Story contributed by Gulf Coast News Today

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2018 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism. This year’s winners are responsible for contributing more than $700 million to the national economy over the past year.

Among the winners was the 2018 NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, produced in cooperation with the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission and the city of Gulf Shores. The championships took place May 24-26, 2018 at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, featuring 1,253 student-athletes from all over the country, producing 2,929 room nights and $3.12 million in direct visitor spending.

“This year’s nominations were incredible,” said Publisher Fonda Johnson. “We were amazed not just by the sheer volume of events, but by the scope. We saw an amazing array of entries — from team to individual, from youth to seniors, and across all disciplines and all levels of play.”

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2018 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online along with a special feature on economic impact.