Sports and Tourism

• Sports often reflect the culture and geography of an area.

• For example, Canada’s winter is reflected in outdoor winter activities such as skiing, hockey, figure skating, curling, etc...

• In warmer climates, ice/snow sports are not popular, but reflect their own area such as surfing in Hawaii.

• Sports offer a unique opportunity to attract tourists to a region.

• Tourists arrive for the competition and the experience, but they often leave with a cultural experience.

• Global sporting events, such as the Olympics or the World Cup, attract hundreds of thousands of spectators that can be classified as tourists. • Along with the spectators, come the media

and free advertising.

• Large sporting events offer many opportunities for a region.

• One of the largest benefits is the economic spin-offs.

• The Olympic Games in Barcelona resulted in 25,000 new jobs and more the doubled the amount of vacations that were taken there.

• Other economic effects include the building of venues, hotels, restaurants and so on.

• Cultural attractions become the focus of entertainment for the tourists.

• The Olympics in Sydney in 2000, showcased aboriginal talents.

The Olympics

• The Olympics is probably the best example of the connection between sports and the promotion of culture.

• In ancient times, sporting events were often held in conjunction with cultural events.

• The International Olympic Commission recognized this and it has become an integral part of all Olympic games.

• The 2010 Olympics showcased an Olympic Arts Festival for both Canadian and world artists. • Whistler and Vancouver showcased the

aboriginal heritage of the area and the diversity of the cultures in Vancouver and British Columbia.

Sporting Problems

• Sporting events can sometimes lead to problems. • HOOLIGANS are fans that use sports as an

excuse to commit acts of violence against other fans, usually from another country or team.

• Past FIFA World Cups have experienced riots, fires set in stadiums by fans, and stampedes that have resulted in many people being killed.

• In Iran, hooliganism is punishable by a prison sentence or death!

• In 2001, after Iran lost in the FIFA qualifying round, hundreds of youth took to the streets rioting.

• Four men were accused of aggression and clashing with police and were executed by hanging.