Table 1. Conceptual definitions of sport tourism

Author (Year) Conceptual definition
Getz (1997) Sport tourism is related to the development and marketing of sports events aimed at achieving regional economic and community benefits.
Gibson (2003) A leisure-oriented trip that includes (1) direct participation in physical sports activities, (2) spectating at sports events, and (3) visiting sports-related attractions.
Hall and Weiler(1992) Travel undertaken for the purpose of participating in or watching sports activities for non-commercial reasons.
Hinch abd Higham (2001) Sport tourism is a concept that encompasses events, outdoor activities, and elements of health and exercise.
Lisa (1998) The concept of sports and travel may vary depending on individual interpretations, but includes not only direct participation and spectating, but also all competitive and non-competitive sport tourism activities.
Robinson and Gammon (2004) The primary motivation of sport tourism lies in active or passive participation in sports activities.
Standeven and De Knop (1999) Encompasses all forms of active or passive sports activities, involving travel away from home or the workplace for commercial or non-commercial purposes.
Wahab (1975) Engaging in or spectating sports events, commercial recreation activities, and non-commercial outdoor recreation activities.
Weed and Bull (2005;2009) Sport tourism is a social, economic, and cultural phenomenon formed through unique interactions among activities, people, and places.
Park (2000) Includes travel to participate in sports activities, to watch sports events, and to visit sport tourism attractions.
Shin and Park (2009) Temporarily leaving one’s daily living environment to engage in physical sports activities, spectating, or leisure-centered pursuits.
Lee and Kim (2004) Travel undertaken to participate in sports competitions or to visit sport tourism sites.
Han (2001) Staying at a particular location for more than 24 hours to enjoy sports either as a spectator or through direct participation.
Korea Tourism Organization(1996) Temporarily leaving one’s daily living environment for the purpose of participating in or spectating sports, and returning afterward.