Tourexpi
Madrid Sets the Stage for the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress
Organized
by UN Tourism in collaboration with the Government of the Region of Madrid,
with the support of Visit Nayarit and Turkish Airlines, the event will bring
together leading voices from the world of Sports Tourism for two days of
insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and knowledge exchange.
This
year’s congress, held under the theme “Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting
Legacy for Destinations,” will transform Madrid into the global center of
sports tourism. Attendees will include ministers, high-level officials,
industry experts, key players and stakeholders as they explore the role of
sports tourism in driving sustainable growth and development.
The
WSTC will feature the participation of celebrated sports figures, including
Gilberto Godoy, UN Tourism Ambassadors for Sports Tourism and volleyball
Olympic medallist from Brazil, as well as Gabriela Szabo, Romanian track and
field Olympic medallist and former Minister of Youth and Sports. The event will
also feature insights from the Swimmer & Paralympic Medallist, Teresa
Perales, ensuring diverse perspectives on the role of inclusivity and
accessibility in sports tourism.
Key
Themes and Discussions
The
congress will showcase thematic panels focusing on integrating sports tourism
into government agendas, optimizing sponsorship strategies, and creating
lasting legacies beyond infrastructure. Among the topics to be explored are the
economic impacts of sports tourism, destination branding, health and well-being
connections, and best practices for hosting impactful sports events.
In
the lead-up to the event, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili
said: "This year’s congress highlights our commitment to leveraging sports
tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development. By gathering leaders from
both the public and private sectors, we aim to create synergies that will leave
a lasting impact on destinations globally. UN Tourism is proud to lead this
dialogue in Madrid, a city and region at the forefront of sports tourism
innovation. Together, we will advance the conversation on how this growing
field can drive positive change.”
Mariano
de Paco Serrano, Councilor of Culture, Tourism, and Sports of the Government of
the Region of Madrid, added: "The fact that we are celebrating the third
edition of this sports tourism meeting signifies, among other things, that
sports are fully integrated into our society and lives—not only as a physical
activity and a means of conveying values but also as an important part of our
leisure time. Traveling with the purpose of participating in or witnessing
tournaments across a wide variety of disciplines links sports with the
experience of discovering different cultures and ways of seeing and living
life, which is enriching and broadens one's perspective. Hosting this event in
the Region of Madrid is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to showcase the
region's full sporting, tourism, and cultural potential.”
One
of the highlights of the congress will be the panel “Racing to the Top: Formula
1 Driving Tourism Destination Development”. Representatives from leading
circuits and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will discuss
the profound impact that hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix has on tourism,
infrastructure, and global visibility. By sharing their experiences and
insights, panelists will illustrate how the Formula 1 circuit serves as a
powerful tool for tourism growth and city branding.
This
discussion is especially relevant as Madrid recently signed a long-term
agreement to host the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026, establishing a new circuit
that will further elevate the city as a premier destination for sports tourism.
A
Growing Global Platform
With
this third edition, the congress has firmly established itself as the leading
global platform for the exchange of ideas, generation of knowledge, and
promotion of innovative projects in sports tourism.
With
over 300 participants already confirmed, this year’s event will feature a
diverse lineup of speakers and thought leaders. Attendees will have the
opportunity to engage in networking sessions, keynote addresses, and side
events designed to foster collaboration and strengthen ties across both public
and private sectors in sports tourism.
Image
Credit: © AA
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