THE ROLE OF YOUTH PEOPLE IN SPORT TOURISM

Abstract

Youth can be defined as the period between childhood and adulthood where physical, social and mental/psychological change is experienced and that affects the process of gaining identity. Among the concepts mentioned together with youth is sport. When evaluating sport in life pattern/lifestyle, the age factor and regular exercise take great important. Sports activities refer to a wide range that can be carried out in groups and on the basis of team play such as volleyball, as well as individual play in the form of intelligence game such as chess. In addition, people who move not just regional, and also from local to world countries, and from world countries to locality to participate in events, such as matches and competitions as athletes or spectators are considered within the scope of sport tourism. Accordingly, the impact of sports activities on national economies, public health and social life emerges. Based on all this information, the study aimed to determine the current status and trends/tendencies of youthes participating in sports activities in the tourism industry on the basis of Mu?la province and to determine the economic impact on tourism. In this respect, based on case study, secondary data and data from face-to-face interviews were used. As a result of the study, it was understood that as of 2019, even though 74 thousand 147 people took part as licensed athletes under the federation in Mu?la, 9 thousand 475 were active in sports. The most popular sports branches were revealed to be football, scouting, sailing, volleyball, chess, kickbox, karate and rowing. With organizing 15 events per year in Fethiye alone, reaching an average number of 7,500 athletes and providing 1.275.000 TL income depending on two-nights stay is another important result determined in the study. According to the results, supporting the sports activities (opening sports centers, etc.) will not only positively affect individual and community health, but will also create economic impacts.