Reflecting on 2024: A Landmark Year for Move Sports
As we close the year 2024, it’s impossible not to feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment for what we’ve achieved at Move Sports. This year, our events have reached new heights, welcoming thousands of participants from around the globe and making a tangible contribution to sports tourism in Portugal.
A Year of Memorable Events and Global Connections
Across the year, Move Sports organised a total of 12 major events, ranging from thrilling tournaments and impactful corporate retreats to globally recognised races. In total, these events brought together 10,468 participants and hosted 287 teams, of which nearly half (138 teams) travelled from around 50 different countries.
The Highlights in Numbers
Portugal Rugby Youth Festival: Our flagship rugby tournament welcomed 2,700 participants and 101 teams, with 68 international teams from 11 countries, contributing significantly to Lisbon’s sports scene.
Euro Police & Fire Games: This extraordinary event attracted 2,500 participants from 34 countries, with an astonishing 7,500 nights of accommodation, highlighting its impact on local tourism, this time in the city of Braga.
Bimbo Global Race: A standout moment of the year, this event united 3,000 participants in a shared love for running, in the stunning set of Lisbon’s riverside.
A Focus on Corporate Events: This year, we had the opportunity to incorporate sports into a few corporate events, highlighting the growing importance of physical activity in fostering team spirit and collaboration. By blending sports with professional settings, we created experiences that not only strengthened bonds among colleagues but also promoted wellness and productivity.
Portugal Volleyball Festival: Making its debut this year, this exciting event welcomed athletes and teams to Lisbon, reinforcing the city’s position as a hub for youth sports.
Across all events, participants collectively accounted for 14,790 nights of accommodation, underscoring our role in driving tourism and showcasing Lisbon as a global hub for sports.
Expanding Horizons: Our Sports Tours
Beyond our events, 2024 marked another record-breaking year for Move Sports’ tailored sports tours. Between January and December, we successfully organised 154 tours, hosting over 11,100 athletes who represented a variety of disciplines, including rugby, football, basketball, volleyball, and hockey. These tours contributed to an additional 18,035 nights of accommodation, further strengthening Portugal’s reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. But that’s not all, we also took our expertise to Barcelona and Rome!
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Our achievements this year would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Turismo de Portugal. Their commitment to fostering sports tourism has not only elevated the quality of our events but also increased their visibility on the global stage. Additionally, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Lisbon Council, whose partnership throughout the years has been instrumental in the success of all the events we organise in Lisbon. For the Euro Police & Fire Games, we extend our gratitude to the Council of Braga for their invaluable contribution to the event’s success. These collaborations reinforce the critical role of sports in promoting Portugal as a top-tier travel destination and highlight the positive economic impact of our initiatives.
Driving Tourism Through Sports
With the astonishing number of overnight stays in 2024, this represents a substantial boost to Lisbon’s tourism industry, supporting local businesses, hotels, and cultural activities. By attracting athletes, teams, and their families, we’ve solidified Portugal’s position as a leading destination for sports lovers.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we gear up for another exciting year, we remain committed to raising the bar in sports event organisation and sports tourism. From larger-scale tournaments to more customised corporate retreats, we are ready to deliver exceptional experiences that unite sports and travel – and bring exciting news as well!
At Move Sports, we believe that sports have the power to connect people, inspire communities, and create lasting memories. As we reflect on the success of 2024, we’re already asking: What’s next for sports tourism in Portugal, and how will you be part of the journey?