From Tahiti 2013 to Seychelles 2025: How Beach Soccer is Shaping Sports Tourism.

Seychelles is set to make history. From May 1st to 11th, the island nation will become the first African country to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. This represents a landmark moment for both the sport and the host country and offers Seychelles a golden opportunity to position itself as a key player in the world of sports tourism.  

The first official Beach Soccer World Championship took place in Brazil in 1995. Brazil then hosted the tournament annually until 2004, until FIFA decided it was time for the sport to take a more global path.

In 2013, it was Tahiti. In 2024, it was the UAE. In between, Italy, France, Portugal, the Bahamas, and Paraguay also hosted. These are countries where beach soccer is well established and where sport in general is closely tied to tourism. Even Russia hosted and won the event in 2021. One may think of it as a less obvious beach soccer market, but they have actually been crowned World Champions three times, in 2011, 2013 and 2021, before being banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the Ukraine invasion. 

Before all that happened, a question popped up in the minds of many: Are such events about growing the game or about expanding FIFA’s footprint? Probably both.  

There is enormous potential for the tournament's host nation to capitalise on growth opportunities for the country’s economy.  

The increased visibility enhances sports tourism, which brings economic benefits to the local community and the country itself. But these benefits are far from guaranteed, the real challenge lies in what happens after the final whistle.  

So, how can the host nations maximise the economic impact of these events, and what lessons can be learned from past tournaments?  

Tahiti in 2013 left a legacy for others to follow. The tournament brought to the country enhanced visibility as a sports tourism destination, economic benefits, upgrades in infrastructure and growth in local participation in beach soccer. The exposure was also given by the event being broadcast in over 190 countries, Tahiti Tourism actively supporting the event alongside the Institute of Youth and Sport of French Polynesia, all indicating a collaborative effort. 

Tahiti also made history that year with their national team, the Tiki Toa, becoming the first Pacific nation to reach the semi-finals in a FIFA tournament. This was transformative as interest in the sport surged across the Pacific region, and according to the Oceania Football Confederation, thanks to new youth beach soccer programmes, participation rose by 40% in the year following the World Cup.  

When, after nine years, FIFA decided to hold the event outside Brazil, it showed their commitment to globalising beach soccer.  

To capitalise on the opportunity of hosting such tournaments, governments must invest and engage in effective marketing and branding strategies.  

Tahiti did this, but also France and the UAE, respectively in 2008 and 2009, and now it’s the Seychelles’ turn. Travel packages, international flights, excursions, beach sports, and cultural experiences are all to be tapped into by expert travel professionals to boost the country’s sports tourism. 

Seychelles will offer more than just a sports tournament. The country is famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Iconic, renowned beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source d’Argent are considered among the most beautiful in the world. Visitors will be able to stay in luxurious resorts, immersed in nature, and savour the richness of Creole cuisine. It will certainly be a fascinating experience for those able to attend. 

However, the investment does not come cost-free, especially for a small island nation like Seychelles. What is often overlooked is the environmental cost for example, and the nation, known for its biodiversity and eco-tourism branding, can be at risk of losing points here. The government must manage to keep a low carbon footprint while maximising economic gains. Pressure is on.  

Bernardette Willemin, Director General for Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, declared to ModernGhana.com: 

“From the 1st to the 11th of May, Seychelles will not only host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – it will welcome the world. It is promised to be fun. Seychelles awaits you.” 

The message is clear: the country wants to reinforce its global image; it is not just about beach soccer but also nation branding. There is obviously money and politics at play, and a clear legacy strategy and engagement plans must be put into place in order for such tournaments to do not become a one-off spectacle that benefits more the governing body, FIFA, trying to expand its commercial interest (and hopefully also on a mission to grow the game), than the host nations themselves.  

The potential is there. The stakes are high. With 10 days to go, it’s Seychelles’ moment, the ball is in your court now.