Sport tourism or event tourism: are they one and the same?

Abstract

Sport tourism has become the subject of an increasing level of both academic and government interest. It is perceived to be important because of its economic contribution as well as other influences such as the impact on community well-being and the sense of pride that sport tourism may engender. The concept, however, is fraught by definitional issues and this paper provides a discussion for developing a more succinct definition and framework for sport tourism to add to the debate. It is argued here that sport tourism is essentially event tourism and, as such, it is governed by the issues that effect events and event management. It is suggested that sport tourism participants must be intentionally involved and that there are various outcomes (both positive and negative) that form an integral component of the sport tourism model. One of the main issues in relation to the definition of sport tourism is the motivation to participate, and it is argued that this must be intentional and the main driver for the trip.