Sport Tourism

This book offers a timely and illuminating exploration of the powerful nexus between sport, travel, and human experience. Drawing from key research published in Tourism Recreation Research, it weaves together diverse perspectives on how individuals engage with sport tourism—from personal motivations to global development impacts.

Through its thoughtfully structured approach, Part I of the volume examines the behavior and psychology of sport tourists, uncovering what drives adventure seekers, how women navigate participation in snow sports, and the ways eco-conscious behaviors emerge from sporting experiences. It addresses critical questions of accessibility, representation, and decision-making factors that influence participation across different demographics, while also highlighting issues of legitimacy and corporate social responsibility in winter sports tourism.

The narrative then seamlessly transitions to the developmental aspects of sport tourism in Part II, revealing how destinations strategically plan, market, and manage sporting events. From sustainable approaches to mega-events to the evolution of emerging sports in developing economies, the book presents a comprehensive view of how places transform through sport tourism initiatives.

Blending scholarly insight with practical application, this accessible volume serves as an essential resource for students, tourism professionals, and anyone fascinated by how sport tourism simultaneously drives personal transformation, fosters social connection, and catalyzes regional development in our increasingly interconnected world.

The chapters in this book were originally published in Tourism Recreation Research.