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.
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!