An article by Iván Alcalá Rubio in the Diari de Tarragona (a regional newspaper based in Tarragona, Spain), highlighted the massive impact SCI Salou 2024 had on the area:
“Sports tourism has become a lifeline for the Costa Daurada’s tourism industry during the less active months. This week, five hotels will be fully booked thanks to a youth soccer championship held at the Mediterranean Sport Village in Salou. The Surf Cup International is anticipated to bring in up to 5,000 visitors, including participants, technical staff, and companions. It is expected to account for around 18,000 overnight stays over the next seven days.
This championship alone is estimated to create a direct economic impact of €2.5 million in the region. “Youth soccer brings us two major client types: families and athletes. It provides the product diversity we seek to reduce seasonality and strengthen our destination during these months,” highlighted Berta Cabré, president of the Tarragona Federation of Hospitality and Tourism (FEHT), during the tournament’s presentation.
“Beyond accommodation, these visitors will experience our gastronomy, our region, and our leisure offerings,” Cabré emphasized. “Without these kinds of sporting events that generate a high volume of overnight stays, it would be difficult for all these establishments to remain open during this time of year,” she admitted.
Salou’s Councilor for Sports, Yeray Moreno, also emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that “this is a period when we weren’t used to having such tournaments, despite having good weather,” and he reiterated Salou’s commitment to diversifying tourism with gastronomic, cultural, and scenic offerings.
The Surf Cup International—also held in Rome and Tangier—has grown exponentially since arriving at Costa Daurada four years ago. This edition includes 178 registered teams, half of which are female, comprising 3,000 athletes aged 10 to 19 from 26 countries across five continents. International clubs are mainly from the United States, Canada, and Nordic countries. For the first time, teams from Southeast Asia and Australia are also participating.
According to tournament directors Jan Esteller and Jordi Gómez, there is still significant growth potential, but expansion is limited by the availability of soccer fields in the area. In addition to the private facilities at Vial de Cavet, the tournament has extended this year to include fields in Cambrils, Riudoms, and Tarragona. “This is quality sports tourism. We bring many families with significant purchasing power who will stay in the region for seven days or more,” said Esteller.
Another major tournament is scheduled to take place at the same venue from December 5th to 8th. This will be a new event, the Cruyff Football Tournament, featuring 100 teams and 1,600 players.
The Note
Call for Collaboration to Boost Salou’s Sports City
Sports tourism continues to grow in Costa Daurada. In recent years, the number of competitions, particularly those focused on youth soccer, has multiplied, driving activity during the low season, such as in spring and autumn. A significant part of this success is attributed to the Mediterranean Sport Village in Salou, which has become a prime destination for teams worldwide.
However, large competitions like the Surf Cup International, held this week, require additional soccer fields due to the sheer volume of matches. This year’s edition saw registrations surge to nearly 180 teams. As the tournament directors acknowledged, they foresee further growth in participation but are constrained by the availability of sports facilities.
Salou’s Councilor for Sports, Yeray Moreno, stepped up and called on various public and private administrations to support the development of the sports city project planned by the City Council in the Emprius area.
“All public and private institutions need to work together to create the best facilities in Catalonia, the country, and even Europe. We need to be ambitious,” said Moreno. “Sports tourism is a leading sector, and no one will stand in the way of its continued growth,” he added.”
