Sports Tourism as a Catalyst for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

This study sought to assess the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to sports tourism in Qatar, using a qualitative research design. The research methodology included 25 interviews with experts and specialists in the field, whose expertise and knowledge of sports tourism and sustainability was likely to be taken into account. The study also included a literature review, which was likely to involve the identification and analysis of relevant academic journals and books, as well as historical analysis and critical discussion, to ensure that the sources were relevant to the research topic and the recency of publication was taken into account. In addition, a historic analysis was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the evolution and development of the sports tourism sector in Qatar. The extent of the historical analysis is likely to include significant events, policies and changes that have affected the integration of sustainable development objectives (SDGs) into the sports tourism industry. The qualitative data analysis process was carried out using NVivo software. NVivo is a quality data analysis tool that facilitates the organization, coding, and analysis of large volumes of qualitative information." The results of the study suggest that Qatar has made excellent progress in the implementation of the SDGs and the adoption of sustainable practices in the sports tourism industry in Qatar. The results also demonstrate the effective collaboration between various stakeholders in Qatar that has contributed to the achievement of sustainability objectives. This study adds to the literature of how different countries have successfully implemented the SDGs in the context of Qatar's sports tourism, while also addressing the challenges they faced. The specific strategies employed by Qatar offer valuable insights to directors, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of sports tourism. This study seeks to bridge the gap between literature and practice by examining the drivers that influence hospitality and sports tourism in Qatar, particularly in the context of the 2022 World Cup. The results of the study provide insight into the future prospects of sports tourism in Qatar and offer practical guidance for the development of the sector.