overview of sport tourism industry

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Sports Tourism: State of the Industry 2023

Sports-related travel is a substantial, billion-dollar industry.

Commissioned by the Sports Events and Tourism Association (ETA) and in partnership with Northstar Meetings Group, Tourism Economics assisted in the production of the recently released 2023 State of the Industry Report—a crucial resource that offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the sports-related travel industry. 

The report is conducted every two years to track trends on key metrics, including industry direct spending, economic impact, tax revenue and job creation. Additional highlights focus on valuable destination profile information, such as budget sizes, event dynamics, staffing and key performance indicators.

Together, these insights serve as a leading tool for advocacy among all industry segments.  Learn more about Sports ETA and this biennial report here .  

Key highlights from the report conclude that in 2023: 

• 63% of cities that responded said sports are the top room-night generator in their communities
• The sports-events industry had a direct economic impact of $52.2 billion ,  $128 billion in total economic impact and generated $20.1 billion in taxes
• More than 200 million people traveled to youth and adult amateur sports, plus collegiate championships
• Sports-related travel generated more than 73 million room nights
• The industry supported a combined  757,600 full-time and part-time jobs

Learn more about conducting an economic impact study with our team.

Report Description

Table of content, methodology.

• Consumer Goods
• Sports, Fitness & Leisure
• Sports Tourism Market Size, Share & Analysis | Forecast 2031

Sports Tourism Market

Segments - by Sport Type (Soccer, Cricket, Motorsport, Tennis, Hockey, Basketball, Baseball, and Others), Type (Domestic Tourism and International Tourism), Category (Active, Passive, Nostalgia, and Sports Event), and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2023 – 2031

Debadatta Patel

Fact-checked by :

PARTHA PAUL

The global sports tourism market size was valued at  USD 587 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 2411.6 Billion by 2031 , expanding at a CAGR of 17.2% during the forecast period,  2023–2031 . The rising integration of travel, tourism, and sports in different countries coupled with the growing popularity of major sports events is expected to boost the market. The rising inclination of people toward sports and travel is boosting sports tourism. This is leading sports and fitness enthusiasts to travel to different countries for enhanced professional athlete training and attending sports leagues, which propels the market. Sports and traveling are certain ways adopted by people to change their sedentary routines and maintain healthy body functions.

People are taking vacation breaks that include exploring sports and other physical activities across worldwide countries. This is one of the major reasons for the increasing demand for improved sports culture and experience around the major sporting countries of the world. For instance,

According to a report by the Sports Events and Tourism Association , around 180 million people across different regions attended various sports events in the US in 2019 . Among these people, many were participants, while most of them were spectators. The report also mentions that the growing interest of people in popular sports tournaments across various countries is the main reason for the surging number of international visits to sports events in the country.

Sports tourists are expected to help in boosting the economies of the host countries by contributing to the sectors including transportation, accommodation, food & beverage, and various other commercial sectors. Thus, many countries are anticipated to host large-scale sports events to attract sports enthusiasts, which in turn propels the country’s economy as well as the sports tourism market. The COVID-19 pandemic impeded the growth of the sports tourism market, as there were travel restrictions and lockdowns implemented by governments of different countries to curb the virus spread. This led to postponing and rescheduling the sports events, which slowed down the growth of the market. However, the increasing health and fitness concerns among many people during the post-covid scenario supported in the market recovery, as many people adopted sports as a daily activity. Thus, the active participation and interest of people in sports as well as travel trends post covid helped sports tourism to regain and even boost its popularity.

Sports Tourism Market Dynamics

Major drivers  .

Rising active participation of global sports personalities and their travel to different countries for international events such as basketball, cricket, and soccer is anticipated to boost the market. Sportspersons from different countries participate in these events to represent their countries, and spectators from respective countries tend to travel to watch their live performances. This increases the domestic & international traveling trips for sports among people in different countries, thus boosting the global sports tourism market. The increasing number of spectators with the growing popularity of various sports tournaments such as soccer and cricket is projected to lead to high revenue generation for host countries. This is further facilitating the countries to invest in the development of larger seating facilities in the event venues. In addition, large crowds & spectators help in market expansion due to high event ticket prices. Such increasing participation in big-ticket sports tournaments further boosts revenues and results in market expansion.

Existing Restraints

Strict government regulations on travel & tourism are likely to restrain the market, as hosting large-scale events requires following legal protocols and permissions devised by government authorities. Such procedures can be time-consuming and also inconvenient to tourists from other countries, which can restrict the growth of the market. Changing environmental conditions in various regions affect the organizing of sports events, and further impedes the market growth. Moreover, high prices of tickets are expected to affect the sales of the event tickets, as it puts additional burdens on the finances of the tourists.

Emerging Opportunities

Rapid development of tourism and sports infrastructure such as the building of sports hubs in emerging countries is projected to create several growth opportunities in the market. Several mountains and hilly areas in such countries are being used for high-altitude training and creating sports complexes. This draws the attention of domestic & international tourists to plan and visit these places for vacations as well as sports purposes. For instance,

On 14 January 2023, C.L.A.W Global launched Soul of Steel - which is the world’s first skill & endurance challenge in high altitude. In this challenge, selected participants across the world are expected to compete as teams in which their skills are utilized for high-altitude mountain climbing.

Rising integration of adventure and tourism as a result of the increasing interest in exploring places and experiencing adventure activities is expected to create lucrative opportunities in the market. Such increasing inclination of people in adventure activities is leading the national to local level governments to promote adventure sports in popular tourist locations. Similarly, one of India’s major tourist destinations, Goa, is being explored by the state government to develop and promote adventure sports locations for national and international tourists. A recent news report in 2023 indicated that Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) is promoting bungy jumping in Mayem, North Goa. Such adventures are further anticipated to attract international tourists for adventure sports, which generate significant growth opportunities for the market.

Scope of Sports Tourism Market Report

The report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Sports Tourism Market Segment Insights

Sport type segment analysis.

Based on sport type, the sports tourism market is divided into soccer, cricket, motorsport, tennis, hockey, basketball, baseball, and others. The soccer segment is expected to expand at a major growth rate during the projection period, owing to its popularity across the world. Several major soccer tournaments and leagues are organized across the globe each year, which is a popular attraction among soccer or football enthusiasts. The easy availability of high-quality soccer infrastructure and equipment in several countries further helps in segment expansion. Moreover, increasing global internet penetration and easy access to social media are majorly boosting the fanbase of soccer tournaments and leagues. The growing fandom for soccer is further driving soccer sports tourism all over the world. For instance,

According to a report by YouGov Sport, around 39% of individuals in the US watched sports through live sports events on their devices, specifically on smartphones . People aged between 18 to 24 are the most common online audiences as compared to ages above 55 .

The cricket segment is anticipated to account for a significant market share during the forecast period, due to its increasing popularity in several countries including Australia, India, and England. These countries have consistent major cricket leagues and tournaments, which are anticipated to draw audiences to the events. Increasing crowds result in high GDP through event tickets, hotels, and food & beverage consumption in the host countries. Thus, many countries including India, host yearly sports leagues to integrate the participants of different national teams to increase the popularity of cricket, thus propelling the segment.

Type Segment Analysis

On the basis of type, the global market is bifurcated into domestic tourism and international tourism. The domestic tourism segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, attributed to the ongoing sports infrastructure developments in different countries. Countries are developing infrastructure suitable for different sports such as cricket, baseball, football, and hockey to support the growing interest in sports participation and viewing. Increasing government policy integration with private sports organizations is likely to create opportunities for the promotion of domestic tourism, which in turn boosts the market segment.  The international tourism segment accounts for a significant market share, as a rising number of countries are hosting international sports leagues and tournaments to boost tourism. Governments from various countries, such as European countries, are taking the initiative to promote tourism by hosting famous soccer events. Europe has several popular soccer teams with fans across the world. Thus, such worldwide popular events are increasing travel to international destinations for sports viewing while vacationing, which in turn further drives the international tourism segment.

