The sports tourism industry has grown consistently over the past 20 years. A study by the Sports Tourism and Events Association – State of the Industry Report 2021, states that the participant driven portion of the domestic sports tourism sector was responsible for more than $39.0 billion in direct spending as of the end of 2021. This direct spending generated a total economic impact of $91.8 billion to local economies, driving over 635,000 jobs and $12.9 billion in taxes. Add to this industry growth the increased popularity of emerging sports such as pickleball, BMX, and esports, the opportunity for the continuing expansion of economic development through sports tourism is tangible and ever-expanding.

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