3SC’s Promotion: Makinde Using Sport Tourism as Local Economic Development Index – SDGs Boss, Kunle Yusuff, MON

By Ogundele Olanrewaju

Sport Tourism and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Tourism can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if properly
developed and managed.

As a segment of tourism, sports tourism also helps to achieve sustainable development in a distinct way stemming from
its characteristics.

This article illustrates how sport tourism can contribute to these goals and what needs to be considered when developing
sport tourism to realize its contribution to sustainable development.
The comparative strength of sport tourism lies in (1) engagement in physical activities, (2) opportunities for interactions, and (3) high
development potential almost anywhere (small events or light activities like walking in particular).

Sport tourism
can play an important role in achieving various SDGs if developed with consideration of SDGs. As one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world, tourism is increasingly recognised as a vital contributor to job, wealth creation, economic growth, environmental protection and poverty alleviation.

Indeed, a well designed and managed tourism policy can help to preserve cultural and natural assets. It can also generate trade opportunities, foster peace and intercultural understanding.

With the recent Investments on tourism in Oyo State, most especially sport Tourism, Oyo State will be qualified to access 1 Billion Naira Tourism Funds champion by the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Cultural. In addition UNWTO(United Nations World Tourism Organisation) and WTTC(United Nations World Travel and Tourism Council) can also invest in Oyo State once they are convinced that our policies are aligning with SDGs Global Tourism Policies Agenda 2030.

While the Oyo State PSU- SDGs will continually appreciate the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde for aligning appropriately with principles of SDGs in his policie, programmes and projects.

Again, I must also applaud the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Special Adviser on Tourism, Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora , Special Assistant on Sports Development and especially the Sports Council for effectiveness and efficiency.

Administratively, with the rate Governor Seyi Makinde is using SDGs Concepts to align with his four Pillars in this administration, very soon, Oyo State will be the Capital of UNDP and Others UN- SDGs Development Partners and Donors Agency’s.