Few forces in contemporary society influence the fortunes of tourism destinations more immediately than sport. From football fans to kayaking, Sports Tourism Destinations: issues, opportunities and analysis examines the planning, development and management of sport tourism destinations. With contributions from international experts, this book looks at the dramatic effects sports tourism has on the economy and future of tourism destinations.

Divided into four parts, the book systematically covers:

• Sports tourism destination analysis: applies principles of destination resource analysis to the study of sport tourism destinations
• Destination planning and development: illustrates the mutually beneficial links between sport, tourism and destination planning.
• Destination marketing and management: explores theoretical and applied aspects of sport tourism destination marketing and management
• Sport tourism impacts and environments: identifies and discusses critical issues of sustainable development at sport tourism destinations

Practical case studies in each chapter illustrate and highlight the links between sport tourism theory and practice, making this book a vital resource for lecturers and students alike.

"Researchers as well as students will find this book valuable for accessing the current body of knowledge on sports tourism, and will be stimulated to engage in research on unanswered questions surrounding sport tourism destinations." Tourism Management Volume 27, Issue 5 , October 2006, Pages 1078-1079

James Higham is a Professor in the Department of Tourism, University of Otago, New Zealand