Category Segment Analysis

Based on category, the sports tourism market is segmented into active, passive, nostalgia, and sports event. The passive segment is expected to register a robust growth rate during the projection period, as taking vacation trips to different countries to enjoy live events is a popular way to enjoy favorite sports among many individuals. Sports such as soccer, baseball, and cricket have a large number of fans and spectators who prefer to watch their favorite players' live performances, this, as a result, is likely to propel the segment in the coming years.  The active segment is expected to hold a significant share of the market, due to the increasing interest of people for participation in various sports and activities. Additionally, the rising disposable income in developed countries facilitates them to opt for personal training and participate in large-scale events. Moreover, the surging concerns regarding obesity and other health problems are leading people to actively take part in sports, which, in turn, helps in segment expansion.

Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global sports tourism market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, owing to the rising number of trips to the countries in Europe, for participating and watching sports events. European countries including the UK, France, and Germany have a high number of soccer events, thus many people from other regions travel to Europe, which boosts the regional market. The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period, due to the growing development activities taking place in the region. The increasing number of participants from the countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, and India in global sports events such as the Olympics and Cricket World Cup is boosting the segment. For instance,

According to a recent study report, around 499 participants from Japan, 381 from China, and 203 from South Korea participated in the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021. Several sportspersons from other countries including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Indonesia participated in the same event.

The sports tourism market has been segmented on the basis of

• Domestic Tourism
• International Tourism
• Sports Event
• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Players

• Inspiresport
• BAC SPORT LTD
• Premium Sport Tours Pty. Ltd
• Navigo Sports
• Gullivers Sports Travel Ltd
• La Vacanza Travel
• Dream Team Italy srl
• ALLSPORTS INTERNATIONAL
• XLSportsTours
• Australian Sports Tours

Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the global sports tourism market include Inspiresport ; BAC SPORT LTD; Premium Sport Tours Pty. Ltd; Navigo Sports; Gullivers Sports Travel Ltd; La Vacanza Travel; Dream Team Italy srl; ALLSPORTS INTERNATIONAL; XLSportsTours; and Australian Sports Tours Several market companies are implementing market expansion & growth strategies such as divestitures, partnerships, acquisitions, R&D investments, mergers, collaboration, and product development to boost their market share and prominence in the sporting tourism industry. For instance,

On 5 July 2023, inspiresport, a UK-based major youth development tour business partnered with The Rangers Football Club Limited. The partnership aims to provide specialist coaching facilities at the Rangers Training Centre to youths and students.

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Sports Tourism Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Product, Type and Category : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030

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The global sports tourism market size was valued at $323,420.0 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $1,803,704.0 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030.

Sports, travel, and tourism are all interrelated. Sports tourism is now a well-established niche market in the travel industry, whether it is professional athletes or officials attending tournaments and events or fans flying to a country to witness a global sports league.

The tourism industry is rapidly expanding. Tourism is an excellent way to escape the monotony of everyday life. Many people prefer a short or long vacation to break the monotony of life. However, as a generation grows older, the definition of tourism shifts toward exploration. Traditional culture, values, cuisine, monuments, and lifestyles have caught the interest of the X and Y generations, as they provide tourists with a memorable and long-lasting experience. Countries such as the U.S., the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Australia are popular for sporting events and attract both domestic and international visitors from all over the world. Furthermore, many developing countries, such as India, Sri Lanka, and Brazil, are investing in infrastructure to attract a larger customer base, which is expected to drive the global sports tourism market.

Sports events are cancelled for a variety of reasons, including a lack of financial resources. Sports event planning necessitates a significant investment of both time and money. Sports events are organized by a large number of people, which means they necessitate a significant investment. Organizers of sporting events frequently exhibit excessive commercialism and poor financial management, making poor strategic decisions about ticket prices and sponsors. The Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Big Bash League are all franchise-based sports leagues. A lack of financial support for franchisee teams, on the other hand, can result in event cancellation, which can harm the sports tourism market. As a result, the cancellation of sporting events due to lack of financial resources will restrain the growth of the sports tourism market.

Motorsport segment is expected to grow at highest CAGR of 17.4% during the forecast period.

To broaden the reach and popularity of sports, new tournaments are being held in existing venues to attract more spectators, and new venues for existing tournaments are being established to attract more spectators. As the number of sports tourists has increased, there is a greater demand for more seating capacity at sporting venues around the world. Large seating capacities result in higher ticketing revenue generation because sports event venues can accommodate a larger number of visitors. Increased revenue from tickets and sports packages will drive the growth of the sports tourism market. Many sports clubs and events are working to increase their capacity to accommodate sports tourists. As a result, new tournaments held in existing venues will create lucrative revenue-generating opportunities for the sports tourism market.

The global sports tourism market demand has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. However, as things return to normal and vaccination campaigns pick up speed, sports tourism is expected to fully recover by 2022. People are becoming more health-conscious, and it is expected that they will actively participate in sporting activities to fulfil their desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. When the situation improves and travel restrictions are lifted, sports tourism will regain momentum due to the global population's never-ending love and passion for sports.

Domestic segment held the major share of 56.0% in 2020

Travel restrictions across borders may hinder the growth of the sports tourism industry. Major countries such as India, China, and other densely populated Asia-Pacific countries, may take longer to fully vaccinate their populations. This could cause the sports tourism market to recover slowly. As a result, various nations’ government policies imposing travel restrictions can have a direct impact on the sports tourism market and may impede the global sports tourism industry's growth.

Passive segment held the major share of 59.0% in 2020

The global sports tourism market is segmented on the basis of product, type, category, and region. On the basis of product, the market is categorized as football/soccer, cricket, motorsport, tennis, and others. As per type, it is divided into domestic and international. Based on category, the sports tourism market is bifurcated as active and passive. Region-wise, the sports tourism market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Europe held the higest market share of 36.8% in 2020

As per the sports tourism market forecast, due to the enormous popularity and love for football among the global population, the football/soccer segment was the highest revenue contributor in 2020. Domestic segment accounted for the majority of market share. Government development policies as well as large investments in sports infrastructure such as playing fields, stadiums, and sports clubs, have significantly aided the domestic segment's growth. Due to an increase in sports activities and events across various countries, the passive segment captured the greatest share of the sports tourism market. According to the sports tourism market trends, region-wise, Europe is expected to dominate the market. Due to presence of all the major football playing nations and clubs in Europe made Europe an integral part of the football industry.

The prominent sports tourism industry players include BAC Sports, QuintEvents, Sports Travel & Hospitality Group, MATCH Hospitality, THG Sports, Club Europe Holidays Ltd, Gullivers Sports Travel Limited, Inspiresport, DTB Sports Hospitality, Event Management Ltd, and Great Atlantic Sports Travel.

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the global sports tourism market from 2021 to 2030 to identify the prevailing market opportunities.
• Porter’s five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier–buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global industry. 
• The market player positioning segment facilitates benchmarking while providing a clear understanding of the present position of the key market players.
• The report includes analyses of the regional as well as global market, key players, market segments, application areas, and growth strategies.

Key Market Segments

• Football/Soccer
• International

By Category

• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe
• New Zealand
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• South Africa
• Rest of LAMEA

  Sports Tourism Market Report Highlights

Analyst Review

According to the insights of CXOs of leading companies, sports tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry. Whether sports are the primary goal of the trip or not, more and more tourists are interested in participating in sports activities while on vacation. Sporting events of all sizes and shapes gather tourists as participants or spectators, and destinations attempt to add local flavors to events and provide authentic local experiences. Mega sporting events, such as the Olympics and World Cups, can serve as a platform for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of brand equity, infrastructure development, and other socioeconomic benefits.

Sports and tourism are closely connected and mutually beneficial. Sports, whether it is played as professional, hobbyist, or leisure activities necessitate extensive travel to play and compete in various locations and countries. Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, football and rugby championships, have evolved into powerful tourism attractions, significantly contributing to the tourism industry.

