Sports tourism involves traveling to watch or participate in sporting events. Travel agencies offer all-inclusive packages for major events, while some individuals organize their own travel. Activities can include outdoor sports and visiting sports locations during non-event times.
Sports tourism involves traveling to specific locations to watch sporting events or to participate in sports. Many travel agencies market all-inclusive travel deals that include tickets to sporting events, accommodation, and meals for sports enthusiasts. Some people prefer to organize their own travel and purchase tickets for transportation and events without the assistance of travel agents.
Fans of major sports can purchase travel packages for major events such as the Olympics or the soccer world cup. These often last for weeks or months; sports tourism packages usually include tickets to several games or matches taking place over the course of the tournament. On long trips, some fans have the option of adding excursions into their travel package so they can visit local tourist sites in between sporting events. Travel agencies often sell various types of packages; some are aimed at budget-conscious travelers, while others are designed to cater to the needs of corporate executives. Other customers may want to stay in luxury accommodations while traveling.
Many sporting events last no more than a few hours, and informal sports tourism involves individuals traveling long distances to attend a single game before returning home. Some of these independent travelers do not visit the tourist sites or explore the area. In some cases, groups of sports fans hire coaches or buses so they can discuss the sport on their way to the event and talk about the result on the way home. Fans of some sports have been known to riot after sporting events, and the police in such cities often take people on sports tourism trips in and out of the sports arena.
In addition to watching sporting events, many tourists participate in sports like snorkeling, rock climbing, and other types of outdoor activities. In some cases, these individuals must undergo some training before they can participate in certain activities such as climbing steep mountains or diving to certain depths. Some travel operators cater to both serious sporting participants and recreational travelers who want to experience outdoor activities but also want to visit historic sites and participate in non-sports related activities.
Sports tourism may involve travel to sports locations even when no events are scheduled. Many sports stadiums have museums and schedule tours that allow sports fans to get behind-the-scenes insight into their favorite sports teams. Some tennis and golf courses allow visitors to use the same facilities normally used by professionals attending major events.
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