Delaware Tourism Office Releases Sports Tourism Impact for 2023

Sports tourism generated $258 million in economic impact for Delaware in 2023, with the majority coming from visitor spending and tournament operations, in the state’s first study to examine the economic impact analysis of sports tourism.

The sports tourism sector’s direct spending impact of $257.9 million generated $403.2 million in total business sales in the local economy, according to a study conducted by Tourism Economics on behalf of the Delaware Tourism Office. In 2023, 1.1 million sports travelers attended a sports tournament, race, or other event — either as a participant or a spectator — in Delaware.

“We appreciate being able to work closely with our partners in the industry to promote our state as a prime destination for sports events,” said Jessica Welch, director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “As the $128 billion global sports industry grows, we look forward to continuing our work to inspire growth in sports tourism in Delaware.”

Recent initiatives have been taken by the General Assembly and the Delaware Tourism Office to support sports tourism in Delaware, including the creation of the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, which provides financial support to new or existing sports facilities that hold events throughout the year to attract out-of-state visitors and contribute to the state and local economy. In June, the Delaware Tourism Office announced that $11.3 million was awarded through the fund to four facilities in the state.

“Delaware is making bold investments to establish itself as a premier sports tourism destination, with initiatives like the event incentive program and the Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund,” said John David, president and chief executive officer of the Sports Events and Tourism Association. “These efforts are solidifying Delaware’s reputation as a top choice for hosting sports events.”

In July, the Delaware Tourism Office also announced the creation of the Tournaments, Events and Athletic Meets Sponsorship program. The program provides grants to event operators to attract regional, national and international sporting events.

“The Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund and the TEAMS program are industry enhancing resources to ensure Delaware is the first choice for sports tourism event owners,” said Ryan Wolfe, sports sales leader of the Delaware Tourism Office. “Financial investment into facilities and events has proven to attract, grow, and retain nationwide partnerships that create significant economic impact in Delaware.”