Sport is a big attraction and thus, a significant economic source, both from the ACTIVE side of those who participate in sports and from the PASSIVE side of those who watch the sport ‘live.’ Active or passive sports involve a flow of millions of people travelling, resulting in a high volume of business. Thus, sports tourism has evolved as a profitable business.

• Travel Destinations
• Luxury Accommodations
• Travel Packages
• Adventure Travel
• Travel Experiences
• Cultural Travel
• Luxury Travel Experiences
• Travel Retail

The global sports tourism market size was valued at $323,420.0 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $1,803,704.0 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030. The market growth is attributed to rising popularity of sports, growing participation in sports, growing infrastructure, rising disposable income, and government initiatives to promote sports tourism.

The global sports tourism market is projected to reach $1,803,704.0 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030. The rising popularity of sports, growing participation in sports, growing infrastructure, rising disposable income, and government initiatives to promote sports tourism are the factors that are expected to boost the growth of the sports tourism market across the globe.

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Product launches, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and geographic expansions are key strategies used by market players. The key players in the global sports tourism market include BAC Sports, QuintEvents, Sports Travel & Hospitality Group, MATCH Hospitality, THG Sports, Club Europe Holidays Ltd., Gullivers Sports Travel Limited, Inspiresport, DTB Sports Hospitality and Event Management Ltd., and Great Atlantic Sports Travel.

The global sports tourism market is segmented on the basis of product, type, category, and region. On the basis of product, the market is categorized as football/soccer, cricket, motorsport, tennis, and others. As per type, it is divided into domestic and international. Based on category, the sports tourism market is bifurcated as active and passive. Region-wise, the sports tourism market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

The base year calculated in the report is 2020. The year 2020 was an exceptional year characterized by the outbreak of COVID-19 disease and its rapid spread across the globe. It caused a huge adverse impact on the sports tourism industry due to the lockdown and travel ban strictly imposed by the government in various countries.

The increased number of athletic events around the world and mobile ticketing is expected to fuel the global sports tourism market growth. Moreover, the rising popularity of sports, growing participation in sports, growing infrastructure, rising disposable income, and government initiatives to promote sports tourism are the factors that are expected to boost the growth of the sports tourism market across the globe.

By product, the football/soccer segment was the highest revenue contributor in 2020, due to enormous popularity and love for football among the global population. By type, the domestic segment held the largest market share. Government development policies and large investments in sports infrastructure such as playing fields, stadiums, and sports clubs, have significantly contributed to the growth of the domestic segment.

Government initiatives, geo-political relations between countries, growth of infrastructure favoring sports tourism, rising number of local and national sports events are few of the major factors that have a huge impact on the global sports tourism market.

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Sports Tourism Market

Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030

Worldwide Sports Tourism Industry to 2030 - Rise in the Number of Athletic Events Throughout the Globe Presents Opportunities

November 08, 2021 04:28 ET | Source: Research and Markets Research and Markets

Dublin, Nov. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sports Tourism Market by Product, Type, and Category: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global sports tourism market size was valued at $323,420.0 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $1,803,704.0 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.1% from 2021 to 2030. Sports tourism is a rapidly expanding segment in the travel/tourism industry. In fact, it is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry today, generating billions of dollars each year. Sports tourism is a growing trend that will expand in the coming years. While recent technological advancements may not appear to have a significant impact on the sports industry, they most certainly have. People now have access to resources that were not available a decade ago, due to availability of purchasing sports tickets online through various applications and websites. People are also more aware about when and where the games and competitions will take place in advance, allowing them to better plan for the cost and time required to attend the events. COVID-19 had a significant impact on sports tourism. Most local, national, and international events have been cancelled or are taking place in a different format, such as with a limited number of participants. Due to travel restrictions, many outdoor activities and programs have been cancelled. However, some types of sports tourism activities, such as outdoor recreation, are alternatives to mass tourism, their popularity is expected to rise in the future. The sports tourism market will grow significantly as the number of national and international tournaments increases. Among the major events that will take place during the forecast period are Cricket South Africa's new T20 league and the Volleyball Federation of India's Pro Volleyball League. As the number of sporting events increases, so will the number of tourists visiting sporting destinations, fueling the growth of the sports tourism industry. Furthermore, sports are being used to promote tourism in countries such as Russia, the UK, Germany, India, China, the U.S., Spain, and Canada. Sports tourism caters to a wide range of tourists who travel to different parts of the world to participate and watch sporting events. Tourists also spend money on transportation, lodging, and food and beverages. This has a positive impact on economy because sports tourism promotes the growth of the tourism supply chain, which leads to GDP growth in the country. As a result, several governments are focusing on promoting sports tourism in order to increase revenue from their tourism industry, thereby driving the market's overall growth. The global sports tourism market is segmented on the basis of product, type, category, and region. On the basis of product, the market is categorized as football/soccer, cricket, motorsport, tennis, and others. As per type, it is divided into domestic and international. Based on category, the sports tourism market is segmented as active and passive. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and The rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and The rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, the UAE, and The rest of LAMEA). The major players operating in the global sports tourism market are BAC Sports, QuintEvents, Sports Travel & Hospitality Group, MATCH Hospitality, THG Sports, Club Europe Holidays Ltd., Gullivers Sports Travel Limited, Inspiresport, DTB Sports Hospitality and Event Management Ltd., and Great Atlantic Sports Travel. Key Benefits

• The report provides a quantitative analysis of the current market, estimations, trends, and dynamics of the global sports tourism market size from 2020 to 2030 to identify the prevailing market opportunities.
• The key countries in all the major regions are mapped based on the market share and market trends.
• Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of the buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the market segment and size assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global sports tourism industry.
• Market player positioning segment facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of market players.

