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Sport Tourism as Driving Force for Destinations’ Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Morfoulaki

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Glykeria Myrovali

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Kornilia-Maria Kotoula

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hella, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Thomas Karagiorgos

    (Department of PE and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Kostas Alexandris

    (Department of PE and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Sport tourism is a fast-growing segment of tourism offering new perspectives and supporting travelers’ behavior shift towards active living that is a boost for sustainable destinations. These interrelations between active living, active travelling, and sport tourism have a powerful environmental, economic, and social impact. Based on the recognized contribution of sport tourism in sustaining destinations, the current paper aims to (a) explore the state of sport tourism in the Adriatic–Ionian Region by identifying existing sport tourism initiatives, (b) analyze the current and future potentials of sport tourism in the area’s sustainable growth, and (c) draw policy recommendations for sport tourism development in the region with a view to support the wider vision of sustainability. The review of existing sport tourism cases, revealing an existing investment towards this tourism form, was followed by a qualitative survey of the area’s tourism stakeholders (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia). Results reveal that sport tourism is estimated to help in building a unique identity closely linked to sustainability goals—the area represents a great natural and cultural beauty that can be emphasized by sport initiatives, while, once such efforts are incorporated in wider sustainability plans, the destinations’ profiles can be significantly upgraded.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Morfoulaki & Glykeria Myrovali & Kornilia-Maria Kotoula & Thomas Karagiorgos & Kostas Alexandris, 2023. "Sport Tourism as Driving Force for Destinations’ Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2445-:d:1051034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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