Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2022 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of over $2.42 billion to the national economy over the past year.
Among the winners were four events produced in cooperation with Visit Panama City Beach, including 2022 Grand Slam World Series of Baseball, United States Fastpitch Association (USFA World Series), 2021 Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida and Ripken Select Tournaments. These four events brought in athletes from all over the world and resulted in a total economic impact of over $80 million to the destination. The winning events also resulted in Panama City Beach being the most awarded destination in the country.
“We are honored to receive this incredible recognition from Sports Destination Management, showcasing our long standing events with Grand Slam Tournaments and USFA,” said Dan Rowe, Visit Panama City Beach president and CEO. “The CVB is also proud to host a new event with Cal Ripken Select Tournaments and continue our magnificent partnership with IRONMAN Group. Sports tourism is a huge part of our destination, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to host events and showcase Panama City Beach as a year-round destination for athletes and their families.”
All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2022 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.
