Recently, several of our staff attended the annual Sports Event Symposium, hosted by The National Association of Sports Commissions in Denver. Learning that the sports travel industry will be less impacted by the downturn in the economy than other sectors was one highlight of the show (and there were many).
Don Schumacher, executive director, provided numbers in his opening address that sports travel is more insulated than other segments of the travel industry, and much more than other industries. His explanation, while somewhat simple, makes perfect sense: People will get Janie to her soccer match. They may have to sacrifice certain things to get there, but sports event participation is a growing past-time that is an important facet of life in America.
Like those intrepid postal carriers, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays America's athletes. But, to be honest, those athletes and their fans have it a bit easier, since America is home to a nearly endless variety of indoor sports facilities and arenas that make the perfect location for nearly any event. more....