Region of Central Greece announces plans to host 'more sports tourism events' in 2023
Greece is a country that is no stranger to welcoming tourists to its shores. Known for its incredibly beautiful landscape, turquoise beaches, serene islands and world-class cuisine, there is plenty to bring tourists to Greece every summer.
The tourism industry in Greece is estimated to be worth around 10% of its total GDP. The multibillion-dollar market is something we will discuss in great detail today. Sports tourism is a subsection of tourism that is one of the fastest-growing markets in the sector.
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Adjusting to changing tourist appetite is crucial for countries that rely on vacationers to stimulate their economy. Sports tourism has been earmarked as an industry that will grow from billions of dollars in profits to potentially trillions by 2030.
Where is Central Greece?
Although we have discussed the attraction of tourism in Greece, it is the central region of the country that we will be focusing on today. Roumeli, as it is also referred to, has a rich and varied landscape that would provide a beautiful blueprint for those looking to travel to the region for sports tourism.
Traditionally, tourists have travelled to this region to learn about ancient Greek history and civilization. However, this area also contains rapid waters and waterfalls, which aren't commonly associated with Greece.
Sports tourism is a niche as it doesn't follow the traditional pattern of standard tourism. Anyone considered a sports tourist would usually be in the country to participate in sports or to watch a sporting event.
This differs from standard tourism, which usually focuses on those looking to experience Greece's nightlife, beaches or historical landmarks.
What is sports tourism?
When somebody travels to Greece for reasons other than to vacation, they are divided into further subcategories. Some tourists may travel for business. Others may be travelling to visit family.
Sports tourism is a niche classified as individuals who enter the country with the primary purpose of participating in sporting events. This includes people who are looking to take part in sports events or looking to attend an event.
Greece was the birthplace of the original Olympics and has heralded star athletes such as NBA megastar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Other sports superstars include the highly ranked tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas and Australian world boxing champion George Kambosos Jr, whose parents are both of Greek heritage.
It is the natural progression for Greece to move into this sector by combining its booming tourism sector with its incredible sporting heritage. One of the bridges that the tourism industry will have to cross is how to bring people into the country for sports tourism.
What sports have the most tourism?
Countries that have experienced a boom in sports tourism are countries that host the premier level of a given sport.
For example, the NFL in America has sports tourists coming in to watch some of their games, as does the NBA. Places such as Las Vegas bring in huge numbers of tourists for marquee boxing events and UFC fights.
The English Premier League is one of the most watched leagues anywhere on Earth. Fans travel from all over the planet to watch games in stadiums throughout England. This economic activity has proved vital for areas which do not have much economic activity and has injected major revenue.
Premier League clubs such as Liverpool have a passionate fanbase from all over the world. Their home games regularly have supporters from all nations flocking to the city to sample a Premier League game in the flesh. Many fans travel from as far as India and Scandinavian nations, such as Denmark and Norway.
Although they have some local support, they are overshadowed locally by their fellow Premier League team Everton. Matchday profits highlight that most of their ticket revenue comes from overseas supporters and corporate fans who generate huge profits for the team based in Northwest England.
How will Central Greece enter this market?
The climate, economy, cuisine and setting already put Greece at an advantage in hosting sports tourism. London has hosted NFL games at Wembley, which is probably the highest profile event of a game being hosted outside of a nation where the league originates from.
Although Greece may not have its eyes set on this market, the climate is warmer and more welcoming to tourists, so they are already starting on a strong footing.
Athens hosted the 2004 Olympics, highlighting that the country has the capacity and infrastructure to host many of the top sporting events that could fuel the sports tourism push. Due to the amount of money involved in this sector, other countries will also be looking to make waves in the market.
Alongside these announcements, the Greek tourist board has also focused on a tourism boost involving other sectors, such as digital nomad visas and new hiking routes.
This is smart as it isn't best to focus on just one tourist industry sector when it has such huge broad revenue potential. As we have touched on already, Greece is a hotbed for tourists and ranks in the top ten most visited European countries.
Aiming to stay ahead of the pack or make their way up the top ten is the goal. Focusing on trending and emerging sectors such as sports tourism could be a bold move that pays off.
Although the plans are still in their early stages, many who make a living in the Greek tourism industry will be intrigued to see this sector grow and will be excited by the plans.
Conclusion
Following the total shutdown of the tourist industry in 2020, the Greek tourist board will be looking to introduce a more flexible industry that is better insulated from any shocks. Introducing digital nomad plans is one way they're looking to entice long-term tourists to settle on their shores.
As the sports tourism industry begins to heat up and the global marketplace becomes more competitive, it will be interesting to see how Central Greece's plans will shape its future tourism industry.
Like any plan early in its development, there will likely be some bumps. However, if the tourist board can develop their sports tourism ideas and bring them to fruition using a practical approach, the possibilities could be plentiful.
