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.