World Cup 2030 

Africa-Europe union; north-south Mediterranean union 

Football, as a globally influential sport, serves as a vehicle for transmitting positive social values. The unprecedented joint bid by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal to host the 2030 Soccer World Cup signifies a historic union between Africa and Europe, bridging the Mediterranean’s north and south and connecting diverse African, Arab, and Euro-Mediterranean worlds. This alliance aims to showcase the best from both regions, fostering a demonstration of genius, creativity, experience, and resources. 

Beyond the cultural significance, hosting this international event is poised to enhance tourist attractiveness, bolster economic positions, and strengthen economic relations and partnerships among Rabat, Madrid, and Lisbon. Football, despite its contradictions, promotes integration, diversity, and encounters in a time of increasing disagreements. This message is crucial amid growing tensions, emphasizing unity beyond colors, nations, and religions. At a social level, football has achieved more in integration and highlighting societal diversity than politics. The shared sea, history, culture, food, and values among the countries in the region underscore the potential for collaboration and a common destiny. 

Football embodies these values, and the passion it ignites, particularly among the youth, challenges groups seeking clashes of civilizations. However, football transcends mere entertainment; it is an industry worth hundreds of billions that, if leveraged correctly, can propel emerging economies to new economic and reputational heights. 

In the booming football landscape of Africa and the Mediterranean region, this joint World Cup bid not only represents a story of success and collaboration between three countries but also holds the potential to contribute to economic development by fostering social change, mutual respect, and better understanding on a global scale. 

Sports tourism, opportunities and challenges 

Sports tourism, comprising 10% of global tourist flow, is poised for substantial growth with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 12% from 2021 to 2027. Despite its vast potential, continuous reinvention and innovation, especially in spectator experiences, are crucial. The active engagement of the local community is identified as a key success factor that organizers, rights holders, and destinations must prioritize. This session aims to explore the dynamic relationship between football and tourism, discussing their collaborative industry potential, implications of their activities, and perspectives of key stakeholders. The objective is to comprehensively grasp the scope, opportunities, and challenges within this multifaceted intersection of sports and tourism