As a region that boasts world-class football clubs, beaches, mountains and an action-packed events calendar, it’s no surprise that Catalonia is positioning itself as a major sports travel destination.
At the end of 2019 the Catalan Tourism Board declared 2020 to be “the year of sports tourism”. With Tokyo hosting the Olympics Games in 2020, the Catalonia sports tourism year has an aim to promote the Pyrenees-Barcelona candidature to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2030.
On its website the Catalan Tourism Board says of the sports tourism push in 2020: “This thematic year is regarded as an opportunity to position Catalonia as a leading destination for sports tourism around the world.
“The quality of the tourist attractions and its excellent sports facilities, coupled with its climate and natural features, make Catalonia an ideal destination for different sports.”
Aims for the next 12 months include:
- Positioning Catalonia as an international sporting destination
- Promoting sport as a distinctive value of the brand Catalonia
- Highlighting the values of sport, including equality, inclusion, accessibility, innovation and healthy lifestyle habits
- Increasing the revenue per tourist by offering products with greater added value
Throughout 2020 the Catalan Tourist Board says it will conduct “promotional and communication-based initiatives aimed at the target audience and professionals from different international markets”.
One major sports industry event for the Catalan Tourism Board is the World Sports Tourism Congress, which it will co-organise with the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in Lloret de Mar from 21-22 May.
For more information on Catalonia’s sports tourism year see act.gencat.cat
Major sporting events in Catalonia in 2020
A look at some of the big sporting events taking place in Catalonia this year. See act.gencat.cat for the full events calendar.
- 3 March: Snowboard World Cup (La Molina)
- 15 March: Zurich Barcelona Marathon (Barcelona)
- 8-10 May: Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya)
- 10 May: FC Barcelona vs. RCD Espanyol – La Liga Catalan derby (Camp Nou, Barcelona)
- 11-17 May: International Women’s Tennis Tournament WTA-ITF (La Bisbal)
- 19-24 May: Windsurf World Championship Gran Premi Catalunya Costa Brava (Sant Pere Pescador)
- 5-7 June: Moto GP Monster Energy Catalunya Grand Prix (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya)
- 10-11 October: LaTramun UCI MTB Marathon World Series (Girona)
Image: pxhere