Sports tourism in Delaware had a major economic impact in 2023, with visitor spending and tournament operations totaling nearly $258 million, according to the Delaware Tourism Office. A study conducted by Tourism Economics revealed that the sports tourism sector’s direct spending generated $403.2 million in total business sales, supporting over 3,000 jobs and contributing $20.2 million in state and local taxes. In total, 1.1 million sports travelers attended events in Delaware, engaging with local businesses and boosting the economy.
Governor John Carney highlighted the importance of sports tourism in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and sparking economic development throughout the state. The Delaware Tourism Office’s initiatives, such as the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund and the TEAMS Program, aim to attract and retain sports events, ensuring continued growth in the industry.
Jessica Welch, director of the Delaware Tourism Office, expressed excitement about Delaware’s potential as a sports tourism destination and the partnership with industry leaders to promote the state. Recent investments in sports facilities and events have proven successful in attracting both national and international sporting events, further boosting the economic impact.
Overall, Delaware is positioning itself as a top choice for sports events and tournaments, with the goal of becoming a premier sports tourism destination. To learn more about the economic impact of sports tourism in Delaware and view the full report by Tourism Economics, visit VisitDelaware.com.
Source
Photo credit www.coastalpoint.com
