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Article 6 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which confers on the European Union the competence to carry out actions in the area of sport to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of the Member States, Article 165 TFEU, according to which the Union is to contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function, as well as Article 195 TFEU, which provides that the Union shall complement the action of the Member States in the tourism sector, in particular by promoting the competitiveness of Union undertakings in that sector and encouraging the creation of a favourable environment for their development.

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The European Union Work Plan for Sport 2024–2027 (1), which sets out the strategic framework for cooperation at Union level in the field of sport in its guiding objectives, to ‘promote, through cross-sectoral cooperation, awareness of sports tourism which can play a key role in the sustainable development of the sector and in building its resilience’.

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The political context as set out in the Annex to these conclusions.

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For the purpose of these conclusions, sport tourism refers to tourism activities in which travel is motivated by participation in sport or physical activity, or by attendance at or observation of sporting events, competitions or sport-related attractions.

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Sport tourism combines the economic vitality of tourism with the social, cultural and health-enhancing value of sport and can serve as a strategic instrument for sustainable and long-term local and regional development. When planned responsibly and proportionately, it can foster territorial cohesion, quality employment, the protection of cultural heritage and resilient destinations, while delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for local communities, including through sporting events that can increase participation in sport, strengthen community identity and enhance the visibility of host regions.

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In this context, sustainability is understood as a guiding principle which ensures that environmental, social and economic aspects are taken into consideration in the design of public policies and practices and in economic activities over the long term.

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Sustainable sport tourism requires sport tourism activities to be compatible with environmental protection and climate objectives, while delivering long-term value for visitors and local communities. Sport tourism activities should be developed in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a balance between social and environmental responsibilities, as well as economic viability.

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By providing opportunities for participation and exchange, sport tourism can promote the Union’s fundamental values, strengthen social cohesion and foster non-discrimination.

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At local and regional level, sport tourism can strengthen economic ecosystems by supporting employment, stimulating entrepreneurship and investment, generating economic value through visitor spending and contributing to the extension of the tourism season through sport-related activities, while taking into account environmental protection, climate objectives, and the varying nature of sport tourism in different Member States.

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In the longer term, it can contribute to a more robust destination branding and international visibility, positioning regions and communities through sport-related activities and values, provided that tourist flows are managed sustainably, while reinforcing Europe’s attractiveness as a sport tourism destination.

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The active involvement of local communities and relevant stakeholders, including grassroots sport organisations and local sport clubs, in the planning and delivery of sport tourism initiatives, including through sustainably designed infrastructure, can help maximise positive impacts, preserve local culture and heritage, and strengthen local ownership, identity and community resilience.

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When strategically planned and proportionate to local capacities, sport tourism may provide an alternative to certain mass tourism models, associated with unbalanced tourism and related environmental and social pressures. It can help address territorial disparities by diversifying tourism products, promoting less well-known destinations and encouraging more responsible and balanced forms of tourism, including those linked to small- and medium-scale sport events, which may support the attractiveness of destinations over time.

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Where not appropriately managed, unsustainable sport tourism practices may generate environmental pressures, thereby contributing to and being affected by climate change. At the same time, even sustainable sport tourism practices may be impacted by the effects of climate change. The development of sport tourism should therefore continue to adapt to environmental risks and be fully consistent with the Union’s climate neutrality objectives. It should further be supported by integrated, proportionate and future-oriented planning, including, where feasible, systematic impact assessment and monitoring based on comparable and harmonised indicators, to enhance the resilience of sport tourism destinations.

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Transport-related emissions represent a significant share of tourism’s environmental footprint. Sustainable sport tourism development requires climate-conscious mobility planning, including the promotion of low-carbon and active modes, and adequate infrastructure and incentives to encourage the use of public transport.

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The development of sport tourism should take due account of the sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of terrestrial, coastal and marine environments, particularly in sensitive ecosystems. Where appropriate, and in accordance with national, regional and local arrangements, income generated through sport tourism can also contribute to environmental conservation, sustainable infrastructure and the long-term management of destinations.

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Raising awareness, through environmental education and capacity-building initiatives, among sport tourists, and residents, as well as among organisers and service providers, can contribute to more sustainable sport tourism practices.

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Cooperation among public authorities, local businesses, sport organisations, environmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders, at local, regional, national and international level, can play an important role in the development of sustainable sport tourism, including through improved coordination, knowledge exchange and the sharing of good practices.

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By encouraging social interaction and inclusion, trust, networking and dialogue among participants from different backgrounds sport tourism can enhance the promotion of mutual understanding, gender equality, participation of persons with disabilities, intercultural dialogue and people-to-people contacts, including as a tool of sport diplomacy.

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Sport tourism can contribute to the achievement of several United Nations SDGs, in particular SDGs 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17, when developed and implemented in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

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