Sports tourism might represent a niche market, yet
it is dynamically developing. Why is it so popular? How can communities utilize
its sports tourism potential? So What Is Sports Tourism? Sports Tourism is
defined as a specific travel outside of the usual environment for either
passive or active involvement in competitive sport where sport is the prime
motivational reason for travel and the touristic or leisure element may act to
reinforce the overall experience. Another definition worth noting explains
sport tourism as a combination of sports activities and travel.
 |
| F1 Indian Grand Prix - A booster to Tourism in India |
Let’s move to top gear to see what F1 racing as to
offer for India as Sports Tourism! As Inaugural Indian Formula One Grand Prix was
a big hit last year. The tourism industry expects the inaugural Indian Formula
One (F1) Grand Prix would bring the world to New Delhi this October too. It
hopes the event would be able to attract more crowds from around the world and
within India.
Motor racing has been a sport which has been
generating interest of the entire world for quite some time. Buddh racing
circuit is the first racing circuit in India which is specially made for
Formula 1 racing. Why is it that even India could not distance itself from this
hugely popular sport and today is the proud event hosts and organizers? Well,
there are many gains from hosting this event. These benefits are mostly
economic in nature as the event will be a big boost to the country’s economy.
Let us see how.
India has been keen to organize the formula 1
racing event as it will put itself directly under the international media
glare. Scribes from all over the world would come in droves to capture every
second of the event. Players as well as their girlfriends and wives too would
generate a lot of interest. This all would put the Indian subcontinent and its
hospitality onto the global map.
Formula One - One of the
world's most glamorous sports is on the doorstep of India's untapped world and
is ready to boost the tourism and hotel industry in India. Already Delhi
circuit has been put up in the F1 calendar events and with other states
announcing new F1 circuits to be developed we expect a huge fan following for
F1 in India and good growth in tourism revenue.
Owing to the heavy interest in grand prix and motor
racing, people would flock to the country to witness the event. This would
surely promote the tourism of India. The F1 racing event is a perfect occasion
to showcase the best in terms of Indian cuisine, culture, artifacts and
traditions. Though India is already on the global map due to the events in the
past and technological advancements, but the event such as F1 racing will put
the country under the global spotlight. The hotels and hospitality industry in
general will greatly benefit from this entire event.
Indian Tourism Industry - one of the largest services
Industry with a contribution of 6.23% to the GDP of India will add more than
100,000 domestic and foreign tourists. Any F1 event attracts an average of up
to 1-2 lakh people to watch the game live at the circuit. And such F1event can
definitely draw up to 1-2 lakh foreign tourists during the racing period. The
racing circuit and all the action will be a treat for the fanatics to watch.
People will spend a huge amount in trying to make sure that they are present to
witness all the action in front of their eyes.
Bookings for this year’s F1 event in India, through
travel agents and on-line websites have already registered an increase of
around 30% as of now. Hotel bookings have also shown a spike of 20-30%.
Industry sources said that the budget properties (three and four star) are
already sold out while the five start hotels have some room inventory.
India received 4-5 lakh foreign tourists in October 2010
and 2011, six per cent more than a year ago. With the tourist season starting
from October, the travel industry is hoping for further buzz around the Grand
Prix so that tourist numbers go up significantly. Hope we encash this opportunity to boost tourism
industry and development of the country.
