RESILIENCE THROUGH DISRUPTION: THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EVOLUTION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF GLOBAL SPORTS TOURISM (2001-2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/tacr.2025.8Keywords:
Sports Tourism Evolution, Critical Juncture Analysis, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Resilience, Experiential TourismAbstract
This study critically examines the multifaceted evolution of the global sports tourism industry during the first quarter of the 21st century (2001-2025). Using a rigorous documentary research approach integrated with PESTEL analysis and the theoretical lens of "critical junctures," the research delineates the industry's trajectory into three distinct phases: pre-pandemic expansion, COVID-19 disruption, and post-pandemic transformation. The findings reveal that, while the pre-2019 era was characterized by exponential growth driven by mega-events and economic globalization, the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a profound structural rupture. This crisis forced a paradigm shift toward accelerated digitalization, virtual engagement, and hybrid experiences. In the subsequent recovery phase, the industry has evolved beyond traditional economic metrics to prioritize environmental sustainability, wellness integration, and experiential authenticity. The article concludes by synthesizing these dynamics into strategic policy recommendations, emphasizing the necessity for stakeholders to balance economic capitalization with social inclusivity and environmental stewardship. This comprehensive analysis provides a foundational framework for understanding how sports tourism can navigate future uncertainties while capitalizing on a market projected to reach USD 1.8 trillion by 2030.
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