The impact of sports tourism on the UAE - a case study of the Indian Premier League (IPL)

Sport tourism is undoubtedly becoming one of the fastest growing market segments in the tourism industry and is receiving increased attention for its social, environmental, and economic impacts upon the hosting tourism destinations. Sports events have become an instrument for host countries to use to brand their destination. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) which is recognized as the fastest growing tourism hot spot with a growth rate of 10.4% in 2013 (according to the UNWTO), is combining sport and tourism to boost its economy and improve its already superb brand image. In this paper efforts are made to explore the impacts of one of the fastest growing sporting events, namely Indian Premier League (IPL) on different tourist destinations in the UAE. The strategies adopted by these destinations, to handle this sporting event are also considered.