Sri Lanka's US$ 100 Million Sports Tourism Opportunity 📈

• Global sports tourism is a fast-growing, high-value sector, projected to reach $1.3 Trillion by 2032 (nearly 10% of international spending). • Experts estimate Sri Lanka can unlock a $100 Million economic opportunity by 2030 by adopting a long-term, growth-centric national policy for active sports events. • High-Value Tourist Profile: The "racecation" segment (endurance athletes) spends significantly more: • 2019 data showed athletes spent an average of Rs. 300,000 (≈ $1,960) per stay, which is 3 to 4 times higher than the average tourist spend. • The goal is to double the current average per-day spend of $171. • Early Success & Momentum: The 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 Colombo event generated over $2 Million in tourism revenue, attracting 3,000 foreign visitors from 64 countries, with families staying an average of 5-7 days. • The Need for Consistency: Oman, through a long-term IRONMAN partnership embedded in its national vision, projects a $66 Million direct economic impact by 2030, contrasting with Sri Lanka's lack of follow-up on its successful 2018 debut. • Calls emphasize the need for institutional continuity and policy commitment to establish Sri Lanka as a permanent global endurance event destination.