Key Topics Covered: CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3: MARKET OVERVIEW 3.1. Market definition and scope 3.2. Key forces shaping global sports tourism industry/market 3.2.1. Bargaining power of suppliers 3.2.2. Bargaining power of buyers 3.2.3. Thereat of new entrants 3.2.4. Threat of substitutes 3.2.5. Intensity of competitive rivalry 3.3. Market dynamics 3.3.1. Drivers 3.3.1.1. Mobile ticketing 3.3.1.2. Increase in GDP and employment contribution 3.3.1.3. Rise in spending ability 3.3.1.4. Sports tourism is becoming popular as a way to break up monotonous lifestyle 3.3.2. Restraint 3.3.2.1. Cancellation of sports activities due to limited budget 3.3.3. Opportunities 3.3.3.1. Rise in the number of athletic events throughout the globe 3.3.3.2. New tournaments are being held in existing venues to attract more spectators 3.3.4. COVID-19 Impact Analysis 3.3.5. Pain point Analysis 3.3.6. Impact of Key Regulations 3.3.7. Player Positioning CHAPTER 4: GLOBAL SPORTS TOURISM MARKET, BY PRODUCT 4.1. Overview 4.1.1. Market size and forecast 4.2. Football/Soccer 4.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 4.2.2. Market size and forecast 4.2.3. Market analysis, by country 4.3. Cricket 4.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 4.3.2. Market size and forecast 4.3.3. Market analysis, by country 4.4. Motorsport 4.4.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 4.4.2. Market size and forecast 4.4.3. Market analysis, by country 4.5. Tennis 4.5.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 4.5.2. Market size and forecast 4.5.3. Market analysis, by country 4.6. Others 4.6.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 4.6.2. Market size and forecast 4.6.3. Market analysis, by country CHAPTER 5: GLOBAL SPORTS TOURISM MARKET, BY TYPE 5.1. Overview 5.1.1. Market size and forecast 5.2. Domestic 5.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 5.2.2. Market size and forecast 5.2.3. Market analysis, by country 5.3. International 5.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 5.3.2. Market size and forecast 5.3.3. Market analysis, by country CHAPTER 6: GLOBAL SPORTS TOURISM MARKET, BY CATEGORY 6.1. Overview 6.1.1. Market size and forecast 6.2. Active 6.2.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 6.2.2. Market size and forecast 6.2.3. Market analysis, by country 6.3. Passive 6.3.1. Key market trends, growth factors, and opportunities 6.3.2. Market size and forecast 6.3.3. Market analysis, by country CHAPTER 7: SPORTS TOURISM MARKET, BY REGION CHAPTER 8: COMPETITION LANDSCAPE 8.1. Top winning strategies 8.2. Product mapping 8.3. Competitive dashboard 8.4. Competitive heat map 8.5. Key developments 8.5.1. Acquisition 8.5.2. Partnership CHAPTER 9: COMPANY PROFILES 9.1. BAC Sports 9.1.1. Company overview 9.1.2. Key Executives 9.1.3. Company snapshot 9.1.4. Product portfolio 9.2. Club Europe Holidays Ltd. 9.2.1. Company overview 9.2.2. Key Executives 9.2.3. Company snapshot 9.2.4. Product portfolio 9.3. DTB Sports Hospitality and Event Management Ltd. 9.3.1. Company overview 9.3.2. Key Executives 9.3.3. Company snapshot 9.3.4. Product portfolio 9.4. Gullivers Sports Travel Limited 9.4.1. Company overview 9.4.2. Key Executives 9.4.3. Company snapshot 9.4.4. Product portfolio 9.5. Inspiresport Group Limited 9.5.1. Company overview 9.5.2. Key Executives 9.5.3. Company snapshot 9.5.4. Product portfolio 9.5.5. Key strategic moves and developments 9.6. MATCH Hospitality 9.6.1. Company overview 9.6.2. Key Executives 9.6.3. Company snapshot 9.6.4. Product portfolio 9.7. QuintEvents 9.7.1. Company overview 9.7.2. Key Executives 9.7.3. Company snapshot 9.7.4. Product portfolio 9.7.5. Key strategic moves and developments 9.8. Sportsnet Corporation Pty Ltd. 9.8.1. Company overview 9.8.2. Key Executives 9.8.3. Company snapshot 9.8.4. Product portfolio 9.9. Sports Travel & Hospitality Group 9.9.1. Company overview 9.9.2. Key Executives 9.9.3. Company snapshot 9.9.4. Product portfolio 9.10. TravelOsports 9.10.1. Company overview 9.10.2. Key Executives 9.10.3. Company snapshot 9.10.4. Product portfolio For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5h7014

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Sports Tourism Market by Type, Product, Area, and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

• Published: Nov 2022
• SKU: IRTNTR44823

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The sports tourism market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.88%  between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 559.75 billion.  The growth of the market depends on serval factors, including an increasing number of sporting events, a rising focus on seating capacity expansion and growing government support for sports tourism.

This report extensively covers market  segmentation by type (domestic sports tourism and international sports tourism), product (soccer tourism, cricket tourism, tennis tourism, and others),  and geography Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa . It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021.

 What will the Size of the Sports Tourism Market be During the Forecast Period?

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Parent Market Analysis

Technavio categorizes the global sports tourism market as a part of the global leisure products industry within the global household durables market. The parent market, the global leisure products market, covers a variety of categories, including sports equipment, musical instruments, camping equipment , recreational vehicles, bicycles , toys, and other consumer-oriented games. Technavio calculates the global household durables market size based on the combined revenues generated by manufacturers of household durables, including consumer electronics, home furnishings, home-building products, household appliances, houseware and specialities, and leisure products. Our research report has extensively covered external factors influencing the parent market growth during the forecast period.

Sports Tourism Market: Key Drivers, Trends, Challenges, and Customer Landscape

The increasing number of sporting events is notably driving the market growth, although factors such as the cancelation of sports events due to financial constraints may impede the market growth. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Sports Tourism Market Driver 

The increasing number of sporting events is a key factor driving the global sports tourism market growth.  The market is experiencing growth due to the rise in the number of sporting events across the world. Major national and international sports tournaments and events are being planned and conducted to promote sports tourism.

New tournaments in existing venues are being conducted to attract more spectators, and new venues are being built to host existing tournaments to expand the reach and popularity of sports. An increase in the number of sporting events will help in attracting more visitors to the places wherever these sports are held, leading to the growth of the sports tourism industry during the forecast period.

Key Sports Tourism Market Trend

The development of VR technology will fuel the global sports tourism market growth.  The development of VR technology can have a significant adverse impact on the sports tourism industry in the future. VR refers to the creation of interactive and simulated environments using computers and software. These environments allow users to participate in virtual activities through simulation. These simulations allow interaction between different participants who can experience life-like scenarios in a virtual world.

The technology is in its nascent stage. However, the number of developments for integrating VR technology with various activities is increasing. Facebook Spaces, a VR-enabled social networking application allows people to connect with family and friends in a fun, interactive virtual environment. Similarly, the adoption of VR technology in sports has increased. The technology provides viewers with a simulated experience such as stadium view, suite view, player information, and game rewind features. Therefore, an increasing number of service providers are focusing on adopting VR technology to give an immersive viewing experience of sports tournaments to their customers.

Key Sports Tourism Market Challenge

The cancelation of sports events due to financial constraints is a major challenge to the global sports tourism market growth.  Sports tourism is dependent on the hosting of sports events that attract tourists from various regions. However, hosting sports events requires strong financial backing from investors. Investor support is required for organizing, managing, and marketing sports leagues. The various costs associated with it include marketing expenses, player and staff expenses, and infrastructure expenses. Over the years, these expenses have increased exponentially due to the focus on reaching a large public audience and fan base.

The sales of franchises in sports leagues also help in gaining investor backing. Numerous sports leagues, such as IPL, PSL, and Big Bash League, among others, operate on a franchise basis. However, the lack of financial support for franchisee teams can lead to the cancellation of events, which can have a negative impact on the market. Thus, the cancellation of sports events due to the financial constraints faced by franchisee teams can be a major challenge to the market in focus during the forecast period.

Key Sports Tourism Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Global Sports Tourism Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Sports Tourism Market Vendors?

Vendors are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

bacsport.co.uk  -  The company offers luxury sports tours & VIP travel packages for Formula 1, rugby, tennis, golf, and football .

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market vendors, including:

• BAC Sports Ltd.
• DTB Sports Management Ltd.
• Fanatic Sports Pvt. Ltd.
• Gala Management Services Ltd.
• Global Sports Travel and Tours Pty Ltd.
• International Sports Management Inc.
• ITC Travel Group
• JTB India Pvt. Ltd.
• KNT CT Holdings
• Match Hospitality AG
• QuintEvents LLC
• Sports Tours International Ltd.
• Sports Travel and Hospitality Group Ltd.
• Sportsnet Corp. Pty Ltd.
• The Hospitality Group
• Thomas Cook India Ltd.
• travelOsports
• Veda Sports Marketing Pvt. Ltd.
• Victory Sports Tours

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

What is the Fastest-Growing Segments in the Sports Tourism Market?

 The market share growth by the domestic sports tourism segment will be significant during the forecast period. Domestic sports tourism is the most popular type segment in the market. In domestic sports tourism, tourists travel to various sports events organized in their respective countries as participants or spectators. Domestic sports tourism also includes the expenditure by domestic tourists on hospitality and merchandise products related to that particular sporting event.

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The domestic sports tourism segment showed a gradual increase in market share from USD 458.90 billion in 2017 and continued to grow by 2021. Many domestic sports leagues are held across the globe. These sports leagues have a higher proportion of domestic tourists due to the easy availability of intra-region transportation, the convenience of using a uniform regional or national currency, and familiarity with the culture and languages. An increasing number of sports teams are aiding the transportation of their fans across different venues. For instance, in Qatar, the government of Doha provides several transport options to fans when they arrive in the country, which include free shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis and cab services, and dedicated bus and taxi lanes for fans. The above factors will drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Which are the Key Regions for the Sports Tourism Market?

