A recent study conducted by Tourism Economics has revealed that sports tourism had a significant economic impact on Delaware in 2023, bringing in nearly $258 million in visitor spending and tournament operations. This marks the first comprehensive study of sports tourism’s economic effects in the state.
The study found that direct spending from the sports tourism sector totaled $257.9 million, leading to an estimated $403.2 million in overall business sales in the local economy. This helped sustain over 3,000 full-time and part-time jobs and generated $20.2 million in state and local taxes.
In 2023, 1.1 million sports travelers attended various sports events in Delaware, contributing to the local economy by engaging with businesses in categories such as food and beverages, transportation, lodging, and retail. Secretary of State Jeff Bullock highlighted the importance of sports tourism in supporting small businesses and driving economic growth in the state.
To further boost sports tourism, the Delaware General Assembly and Delaware Tourism Office have implemented initiatives such as the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, which provides financial support to sports facilities that hold events throughout the year to attract out-of-state visitors. In June, $11.3 million was awarded through the fund to four facilities in the state.
Overall, the study indicates that sports tourism plays a crucial role in Delaware’s economy and contributes significantly to local businesses and economic growth. For more information on the economic impact of sports tourism in Delaware, visit the Delaware Tourism Office website.
Source
Photo credit www.wboc.com
