastructure – Emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), IoT, and AI in sports tourism.
• Sustainability & ESG Integration – Incorporating net-zero policies and environmental strategies into sports tourism planning.

The Global Growth of Sports Tourism

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, sports and tourism are essential for economic diversification and social development. Major sporting events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Formula 1 continue to attract millions of visitors, creating jobs, business opportunities, and infrastructure investments.

The Spanish Government has identified sports tourism as a key sector for economic growth, with Spain hosting global events like La Liga, the MotoGP Grand Prix, and the Madrid Marathon to boost domestic and international tourism.

Madrid: A Global Sports Tourism Hub

Madrid, the host city for the congress, is a prime example of a sports tourism-driven economy. With world-class stadiums, a thriving football scene, and international sports events, the city has positioned itself as a top European destination for sports travelers.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the congress’s role in shaping the future of sports tourism, stating:

“Sports and tourism are key drivers of economic and social growth. This congress will set the stage for sustainable and innovative development in this booming sector.”

The Future of Sports Tourism

As sports tourism investment continues to rise, destinations worldwide are competing to host events, upgrade sports infrastructure, and implement cutting-edge marketing strategies. The 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and position sports as a driver of sustainable tourism development.

The post Madrid to Host 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress, Focusing on Sustainable Growth appeared first on Travel And Tour World.