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Europe is projected to contribute 40% by 2027. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. Europe is the major market for sports tourism as a large number of sports events are organized in the region. Various sporting teams and events have a good following and participation from people, both as participants and spectators. The governments of several countries, such as the UK, also encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and take up different sports. The Government of the UK has encouraged a sporting culture among school students in the country through partnerships with major sporting organizations in the country, such as the PREMIER LEAGUE, the Rugby Football Union, and England Hockey to provide students with opportunities in competitive sports. Thus, the sporting culture in the region has a very high penetration among the general public. 

• Segment Overview

The report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. The market has been segmented by type, product, distribution channel, and region.

• Domestic sports tourism
• International sports tourism
• Soccer tourism
• Cricket tourism
• Tennis tourism
• Passive sports tourism
• Active sports tourism
• Rest of Europe
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Sports Tourism Market Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the size of the sports tourism market  size and its contribution of the market in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across Europe, APAC, North America, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about vendors
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of sports tourism market vendors

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1 Executive Summary

• Exhibit 01: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
• Exhibit 02: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
• Exhibit 03: Executive Summary – Chart on Global Market Characteristics
• Exhibit 04: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
• Exhibit 05: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Type
• Exhibit 06: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Product
• Exhibit 07: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation by Area
• Exhibit 08: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
• Exhibit 09: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
• Exhibit 10: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

2 Market Landscape

• Exhibit 11: Parent market
• Exhibit 12: Market Characteristics

3 Market Sizing

• Exhibit 13: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition
• Exhibit 14: Market segments
• 3.3 Market size 2022
• Exhibit 15: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 16: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 17: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 18: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)

4 Historic Market Size

• Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size – Data Table on Global sports tourism market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size – Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size – Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size – Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 23: Historic Market Size – Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion)

5 Five Forces Analysis

• Exhibit 24: Five forces analysis - Comparison between2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 25: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers – Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 26: Bargaining power of suppliers – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 27: Threat of new entrants – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 28: Threat of substitutes – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 29: Threat of rivalry – Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027
• Exhibit 30: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027

6 Market Segmentation by Type

• Exhibit 31: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 32: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 33: Chart on Comparison by Type
• Exhibit 34: Data Table on Comparison by Type
• Exhibit 35: Chart on Domestic sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 36: Data Table on Domestic sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 37: Chart on Domestic sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 38: Data Table on Domestic sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 39: Chart on International sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 40: Data Table on International sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 41: Chart on International sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 42: Data Table on International sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 43: Market opportunity by Type ($ billion)

7 Market Segmentation by Product

• Exhibit 44: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 45: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 46: Chart on Comparison by Product
• Exhibit 47: Data Table on Comparison by Product
• Exhibit 48: Chart on Soccer tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 49: Data Table on Soccer tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 50: Chart on Soccer tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 51: Data Table on Soccer tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 52: Chart on Cricket tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 53: Data Table on Cricket tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 54: Chart on Cricket tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 55: Data Table on Cricket tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 56: Chart on Tennis tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 57: Data Table on Tennis tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 58: Chart on Tennis tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 59: Data Table on Tennis tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 60: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 61: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 62: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 63: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 64: Market opportunity by Product ($ billion)

8 Market Segmentation by Area

• Exhibit 65: Chart on Area - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 66: Data Table on Area - Market share 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 67: Chart on Comparison by Area
• Exhibit 68: Data Table on Comparison by Area
• Exhibit 69: Chart on Passive sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 70: Data Table on Passive sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 71: Chart on Passive sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 72: Data Table on Passive sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 73: Chart on Active sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 74: Data Table on Active sports tourism - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 75: Chart on Active sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 76: Data Table on Active sports tourism - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 77: Market opportunity by Area ($ billion)

9 Customer Landscape

• Exhibit 78: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria

10 Geographic Landscape

• Exhibit 79: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 80: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 81: Chart on Geographic comparison
• Exhibit 82: Data Table on Geographic comparison
• Exhibit 83: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 84: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 85: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 86: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 87: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 88: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 89: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 90: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 91: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 92: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 93: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 94: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 95: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 96: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 97: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 98: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 99: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 100: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 101: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 102: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 103: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 104: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 105: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 106: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 107: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 108: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 109: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 110: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 111: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 112: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 113: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 114: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 115: Chart on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 116: Data Table on France - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 117: Chart on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 118: Data Table on France - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 119: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 120: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion)
• Exhibit 121: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 122: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%)
• Exhibit 123: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion)

11 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

• 11.1 Market drivers
• 11.2 Market challenges
• Exhibit 124: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027
• 11.4 Market trends

12 Vendor Landscape

• 12.1 Overview
• Exhibit 125: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation
• Exhibit 126: Overview on factors of disruption
• Exhibit 127: Impact of key risks on business

13 Vendor Analysis

• Exhibit 128: Vendors covered
• Exhibit 129: Matrix on vendor position and classification
• Exhibit 130: ATPI Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 131: ATPI Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 132: ATPI Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 133: BAC Sports Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 134: BAC Sports Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 135: BAC Sports Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 136: DTB Sports Management Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 137: DTB Sports Management Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 138: DTB Sports Management Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 139: Fanatic Sports Pvt. Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 140: Fanatic Sports Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 141: Fanatic Sports Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 142: Gala Management Services Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 143: Gala Management Services Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 144: Gala Management Services Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 145: Global Sports Travel and Tours Pty Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 146: Global Sports Travel and Tours Pty Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 147: Global Sports Travel and Tours Pty Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 148: International Sports Management Inc. - Overview
• Exhibit 149: International Sports Management Inc. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 150: International Sports Management Inc. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 151: ITC Travel Group - Overview
• Exhibit 152: ITC Travel Group - Product / Service
• Exhibit 153: ITC Travel Group - Key offerings
• Exhibit 154: JTB India Pvt. Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 155: JTB India Pvt. Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 156: JTB India Pvt. Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 157: Match Hospitality AG - Overview
• Exhibit 158: Match Hospitality AG - Product / Service
• Exhibit 159: Match Hospitality AG - Key offerings
• Exhibit 160: QuintEvents LLC - Overview
• Exhibit 161: QuintEvents LLC - Product / Service
• Exhibit 162: QuintEvents LLC - Key offerings
• Exhibit 163: Sports Tours International Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 164: Sports Tours International Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 165: Sports Tours International Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 166: Sports Travel and Hospitality Group Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 167: Sports Travel and Hospitality Group Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 168: Sports Travel and Hospitality Group Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 169: Sportsnet Corp. Pty Ltd. - Overview
• Exhibit 170: Sportsnet Corp. Pty Ltd. - Product / Service
• Exhibit 171: Sportsnet Corp. Pty Ltd. - Key offerings
• Exhibit 172: travelOsports - Overview
• Exhibit 173: travelOsports - Product / Service
• Exhibit 174: travelOsports - Key offerings

14 Appendix

• 14.1 Scope of the report
• Exhibit 175: Inclusions checklist
• Exhibit 176: Exclusions checklist
• Exhibit 177: Currency conversion rates for US$
• Exhibit 178: Research methodology
• Exhibit 179: Validation techniques employed for market sizing
• Exhibit 180: Information sources
• Exhibit 181: List of abbreviations

Frequently Asked Questions?

How big is the sports tourism market market , what is the sports tourism market market growth, which segment accounted for the largest sports tourism market market share , who are the key players in the sports tourism market market , what are the factors driving the sports tourism market market .

• Increasing number of sporting events
• Development of VR technology

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UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Product development.

• Rural tourism
• Gastronomy and Wine Tourism
• Mountain Tourism
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Sports Tourism

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What it is : Sports tourism is a type of tourism activity which refers to the travel experience of the tourist who either observes as a spectator or actively participates in a sporting event generally involving commercial and non-commercial activities of a competitive nature.

Why it Matters : Sports tourism is a fundamental axis, generating around 10% of the world’s expenditure on tourism. It has an estimated growth rate of 17.5% between 2023-2030, moving masses intra and intercontinentally. Sports tourism can promote social, economic and environmental action, it accelerates development and can leave a long-lasting positive legacy.

