Sport and Tourism: a potentially conflictual relationship. The case of Marinas in Tenerife

Abstract

This paper points out the conflicts that can arise in the field of Sports and Tourism through a case study of two marinas on the island of Tenerife (Spain). Following a qualitative approach, the dis- courses of the participants of seven different water sports were analysed. In spite of the traditional opti- mistic approach towards the relationship between sport and tourism, research results showed that con- flicts can arise if this is not carefully managed. Conflicts were found at three levels. First, at a sport prac- tice level, where conflict can arise between the different sports held in and around marinas. Second, at a socio-economic level, conflicts can arise between the different social groups that use marinas. Third, at a tourism level, conflict can arise between tourism development and the use of marinas as a sporting ve- nue. The paper concludes by emphasizing key issues to bear in mind when managing the relationship between tourism and sport, such as the brand image of both sports on the hand and tourism destinations on the other hand, and the social groups that usually play each sport and visit each destination.