OBSERVATION ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TRANSITIONING FROM ENTERTAINMENT TOURISM TO SPORTS TOURISM

Abstract

Sports tourism is emerging as a powerful driver of socioeconomic growth in many regions, often outperforming traditional entertainment-focused tourism. This study examines India, Thailand, and Europe to compare the impacts of sports tourism including Olympic-related, recreational, and adventurous sports travel with those of entertainment tourism. Drawing on industry reports and case studies, we find that sports tourism contributes significantly to economic development through higher tourist expenditures, job creation, and infrastructure investments while also fostering social benefits like community pride and cultural exchange. In contrast, entertainment tourism, such as film- or nightlife-based travel, tends to yield more limited or concentrated benefits. The analysis indicates that a strategic transition towards sports tourism can provide greater and more widespread socioeconomic advantages for destinations in India, Thailand, and Europe.