Reports over the weekend suggest that sports tourism is to be a major winner from last month’s Global Economic Forum, and that a greater emphasis will be placed on the planning and bidding for major and minor sports events that can build on the success of this year’s focus on The Gathering.
That theme has been strongly supported by sporting endeavour with over 20% of the events organised being based around a sporting theme. It will draw to a close in a similar environment as well next month at Leopardstown racecourse.
Minister for State Michael Ring, speaking to the Sunday Independent yesterday, suggested that a panel of experts drawn from sport, tourism and business could be formed to assist in the planning of bids in the same way as Denmark has done over recent years.
He highlighted recent European statistics which showed sport as being a greater economic driver across Europe that agriculture, forestry and fisheries combined, and that its value to the Irish economy was €2.4 Billion.
The latest round of Sports Capital Grants to be announced in last month’s budget will assist in building a stronger sporting infrastructure and, despite a headline cut in current spending through the Irish Sports Council it appears that sport is very much in favour at Government level.
The three core elements of the new plan will be represented at a high level this Thursday morning when Sport for Business hosts its first Sports Tourism Seminar at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Representatives from across the sporting spectrum will join business leaders from Aer Lingus, Carton House, the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and others to consider ways in which sport, tourism and business can be brought together in common pursuit of a greater good.
We will look back on the success of the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon and multiple sailing events in bringing international tourists to Ireland, and forward to how the Giro d’Italia and the Croke Park Classic in 2014 will have a dramatic impact on the presentation and reputation of Ireland in a sector that is growing rapidly.
Most importantly we will look at how the kind of collaboration and cooperation that Sport for Business is fostering can be put to good use in creating real value for all those who are involved.
A small number of tickets are still available for the Sport for Business Sports Tourism Seminar. To secure your place click here.
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