The global sports tourism market was worth an estimated USD 587.81 billion in 2023. This tourism sector comprises about 10% of the world’s expenditure on tourism, enjoying an estimated growth rate of 17.5% between 2023-2030.
But it is not just about dollars and cents. For many countries – including our neighbors in the GMS – global sports events are an opportunity to raise their international profiles. Sports events shine alight on their venues, whether we are talking about the Angkor Empire Marathon or a World Muaythai Federation championship bout.
Viet Nam, for one, has gone all in on promoting golf tourism to international golfers – touting its new golf courses built in locations with unique geographical locations and topography.
In Guangxi, China PR, the autonomous region has designated the Baili Liujiang Sports Tourism Demonstration Base and Yulong River Leisure Sports Tourism Resort as national demonstration bases for sports tourism.
Finally, Thailand has introduced a 90-day Muay Thai education visa, easing the path for martial arts enthusiasts to study Muay Thai in the Kingdom.
It’s a great time to be a sports tourist amidst the Mekong countries, with equal parts investment and enthusiasm for sports tourism at an all-time high. Game on!
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