Sports and Tourism are interrelated and complementary. Today, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism. More and more tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not. Sport events of various kinds and sizes attract tourists as participants or spectators and destinations try to add local flavours to them to distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences. Mega sport events such as the Olympics and World Cups can be a catalyst for tourism development if successfully leveraged in terms of destination branding, infrastructure development and other economic and social benefits.

Sports Tourism Events

1 st World Sports Tourism Congress

2 nd World Sports Tourism Congress

UN Tourism International Conference on Tourism and Sports

UN Tourism / South Africa International Summit on Tourism, Sport and Mega-events

UPCOMING SPORTS TOURISM EVENTS

3 rd World Sports Tourism Congress (more information coming soon)

UN TOURISM PUBLICATIONS ON SPORTS TOURISM

Sport & Tourism

Sport and Tourism are two driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of tourism destinations. To better understand the links between tourism and sport and to increase the awareness of the benefits of their joint contributions, UN Tourism and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) jointly organized the First World Conference on Sport and Tourism in Barcelona on 22-23 February 2001. This publication contains the studies prepared for the Conference as well as the speeches delivered there.

Sport Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Tourism can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This overview illustrates how sport tourism can contribute to the SDGs and what needs to be considered when developing sport tourism to ensure its contribution to sustainable development. The comparative strength of sport tourism lies in: Engagement in physical activities; Opportunities for interactions; and High development potential almost anywhere. Thanks to these characteristics, sport tourism can play an important role in achieving various SDGs if developed with consideration.

Maximizing the Benefits of Mega Events for Tourism Development

A mega event benefits a host destination in terms of attracting visitors to the event and drawing global attention to the destination. However, in addition to such short-term benefits, it can be a catalyst for longer-term tourism development in various aspects from economic to social. This publication on Maximizing the Benefits of Mega Events for Tourism Development provides practical references on what a host destination can do to fully leverage the event opportunity for tourism development with a variety of illustrative cases. Although the report refers to insights from mega events, the practical references can be applied to any scale of events in any destination.

Walking Tourism – Promoting Regional Development

Walking tourism is now one of the most popular ways to experience a destination. It allows tourists to better engage with local people, nature and culture. It also meets the growing demand of travellers of outdoor activities in general, including when they travel. Walking tourism can be developed anywhere as a sustainable tourism offer with a relatively small investment. It can bring about social and economic benefits to residents and communities if properly developed and managed. This report showcases various successful examples of walking tourism and aims to serve as a practical reference for destinations with a focus on the role of walking tourism in regional development.

Sports Tourism in Latin America

Tourism and sport are key cultural elements of today’s world and have significant impact on modern society and international tourism. With this in mind, the WTO has carried out a new study aimed at providing a more complete analysis of the role that sports tourism and sports in general among the products offered in Latin America by European tour operators and tourism websites.

Sport and Tourism – Introductory Report

Sport and Tourism have a major socio-economic impact, appreciated in most civilian societies and increasingly recognized by governments. This is one of the many conclusions of this report which was prepared for the First World Conference on Sport and Tourism jointly organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and WTO.After developing a theoretical framework for the system of Sport and Tourism and analysing the future trends of sport and sports tourism this report looks at the different socio-economic impacts of sport and tourism and how they can be managed best.

Sport Activities during the Outbound Holidays of the Germans, the Dutch & the French

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepared this study on the level and characteristics of the sport activities engaged in during holidays abroad. Germany, the Netherlands and France were chosen for this study. These countries ranked among the leaders in terms of international tourism expenditure in 1999. Even though this study does not cover all the major generating markets, we are sure that it gives a clear picture of the importance of sport activities in tourism, and it makes many suggestions. This study also deals with many practical aspects, e.g.: length of stay, expenditure, seasonal demand, booking patterns, accommodation, and consumer profiles such as gender, age, social status, and area of residence.

Sports Tourism Analysis by Key Trends, Tourist Profile, Sponsorship, Challenges and Opportunities, 2024

All the vital news, analysis, and commentary curated by our industry experts.

Published: March 28, 2024 Report Code: GDTT-IR24-03-ST

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Table of Contents

Sports tourism market report overview.

Sports tourism is a growing segment of the travel industry that involves individuals traveling to different destinations to participate in or watch sports events. It encompasses a wide range of activities and experiences, from attending major international sporting events to participating in local tournaments or simply visiting sports-related attractions.

This ‘Sports Tourism Analysis’ report provides valuable insights into the sport tourism industry. It analyzes the key market trends, tourist profiles, and sports sponsorship activities in the hotel and airline sectors. The report also highlights the key opportunities and challenges faced by market participants.

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Key Sport Tourism Trends

Sustainable practices; destination marketing and branding; and digital transformation are the prominent market trends impacting the sports tourism industry.

Sustainable Practices: Sustainability in the sports tourism industry includes lowering the carbon footprints of events, encouraging environmentally friendly modes of transportation, implementing waste reduction plans, and supporting geographic conservation initiatives. Sustainable sports tourism practices are becoming increasingly crucial for destinations, event organizers, and travelers.

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Sport Tourism Market Segmentation by Tourist Profiles

The main sport tourist profiles are sport event tourists, active sport tourists, nostalgia sport tourists, and passive sport tourists.

Sports event tourists: These tourists attend ‘once in a lifetime’ events. They will be motivated to visit world-class stadiums and require attractions and activities on either side of the event to form a complete vacation. The sports event is the primary motivation.

Active sport tourists: These sport tourists travel to either play sport competitively, or for leisure. They will travel to a destination that has a specific climate for their sport, and one which facilitates their sporting experience. According to the GlobalData Consumer Survey Q3 2021, Peru had the largest proportion of vacationers who go for sports and adventures.

Source Markets as per the Vacationers Who Go for Sports and Adventures

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Sport Tourism Market by Sport Sponsorship Activity

Airlines Sector: Qatar Airways renewed its partnership with FIFA as a Sponsor for the 2026- and 2030 Men’s FIFA World Cups. The company strategically leverages sports sponsorship to elevate its brand positioning. It partners with renowned football clubs and organizations that have a global fan base to gain optimal visibility. Significant FIFA tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, and the FIFA World Cup 2030, will be included in the agreement. Additionally, the deal will include all youth men’s and women’s tournaments, commencing with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

Buy the Report to Get More Insights into the Key Sport Sponsorship Activities in the Sport Tourism Market

This key trends report provides valuable insight in to sport tourism. The four main types of sport tourist are profiled to inform marketing strategies, major trends impacting this type of tourism are assessed, past and future sport events are judged by their tourism impact, destination case studies are provided for valuable context, advertising activity demonstrates how specific tourism sectors are utilizing sport sponsorship, and the challenges and opportunities section forms recommendations for companies and destinations on how they can increase their presence within sport tourism.

Key Highlights

• It has been observed that a significant number of tourists are engaging in niche sports as a key or supplementary factor for their travel decisions. The popularity of pickleball in the US experienced a significant increase in 2022, with more than 36 million individuals participating in the sport. This figure represents a substantial rise from the number of people who played pickleball in 2021.
• Cultural tourists can be attracted by offering experiences such as stadium tours and hall of fame visits, which can be utilized by sports teams, destinations, and specialized tour operators. GlobalData’s Q3 2021 Consumer Survey reveals that a significant proportion of global respondents have expressed a penchant for cultural trips.
• The popularity of pickleball in the US experienced a significant increase in 2022, with over 36 million individuals participating in the sport. This figure represents a substantial rise in the number of people who played pickleball in 2021.

Reasons to Buy

• Gain insight into the different types of sports tourists.
• Understand key themes currently impacting sports tourism.
• Understand the tourism impact of major events.
• Look at key sponsorship trends that are improving the visibility of tourism companies.
• Gain a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space.

