DeKalb Talks Tourism - Dr. Felipe Tobar on Sports, Heritage, and Community

In the latest episode of "DeKalb Talks Tourism," we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Felipe Tobar, an Assistant Professor in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Department at Clemson University. Dr. Tobar, originally from Brazil, brings a rich interdisciplinary background with a Ph.D. from Clemson University and degrees in Cultural Heritage and Law from Univille University.

During our conversation, Dr. Tobar delved into the intricate relationship between sports, particularly soccer, and tourism. He highlighted how soccer events and heritage sites can serve as significant tourist attractions, fostering community engagement and economic development. His research emphasizes the socio-cultural impacts of sports events, the role of stadiums and museums in tourism, and the influence of players and clubs as tourism ambassadors.

Dr. Tobar also shared insights from his work with the Clemson Paralympic Soccer Program, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in sports tourism. He discussed how adaptive sports programs can have tangible and intangible impacts on local communities, promoting social inclusion and challenging perceptions about athletes with disabilities.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of sports, heritage, and tourism further, Dr. Tobar founded the "Football Studies" YouTube channel, where academics and industry experts discuss various facets of the football world.

We encourage our audience to watch the full episode to gain deeper insights into how sports tourism can be leveraged for community development and cultural preservation. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes of "DeKalb Talks Tourism," where we continue to explore the dynamic facets of tourism in our community.