Unveiling the Social Sustainability of Sport Tourism: Qatar’s Journey as Host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Abstract

Qatar set ambitious goals by hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a significant moment for the Arab World. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Qatar demonstrated resilience, turning challenges into opportunities. The World Cup's success further boosted Qatar's aim to become a premier tourist destination, with future plans for hosting more mega sports events. The case study puts the reader in the position of the Marketing director of a prominent consulting entity in the field of tourism with a mission to craft a report that offers insights into the impact of hosting the World Cup, exploring key factors behind Qatar's decision and assessing local and regional feedback. The report seeks to unveil valuable lessons for Arab countries aspiring to leverage sports tourism for community development and social sustainability, emphasizing the transformative power of sporting events in attracting global attention and fostering national growth.