Sport for Business hosted the latest meeting of it’s Sport Tourism Group in Dublin yesterday, on the day that Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross credited Sport Tourism as the fastest growing sector within Tourism.
We were joined by a range of influencers from sport, from the hospitality sector, from local authorities, event management companies and event promoters for an open discussion on what might be done to capitalise on a growing worldwide demand for travel to participate in sport.
Among the thoughts and ideas we shared and explored were:
- The importance of a proven model
- The real perception abroad of Ireland’s image as a venue for adventure sport
- The assistance available from state agencies to nurture home grown and overseas events that can be attracted to Ireland.
- The role of local authorities in promoting local sporting events.
- The importance of creating a right story built upon a great product.
- The value beyond the event itself in terms of creating positive impact for Ireland
- The importance of data to prove the real higher value of sporting tourism versus other streams.
Our special thanks to Sport for Business Members Padraic O’Kane of Corporate.ie, Oliver Kirwan of Quest Ireland and Stephen Quinn of Atomic Sport for leading the discussion.
A report on the morning session and potential outcomes arising from it will be prepared and circulated to Sport for Business members shortly.
