SINGAPORE LINES UP BIG EVENTS AS SPORTS TOURISM GATHERS MOMENTUM
Singapore is continuing a return to live spectators and sports festivities in 2022, with a host of big events planned to boost the city’s sports tourism.
After a couple years of disruption due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore is opening back up, especially with regards to sports tourism. In April 2022, the city hosted the HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens, which welcomed live spectators as well as off-the-pitch events and festivities. Later this year, there will be the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, with a start date set for September 30.
The city has carefully planned its return to offering sports tourism. In the midst of Covid-19, it hosted sports events like the eSingaCup 2020 in online formats. A pilot event, the ONE: Reign of Dynasties, took place on October 9, 2020, with 250 live spectators. Economic activities returned to the region in the third quarter of 2020, leading the city’s tourism board to collaborate with sports organisers to guarantee the safe return of live sports events with spectators.
“As more visitors return to Singapore, it is crucial to continue creating and delivering innovative and exceptional sports experiences for athletes and fans”, said Ong Ling Lee, executive director of sports and wellness at Singapore’s tourism board. “This will help to build visitor arrivals and drive tourism receipts in the long-term”.
As reported by ITB Newsroom, despite Covid-19 setbacks, the global sports tourism market is expected to grow by USD 1,381bn (€1,161bn) during 2020-2024, according to research by Technavio.