Frequently asked questions

Ryder Cup 2023, Italy (Rome), World Snooker Championships 2024, UK (Sheffield), ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Olympic Games 2024, France (Paris), FIFA World Cup 2026 (US, Canada, and Mexico), ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India, and World Rowing Championships 2025, Australia (Perth/Sydney) .

Sport event tourists, active sport tourists, nostalgic sport tourists, and passive sport tourists are some of the key sports tourist profiles.

Sustainable practices, destination marketing and branding, and digital transformation are the prominent sports tourism trends gaining attention in the market.

Qatar Airways renewed its partnership with FIFA as a sponsor for the 2026- and 2030 Men’s FIFA World Cups.

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United States Sports Tourism Market

Analysis of the United States Sports Tourism Market by Sports Event Tourism, Nostalgia Sports Tourism, Active Sports Tourism, and Passive Sports Tourism

The Winning Play- The United States Sports Tourism Drives Economic Growth and Community Development. FMI Discovers Market Trends.

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The United States Sports Tourism Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Demand for sports tourism in the United States is expected to grow at a rapid 13.9% CAGR between 2023 and 2033. The amount of sports tourism in the United States is estimated to be US$ 50.42 billion in 2023, with a projected increase to US$ 185.317 billion by 2033.

The implementation of cutting-edge technology practices and the construction of massive sports stadiums, among other things, are predicted to boost demand for sports tourism in the United States.

The United States of America is considered one of the most popular sports tourist destinations. Even worldwide sports tourism data support this. According to market data, the United States sports tourism market accounts for around 10.5% of the global sports tourism market.

With the ability to host practically every type of sporting event, the United States is the best example of sports tourism. The reason for this is that not only is the area suitable for nearly any occasion, but the craftsmanship demonstrated by the event teams, combined with the appropriate use of technology, makes the entire event appear mind-boggling.

Sports tourism in the United States is quickly expanding in the context of the larger tourism business. It is currently one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism business. This is projected to increase demand for sports tourism in the United States.

The United States Sports Tourism Market (From 2018 to 2022)

The United States Sports Tourism Market (From 2023 to 2033)

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Historical Comparison of the United States Sports Tourism Market between From 2018 to 2022 and From 2023 to 2033

The United States sports tourism market grew significantly between 2018 and 2022, with more domestic and foreign visitors attending sporting events nationwide. The market saw an increase in demand for tickets, lodging, and travel services, boosting local economies.

Football, basketball, baseball, and soccer drew enormous crowds, and cities hosted significant tournaments and finals. Because of the 2020 pandemic, numerous events were canceled or held without spectators, causing short drop-in sports tourism.

Looking ahead, the sports tourism business in the United States is expected to rebound and maintain its upward trend from 2023 to 2033. The reintroduction of major sporting events and the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions are likely to boost visitor numbers.

Technological advancements, such as virtual reality experiences and improved stadium facilities, may attract more sports tourists. The United States' strong sports culture and world-class sporting infrastructure will continue to position the country as a prominent destination for sports enthusiasts, adding to the market's long-term growth.

Factors Enabling Growth in the United States Sports Tourism Market

The Upward Trend of Sporting Events in America

An increase in athletic events is expected to benefit the tourism industry by drawing more tourists to sporting facilities, fueling demand for the United States sports tourism. This is primarily driven by sporting events such as the NFL and NBA.

Increasing Seating Capacity in United States’ Sports Venues

Large seating capacities increase ticket sales and income production since sports event venues can accommodate more sports tourists. Increased revenue from ticket sales and sports packages is likely to increase the popularity of sports tourism in the United States.

Several sports clubs and events attempt to increase seating capacity to welcome sports tourists. As a result, new competitions staged in existing stadiums are expected to generate beneficial revenue for players in the sports tourism business.

From Obscurity to the Spotlight: Lesser-known Sports Gain Traction in the THE UNITED STATES

Certain sports, such as cricket, are not particularly popular in the region, but investments are also being made to establish infrastructure for such sports. The Major Cricket League (MCL) is scheduled to get a huge US$ 120 million investment to build facilities in Philadelphia, New York, Miami, and San Francisco.

The Evolution of Technology

Due to technological advancements and widespread sports coverage, the demand for sports tourism in the United States is increasing. Live, and on-demand coverage is available everywhere.

The technology is also used in sports venues, where fans can observe the games in a larger format. Aside from that, athletes wear sensors, GPS is used to track the position in case the players commit a mistake, and various wearable technologies are utilized to avert accidents.

New online platforms have made checking in and handling the ticketing process easier and simpler, attracting a larger audience to sporting events.

This has fueled growth across E-Commerce websites and numerous social media handles, allowing fans to buy and sell tickets without going via ticketing services. As a result, the United States sports tourism market share is expected to increase rapidly between 2023 and 2033.

Everything from boots and outfits to helmets, pads, gloves, and sporting equipment is being updated with new high-tech and high-function features. Scoreboards are automated and linked to all global networks, and supporters can access wireless internet in stadiums. With such improvements, sports tourists are becoming more interested in traveling to see various sporting events, which is predicted to increase the adoption of sports tourism in the United States during the projection period.

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The Resilience of the United States Sports Tourism Market

Skyrocketing Ticket Prices Pose Challenges for the United States Sports Tourism

The high cost of tickets is one of the most significant difficulties linked with the sports tourism business in the United States. These tickets are only affordable to some, and people often hesitate to spend so much on an event that lasts only a few hours.

Seasonal Restrictions

Skiing and snowboarding, for example, are largely dependent on seasonal circumstances. While the United States provides various sports possibilities throughout the year, some places may be restricted due to weather conditions. This may impact the country's overall attractiveness as a sports tourism destination. Promoting alternate sports and events during off-peak seasons can help alleviate this problem.

Consumer Preferences Are Shifting

Sports tourists' interests and needs are continually changing. Visitors increasingly seek more engaging and experiential travel experiences, such as opportunities to engage with local communities, participate in sports activities, and attend sporting events. Adapting to these evolving preferences necessitates ongoing market research, innovation, and the provision of personalized experiences to diverse sectors of sports visitors.

Shifting Paradigms: Exploring Recent Trends in the United States Sports Tourism Industry

According to Future Market Insights, North America will be one of the most appealing markets during the forecast period. The United States accounted for approximately 85.5% of the North American sports tourism market in 2023 and is predicted to increase rapidly.

The demand for United States sports tourism is expected to increase for various reasons, including a desire to view live sporting events following the COVID outbreak. The United States is one of the largest organizers of international sporting events such as the World Cup, the Olympics, and other international tournaments.

Travel agencies and organizations are implementing clever business methods to attract customers and sports tourists to develop a stronger position in the sports tourism sector by offering enticing bargains, discounts, and a variety of other travel packages that visitors can't resist.

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Comparative View of Adjacent The United States Sports Tourism Market

The United States Sports Tourism Market:

The United States Sustainable Tourism market:

South Korea Tourism market:

Category – Wise Insights

Which kind of booking channel has the highest volume across the forecast period.

The THE UNITED STATES sports tourism market is dominated by the online booking segment.

Due to the popularity of tourism and how well it has performed over time, tickets to such events can now be purchased and made available through Internet platforms.

Since using an online booking or mobile application platform offers a direct, hassle-free digital transaction, instant tracking, and increased security, tourists choose to do so. Online booking has become more commonplace all around the world as a result of the ability of travelers to utilize the internet to research and compare information on travel destinations, lodging options, restaurants, and other factors.

Which Tourism Type Is Most Popular?

Active sports tourism is the most popular type of tourism in the united states sports tourism business..

Active sports tourism has the largest market share in terms of total market share. Growth can be ascribed to millennials and younger adults' increased fondness for online games, as they have already had enough exposure to them. Active sports, as the name implies, entail active real-time participation of players in the arena and are more entertaining than online games.

Which Sport is the Most Popular and Widely Watched In The United States?

