A well-known trend among hikers and skiers, and the subject of research for almost 40 years, sports tourism continues to expand. A recent study reveals that1 in 3 French people will opt for this practice in 2023. Focus on a phenomenon at the crossroads of economic, climate and public health issues.
What is sports tourism?
What is sport tourism? Going on vacation with the primary aim of practicing or discovering a sport?
Or taking a three-day trip to watch an international competition?
Or visit mythical sports facilities?
In reality, it's a bit of all of the above. This multifaceted practice, which dates back to the 19th century, involves a number of different approaches.
"Its contemporary definition could be summed up as spending at least one night away from home with the aim of seeing or doing a sporting activity," explains Marc Langenbach*,* lecturer in the geography of tourism and sport at Grenoble Alpes University.
That said, there are as many practices as there are participants. " It can range from an almost contemplative outdoor physical activity, to a high-intensity sport like trail running or caving ", continues the researcher.
1/3 of French people will have chosen sports tourism by 2023
The evolving concept of sports tourism is spreading beyond academic circles. At the end of 2023, the French Ministries of Sport and Economy commissioned a study of this sector, which brings together a wide variety of players (local authorities, accommodation providers, sports movements, equipment rental companies, coaches, freelancers, etc.).
"We needed to take stock of existing data in order to identify demand, supply and development levers," says Gérard Baudry, head of the **Pôle ressources nationale Sports innovations **(PRN SI), which is piloting the study.
The results, delivered at the end of February 2024, show that1/3 of French people took part in a sport in 2023, whether the intention was a primary or secondary motivation. The sector needs to become more structured," he continues. But the potential for development is substantial, with 62% intending to indulge in sports tourism in the future!"
95% of the adult population experiences a health risk due to a lack of physical activity
For Marc Langenbach, there is a correlation between the boom in sports tourism and the democratization of sport.
"The rental and distribution of equipment via certain retailers has developed, making certain sports more accessible. Similarly, the perception of sport as a leisure activity and a pursuit of pleasure is contributing to this democratization. The increased presence of sport in the media is helping to popularize it, particularly during major events such as the Olympic Games.
The extent of the phenomenon is also due to " political strategies around climate and public health issues", stresses the researcher.
Injunctions to get moving are more and more prevalent. "Sport tourism may have a role to play in these matters, especially as the promotion of physical activity and sport has been declared a major national cause for 2024," points out Gérard Baudry, citing some edifying figures: 95% of the adult population and 66% of teenagers experience a health risk due to a lack of physical activity combined with periods of excessive sedentariness.
The desire to enjoy nature, the primary motivation
From the coast to the mountains, via rural areas, the common denominator of sports tourism is almost always immersion in, or confrontation with, natural spaces.
For 62% of sports enthusiasts, the desire to enjoy nature is the main motivation. This is reflected in the choice of outdoor sporting activities: **walking, swimming and cycling **trust the podium of physical activities most practiced during their vacations.
Among the trends described in the study commissioned by the French Ministries of Sport and the Economy, peri-urban and rural destinations are developing a range of cycling and walking activities, which are the most popular disciplines for itinerant sports holidays.
"This type of activity appeals to 10% of the French population, particularly the younger generations," notes Gérard Baudry. To a lesser extent, canoeing, sailing and horse-riding complete the picture.
"From accommodation to transport, regions are gradually structuring themselves to cater for this practice, even if it still remains a niche," notes Marc Lagenbach.
Money and climate, the two main obstacles to sporting vacations
While it appeals to all age groups and genders, sports tourism is more popular with higher socio-professional categories. " This reflects the opportunities French people now have to go on vacation," says Gérard Baudry.
Another obstacle: climate change. 78% of sports tourism operators say they are already affected, whatever the region. Pollution, snow clearing... and above all the extreme heat are changing the situation.
Schedules and even seasonality are beginning to be rethought," says the lecturer in tourism and sport geography. Mountaineering, which used to start in April or May, now begins in March.
Still according to the study, professionals are beginning to adapt. And 91% of "practising" sports tourists are already paying particular attention to the **ecological character **of rented equipment, eco-responsible gestures, local roots, etc. The levers for developing sports tourism are still numerous... The long-distance race has already begun.
- Survey of 3,000 French people and 680 players in the tourism and sports sectors in mainland France.
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Visit sports tourism
Still relatively underdeveloped in France, sightseeing is sometimes considered a branch of sports tourism. It refers to visits to infrastructures or emblematic sites linked to the tangible or intangible heritage of sport: the architecture of a sports facility, the memory of a team victory, a soccer museum, a stadium, etc.
