SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 29, 2024 - Madrid, Spain, is set to become the global epicenter of sports tourism as it hosts the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) on November 28-29, 2024. Held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, this prestigious event, organized by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Region of Madrid, will bring together leading figures in sports tourism to discuss the future of this dynamic sector.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
The congress, themed "Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations," will explore the role of sports tourism in fostering sustainable growth and development. Attendees will include government officials, industry experts, and celebrated athletes, all gathering to share insights and strategies for maximizing the positive impact of sports tourism.
"This year’s congress highlights our commitment to leveraging sports tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development," said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. "By gathering leaders from both the public and private sectors, we aim to create synergies that will leave a lasting impact on destinations globally."
Madrid: A Hub for Sports Tourism Innovation
Madrid is an ideal location for the WSTC, as the city and region are recognized for their innovative approaches to sports tourism. "UN Tourism is proud to lead this dialogue in Madrid, a city and region at the forefront of sports tourism innovation," added Pololikashvili. "Together, we will advance the conversation on how this growing field can drive positive change.”
Mariano de Paco Serrano, Councilor of Culture, Tourism, and Sports of the Government of the Region of Madrid, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Hosting this event in the Region of Madrid is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to showcase the region's full sporting, tourism, and cultural potential.”
Formula 1 and Destination Development
A highlight of the congress will be a panel discussion titled "Racing to the Top: Formula 1 Driving Tourism Destination Development." Experts from leading circuits and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will discuss the impact of Formula 1 races on tourism, infrastructure, and global visibility.
This topic is particularly relevant for Madrid, as the city recently secured a long-term agreement to host the Spanish Grand Prix starting in 2026. A new circuit is planned for the event, further solidifying Madrid's position as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts.
Key Themes and Discussions
The WSTC will cover a wide range of topics related to sports tourism, including:
- Integrating Sports Tourism into Government Agendas: Exploring how governments can effectively incorporate sports tourism into their development strategies.
- Optimizing Sponsorship Strategies: Examining best practices for securing and maximizing sponsorships for sporting events.
- Creating Lasting Legacies: Discussing how to leverage sports tourism to create lasting benefits for communities beyond infrastructure development.
- Economic Impacts of Sports Tourism: Analyzing the economic benefits of sports tourism and its contribution to local economies.
- Destination Branding: Exploring how sports tourism can enhance destination branding and attract visitors.
- Health and Well-being: Highlighting the connection between sports tourism and health and wellness initiatives.
- Hosting Impactful Sports Events: Sharing best practices for organizing and hosting successful sporting events that benefit both participants and host communities.
A Global Platform for Collaboration
The World Sports Tourism Congress has become a leading global platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the sports tourism sector. With over 300 participants expected, the event provides valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and promoting innovative projects.
Join the Conversation
The 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress promises to be a dynamic and insightful event for anyone interested in the intersection of sports and tourism. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the congress aims to shape the future of sports tourism and maximize its positive impact on destinations worldwide.