As an IELTS teacher with over 20 years of experience, I understand the importance of having a rich vocabulary to excel in the writing and speaking sections. “Sports tourism” is a topic that often comes up, and having a variety of words and phrases at your disposal will help you articulate your ideas effectively and achieve a higher band score.

What is Sports Tourism?

Before we dive into specific vocabulary, let’s clarify what we mean by “sports tourism”. This term encompasses travel that is motivated by:

• Participating in a sporting event: This could be anything from a local marathon to the Olympics.
• Attending a sporting event as a spectator: Think of the FIFA World Cup or Wimbledon.
• Visiting sports-related attractions: Examples include visiting famous stadiums like Wembley Stadium or the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sports Tourism Activities

Key Vocabulary for IELTS

Now, let’s explore some essential words and phrases related to “sports tourism”:

General Terms:

• Adventure tourism: Travel that involves physically challenging activities, often in outdoor settings (e.g., mountain biking, rock climbing).
• Active tourism: Any type of travel that includes physical activity as a primary component.
• Event tourism: Travel specifically to attend a planned event, such as a music festival, cultural celebration, or sporting competition.
• Niche tourism: Specialized forms of tourism targeting a specific interest or activity, like sports tourism.
• Sports enthusiast/fanatic: A person who is very passionate about sports.

Types of Sports Tourists:

• Amateur athletes: Individuals who participate in sports for enjoyment rather than professionally.
• Professional athletes: Individuals who compete in sports for their livelihood.
• Spectators/Fans: People who travel to watch sporting events.

Economic Impact:

• Tourism revenue: Income generated from tourists through accommodation, food, transportation, etc.
• Economic benefits: Positive financial impacts on a region due to tourism.
• Infrastructure development: Improvements to transportation, accommodation, and other facilities to support tourism.

Environmental Impact:

• Sustainability: The ability to conduct tourism activities without harming the environment.
• Ecological footprint: The impact of human activities on the environment.
• Carbon emissions: Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, often associated with travel.

Using the Vocabulary in IELTS

Example 1: Writing Task 2

Topic: “Some people believe that hosting major sporting events like the Olympics brings significant benefits to a country. Others argue that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”

Possible Usage:

• “Proponents of hosting mega sporting events often cite tourism revenue and infrastructure development as key advantages.”
• “However, critics argue that the ecological footprint of such events, particularly the increase in carbon emissions from international travel, can be detrimental.”

Example 2: Speaking Part 3

Question: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of adventure tourism?”

Possible Answer:

• “Well, one clear advantage is that it allows people to experience unique and challenging activities, which can be incredibly rewarding. For example, I recently went on a white-water rafting trip, which was physically demanding but exhilarating. However, a potential downside is the risk of injury. Adventure tourism often involves inherent risks, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety and choose reputable operators.”

Tips for Success:

• Context is Key: Use these words and phrases appropriately within the context of your IELTS task.
• Collocations: Pay attention to words that commonly go together (e.g., “economic benefits,” “sustainable tourism”).
• Paraphrasing: Demonstrate your vocabulary range by using synonyms and different grammatical structures to express similar ideas.

Remember, building a strong vocabulary takes time and effort. Make a habit of actively learning and using new words and phrases related to sports tourism and other IELTS topics. Good luck!