Op-Ed: Sofia Sakorafa on the importance of sports tourism
Tourism is more than a simple social phenomenon. It is an economic activity of major importance for employment and the economic development worldwide. It creates working positions and supports millions of families. And the social and financial impact of tourism becomes even more intense, when the main decision factor leading to the selection of a destination is due to, what we call, sports tourism.
The connection between sports and tourism was officially recognized during a conference with the participation of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegates, held in Spain, in February 2001.
As the UNWTO has said, tourism and sports are interrelated and complementary. Sports – as a professional, amateur or leisure activity – involves a considerable amount of traveling to play and compete in different destinations and countries. Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, football and rugby championships have become powerful tourism attractions in themselves – making a very positive contribution to the tourism image of the host destination.
Here at the Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS), our main priority is to support our athletes, our coaches and our affiliated Clubs. But as the most historic federation of Greece, we also have the moral responsibility to support and create actions that will promote our country abroad. But above all, we have the duty to promote the finest and highest human ideals, expressed through athletics.
For instance, one of our major events, the “Athens Marathon. The Authentic”, held annually, marked its major losses in Greece due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2020 edition of our Marathon was not held, while the 2021 edition was staged following major efforts and with the care of all organizing committee members, with 50% limited participation due to the application of strict medical and sanitary protocols.
This is an event that attracts some 30,000 runners and their escorts from all over the world, needing roughly 4 days of accommodation, which brings an income of 35,000,000 euros to the local market (Athens and the Region of Attica from Marathon Village and through the coastal zone) during the second fortnight of November.
It is estimated that for every 1 euro spent by SEGAS and the sports authorities for the staging of the Athens Marathon, we will receive back another 30-35 euros!
Based on the above and considering our role as the most historic athletics federation, we prepared our competition plans 12 months ago in such a way so that we can cope with the adverse impact of the Covid 19 pandemic in both in and out of stadium competitions.
We have thus managed to safeguard our athletes’ training and participation in competitions, as well as the safe staging of our Athens Half-Marathon and “Athens Marathon. The Authentic”.
We have also signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Regions of Greece and the Ministry of Tourism and the GNTO aiming to the adequate staging of competitions and the promotion of our country worldwide.
Moreover, we are aiming to launch an international campaign under the logo “I AM AUTHENTIC”, which will promote both the Athens marathon and Greece abroad.
We are happy to prove that the cooperation between public and private authorities is necessary and leads to the growth of benefits from Sports Tourism.
Moreover, we consider that the implementation of a strategic plan, by any governmental authority, aiming towards the development of Athletics and Tourism is more than necessary and should include investments in infrastructure but also in educational programs for individuals and bodies.
I also would like to add that SEGAS is the first federation in Greece – and one of the first worldwide – to create a Sports Tourism Office, in cooperation with the Region of Crete, aiming to make Greece one of the most attractive Sports Tourism destinations in 2023 when we will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Athens Authentic Marathon.
Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) President
Sofia Sakorafa
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