Sports tourism refers to a form of travel or vacation that involves participating in or observing sports events or activities. It is a type of tourism that attracts both sports enthusiasts and tourists looking to have an experience related to the world of sports. Below you will find the figures for sports tourism in Italy.

 

The numbers of sports tourism in Italy:

According to data released in 2003 by the Italian Sport System Observatory of Bana Ifis, sports tourism in Italy has reached the levels of 2019 with an exceptional turnover of over 7.2 billion euros and revenue exceeding 100 billion euros.
Italian sports confirm their ability to generate economic and social value. The per capita expenditure of sports tourists has increased by 9% despite the increase in costs. There are multiple related activities that accompany and interest this type of tourist during their trip, such as visits to exhibitions and museums.
The focus of this analysis has been on major sports events, considered by the Ministry of Tourism and ENIT as valuable drivers for the country’s development, which, in addition to being of global interest, involve national and supranational organizations at various levels. The Olympic Games and the World Cup of soccer are the two events par excellence that attract millions of visitors, generate significant revenues, and represent a unique opportunity to make investments in permanent assets, such as facilities and infrastructure which leads to a significant modernization for the host country and sources of medium to long-term wealth for the region.

 

Sports tourism and employment:

Sports tourism offers numerous advantages, including the opportunity for travelers to combine their interest in sports with the discovery of new places and cultures. It can also contribute to the local economy, as sports events attract tourists who spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and souvenirs.
The 2023 edition of the Sport System Observatory also revealed a positive contribution to employment, with over 405,000 employees operating at various levels in the sector, which includes 67,000 sports clubs, 10,000 manufacturing companies, 9,500 facility management companies, and 50 publishing and betting companies. Sports tourism is finally on the rise, with an increasing number of people interested in traveling to participate in major events and competitions. These data confirm the strong link between tourism and sports, a connection that has transformed into a true economic resource.