Tourism and Sport (Leaving Cert Physical Education): Revision Notes
Tourism and Sport
Tourism and Sport
Learning Focus:
- Understanding the impact of tourism on sport and how sport-related tourism benefits businesses and government sectors.
Tourism and sport are closely linked, with sports events driving tourism and contributing significantly to local economies. Effective sports marketing can enhance the appeal of destinations and increase visitor numbers, boosting economic growth.
Sports Tourism in Ireland
In Ireland, tourism is a significant source of income, particularly through the promotion of sporting events. Sports marketing plays a crucial role in raising awareness of products, services, and brands through sponsorship and event promotions. Major sporting events such as the Irish Open Golf and the Cliff Diving Championship attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting revenue.
For example, the 2019 Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club was broadcast worldwide, with over 300 million viewers watching it live or through highlights. The event also brought significant economic benefits to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants, leading to job creation and increased government tax revenue.
Sports Marketing in Ireland:
- By using sports events as marketing tools, Ireland can promote tourism while enhancing the visibility of local landmarks and businesses. This benefits the hospitality industry and provides job opportunities in the areas where events are held.
- According to Fáilte Ireland, key sports for tourism include cycling, golf, equestrian, and water sports.
Impact on the Economy:
- International events such as rugby matches and the Red Bull Cliff Diving event draw visitors from overseas, further enhancing Ireland's image as a sporting destination. These events not only promote health and well-being but also create job opportunities within communities.
Knowledge Check:
- Why is sports tourism important for Ireland?
- Describe a sporting event that positively impacts sports tourism in Ireland.
- Name one domestic and one international event hosted in Ireland and outline their economic impact.
Categories
Understanding the different categories of sports tourism helps in targeting specific markets and tailoring marketing strategies to attract diverse groups of visitors, thereby maximising the economic impact on local economies.
- Sport Event Tourism
- Active Sport Tourism
- Nostalgia Tourism
Sport Event Tourism
Sport event tourism involves attending large sports events that draw significant numbers of spectators. These events not only attract local fans but also international visitors, boosting the local economy through spending on accommodation, food, and transportation.
Example:
- Events like the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Championship attract large numbers of spectators from both Ireland and abroad, significantly boosting local economies.
Active Sport Tourism
Active sport tourism focuses on tourists participating in physical activities themselves. Ireland is ideal for this type of tourism due to its rich landscape that supports activities such as hiking, surfing, sailing, and horse-riding.
Example:
- Tourists visiting Ireland for activities like hiking in the Wicklow Mountains or surfing in Bundoran contribute to the local economy through spending on gear, accommodation, and guided tours.
Nostalgia Tourism
Nostalgia tourism attracts visitors interested in sports-related attractions with historical or sentimental value. This type of tourism can generate significant economic benefits in the short term as it targets a specific audience interested in sports history and heritage.
Example:
- Visitors to Croke Park and the GAA Museum come to experience the rich history of Irish sports, contributing to local tourism revenues.
Destination Sponsorship
Destination sponsorship involves using sports events to promote tourism in specific locations. By hosting high-profile sports events, destinations can increase their visibility, improve infrastructure, and enhance their image to attract more tourists.
Examples:
- Over 13 million tourists visited South Korea in 2018, significantly influenced by the successful promotion during the 1988 Olympics.
- The UAE's investment in sports sponsorship, such as the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, has drawn millions of visitors annually, contributing to the nation's economy.