Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0269
ISSN: 2167-0269
This mini-review, "From past glories to future journeys: The role of nostalgia in sport tourism dynamics," delves into the emotional and psychological facets of nostalgia within sport tourism. Nostalgia, characterized by a sentimental longing for the past, emerges prominently in the sport domain, influencing fans' self-esteem, empowerment, pride and their intentions to visit host cities of beloved sport teams. It explores the interplay between personal and collective nostalgia in shaping fan behavior, highlighting the importance of nostalgia in creating a sense of belonging, identity and enhancing the attractiveness of sport tourism destinations.
Recent trends in sport tourism are examined, particularly focusing on the digital transformation of sport fandom and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic of fan engagement and travel patterns. The review underscores the potential of nostalgia-driven marketing strategies and the creation of immersive fan experiences catering to personal and collective nostalgia. It also explores the methodological strengths and limitations of current research, suggesting areas for future study, including the role of technology in simulating nostalgic experiences and the broader sociocultural implications of nostalgia in sports.
Practically, this review offers insights into using nostalgia in sport tourism marketing, enhancing fan experiences, digital engagement, community building and integrating sustainability with nostalgic narratives. The mini-review serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers, city planners and sport marketers to understand and leverage the nuanced effects of nostalgia in the evolving landscape of sport tourism.
Published Date: 2025-02-20; Received Date: 2023-12-06