07/31/2024
Updates 07/31/2024: Ohio's Travel Industry and Current Travel Research
SUPPORT FOR SPORTING EVENTS SLIGHTLY INCREASES AMONG RESIDENTS, WITH ENHANCEMENT OF LOCAL QUALITY OF LIFE AS ONE REASON
Scoring Goals for Community Development: Sport Tourism, Resident Sentiment, and the Changing Sporting Event Landscape report generated by Cimarron Global Solutions and Longwoods International with support from the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
The following are a few highlights you’ll discover in the report. The Ohio Travel Association is offering an Ohio Travel Talk online discussion with Dr. Jennifer Stoll (Cimarron Global Solutions) and Linda Logan (Greater Columbus Sports Commission) on Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Registration for this free discussion opens soon but mark your calendars now.
- Support for sporting events slightly increased from 2022 among community residents, with 60% saying youth and amateur events are beneficial to their local economy.
- 56% agree that these events improved the quality of life within their communities.
- Respondents in the Midwest and South are slightly more supportive of sporting events hosted within their communities, and support for college and professional sporting events increased 4% in both regions over the previous year.
- Researchers recommend that communities should identify their sports assets, resources and skills, as well as work with community partners to identify opportunities and create strategy.
- Researchers also provide information and advice for pursuing sports activity at all levels, including high school playoff games, youth sports tournaments and events organized by local parks districts and departments. One does not have to host a national event to attract competitors and their families.