Madrid to Host World Sports Tourism Congress

The third edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UN Tourism and the Government of the Community of Madrid, will take place on 28 and 29 November at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Under the theme "Tourism and Sport: Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations," the congress will convene prominent figures from the sports and tourism sectors over two days. They will share innovative ideas, best practices, and insights on various topics, including the economic impact of tourism and sport, their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strategies for promoting destinations through sports events and sponsorships.

Sports tourism has the potential to promote social, economic, and environmental initiatives, accelerate development, and leave a lasting positive legacy in various destinations. This year, the World Sports Tourism Conference (WSTC) has created a comprehensive experience that includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and personal testimonials from influential figures in the sports tourism industry and UN Tourism Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism.

The focus will cover a variety of topics, including the integration of sports tourism into government agendas, the significance of the post-event use of sports infrastructures, the key factors for successfully hosting sports events, effective sponsorship strategies, and the increasing trend of organizing amateur sports events. This year's edition will feature insights and expertise from organizations such as the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the Global Sports Innovation Center, the International Master Games Association, and many other leading entities.

The World Sports Tourism Congress Over the Years

Following the success of the inaugural edition in Lloret de Mar in 2021 and the second edition in Zadar, Croatia, in 2023, the WSTC continues raising awareness about the vital role of Sports Tourism in driving economic growth and social development in various destinations. In addition to evaluating the impacts of this expanding sector, the Congress also examines its potential benefits, such as its connections to health and well-being and its significance in promoting destinations to a larger and more diverse audience.%MCEPASTEBIN%%MCEPASTEBIN%