The Importance of Sports Tourism in Achieving Sustainable Development - The Qatar 2022 World Cup as a Model-
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Abstract
Countries no longer seek to achieve economic growth alone; rather, they now focus on achieving sustainable economic development that ensures inclusivity and continuity by balancing economic growth, environmental stability, and social well-being. The tourism sector has become one of the most important strategic alternatives for achieving economic development due to its ability to stimulate other sectors such as trade and services, as well as its connection to spatial and social variables. Sports tourism, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth, benefiting from the dynamic nature of sports, with numerous disciplines and highly diverse events.
Qatar, through its ambitious strategy (Vision 2030), has chosen tourism as a driving force for sustainable development and a pathway to move away from a rent-based economy. The country has made every effort to establish its competitive edge in sports tourism, becoming a hub for regional and continental sports competitions. Since 2005, Qatar has hosted nearly 500 international sporting events covering various types of sports. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was the most prominent event, with Qatar spending $242.8 billion and hosting one million visitors from diverse nationalities.
The manifestations of sustainability success were diverse, including stadium construction and recycling, reducing water consumption by 40%, preserving the Arab and Islamic identity of the community, and effectively promoting it globally.