Football is the most popular sport in the united states..

American football is the most watched spectator sport in the country. It is so popular that its championship tournament, the Super Bowl, is viewed by over half of all United States television homes and broadcast in over 150 countries worldwide.

People in America are not only watching football at home. In the United States, people flock to stadiums to watch games.

What Tour Type is Favoured by Sports Tourists in the United States?

Package travel will dominate the United States sports tourism sector between 2023 and 2033.

Tourists frequently choose package travel because tour companies provide numerous package travel tours, some of which can be customized. Whereas in package tours, the operators even deliver some things not included in other types, such as lodging, significant discounts on package tours, etc.

Which Market Sector is Predicted to Rule the United States Sports Tourism Market Based on Consumer Orientation?

The market share that belongs to men is supposed to be the leading.

The explanation is that there are currently more males than ever passionate about sports and willing to pay anything to see these events. The market share of the women's category has, however, also seen a dramatic increase. The cause is raising awareness and an increase in the number of working women compared to ten years ago. Therefore, in the upcoming years, the market can witness different figures.

Which Age Group is Predicted to Rule the United States Sports Tourism Market?

In the United States sports tourism market, the age group of 26 to 35 has a significant market share.

People in this age group are working and strongly desire to travel and see new locations. People in this age group are better able to use the information that is accessible because they have a greater understanding of the world around them.

Which tourist category holds the largest market share in the sports tourism industry in the United States?

The majority of the market for tourists of all types is made up of domestic travelers.

The explanation is that domestic travelers know more about a location's history and game schedules. Additionally, booking a ticket and traveling to the site are more reasonably priced for domestic than foreign visitors. Domestic tourists encounter this kind of seamlessness more frequently, contributing to their larger market share.

How can Manufacturers Scale their Businesses in the United States Sports Tourism Market?

• Offer unique and customizable sports tourism experiences to attract a diverse customer base.
• Invest in infrastructure and facilities to accommodate larger groups and events.
• Forge strategic partnerships with sports organizations and teams to expand market reach.
• Leverage digital marketing and social media to target sports enthusiasts and travelers.
• Provide exceptional customer service to build a strong reputation and encourage repeat business.
• Expand product offerings to include sports-related merchandise and memorabilia.
• Develop specialized packages and promotions targeting different sports niches.
• Establish strong distribution channels through collaborations with travel agencies and online platforms.

Competitive Landscape

The United States sports tourism market is defined by a select group of established players and emerging entrants. A lot of major United States sports tourism players are putting more emphasis on the expanding trend of sports tourism. The major United States sports tourism players are diversifying their services to maintain market share.

Leading players in the United States and foreign businesses there concentrate on growth and new opportunities to extend their companies throughout the US islands. They have essentially started a pricing war to offer all services at reduced prices.

Key the United States Sports Tourism Market Players

• Sports Travel and Tours
• Roadtrips.com
• Victory Sports Tours
• Sporta Tours
• St. Thomas Water Sports
• Alliance Sports Travel
• Florida First Sports
• Sports travel Inc.
• Doctor Gumbo Tours
• Omega World Travel

Novel Breakthroughs and Advancements

Key segments, by sports type:.

• Football/Soccer
• Motorsports

By Sports Tourism Type:

• Sports Event Tourism
• Nostalgia Sports Tourism
• Active Sports Tourism
• Passive Sports Tourism

By Consumer Orientation:

By booking channel:.

• Phone Booking
• Online Booking
• In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

• International

By Tour Type:

• Independent Traveler
• Package Traveler

By Age Group:

• 15-25 Years
• 26-35 Years
• 36-45 Years
• 46-55 Years
• 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the united states sports tourism market size in 2023 .

The market is valued at US$ 50.4 billion in 2023. 

Who are the Key Market Players? 

Sports Travel and Tours, and Roadtrips.com are the key market players. 

How Big will the United States Sports Tourism Market?

The market is estimated to reach US$ 185.3 billion by 2033. 

What Drives the Market Growth? 

Rising seating capacity in the United States sports venues to fuel the market prospects. 

Which is the Key segment by Booking Channel? 

The online booking segment is likely to remain preferred through 2033. 

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What is sports tourism and why it is so big?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Sports tourism is BIG business. We all know that sport tourism involves sporting activity, that much is pretty obvious, but there is much more than a game of sport involved in the multi million Dollar global industry. In this article I will explain what sports tourism is, I will tell you about the different types of sports tourism and I will discuss the benefits of sports tourism.

What is sports tourism?

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Sports tourism is the act of travelling from one locality to another, with the intention of being in some way involved with a sporting activity or event .

Many people believe that sports tourism relates only to watching a sporting event. However, this is not correct. The sports industry is much more than this.

Sports tourism encompasses travelling for your own sporting purposes, such as a yoga teacher training course, a badminton competition or to learn to surf. Sports tourism includes attending sporting events such as a Formula One race or a Premiership football match. Sports tourism includes nostalgic visits to places of historical importance, such as the Olympic stadium in Barcelona or to see memorabilia related to your favourite sporting hero, such as the museum at the Maracana football stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

There are, in fact, four main types of sport tourism. These types are known as:

• Sport Event Tourism
• Active Sport Tourism
• Nostalgia Sport Tourism

Passive sports tourism

While sports tourism has not always been extremely popular, during the recent decade the amount of people attending out of area sporting events has drastically increased. People are now traveling far and wide just to attend their favorite events, and it is no wonder as to what has encouraged the sudden spike in popularity.

Sport tourism is a relatively new concept, although it has been around for a long time.

There are many academic studies which delve into the concept of sports tourism, particularly sports tourism that involves large sporting events, such as the football World Cup or the Olympic Games. Some scholars and sports tourism stakeholders have attempted to define the term sports tourism.

According to Neirotti (2003), sports tourism can be broadly described as;

‘Including travel away from one’s primary residence to participate in sports activity, for recreation or competition purposes, travel to observe sport at grassroots or elite level, and travel to visit a sports attraction such as a sports museum, for instance’.

Weed and Bull (2004), provide a conceptualisation of the sports tourism phenomenon as;

‘A social, economic and cultural phenomenon arising from the unique interaction of activity, people and place’’.

Gammon and Robinson (2003) state that sports and tourism is;

‘Not just about the management and operation of mega events; it also concerns offering consumer-specific sports and tourism-related services and experiences to the sports tourist.’

Read also: Sustainable tourism- everything you need to know

Gammon and Robinson (2003) further argue that the sports tourism industry cannot be defined easily and that there should be different definitions according to the type of sports tourism that is being discussed. They visualise this in the model below.

Today, sport is regarded as the world’s largest social phenomenon. And, tourism is predicted to become the world’s biggest industry early in the next century. So it doesn’t take a genius to work out that sports tourism is pretty big business!

The sports tourism industry has grown considerably in recent years. In 2016 the sports tourism industry was worth $1.41 trillion and this figure is expected to increase to approximately $5.72 trillion by 2021. This is a whopping 41% growth in only four years!

**Studying sports tourism? I recommend- Sports Tourism: Participants, Policy and Providers **

The sports tourism industry makes up a significant part off the overall tourism industry. Some people claim that this figure is as high as 25%, meaning that a quarter of all tourism in the world is sports related!

The importance of sports tourism is further emphasised by the media statements from the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which in 2004, announced their commitment to reinforce their partnerships on collaboration in the sports and tourism domain. They stated that; 

‘Tourism and sport are interrelated and complementary… both are powerful forces for development, stimulating investment in infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, stadiums, sporting complexes and restaurant-projects that can be enjoyed by the local population as well as tourists who come to use them.

This demonstrates that sports tourism has a wider economic and social impact than simply the sporting occasion itself. It provides social and economic opportunities for the local population , as well as visitors to the area.

The different types of sport tourism

Sport tourism can be segregated into four main types: sport event tourism, nostalgia sports tourism, active sports tourism and passive sports tourism. Below I have provided a short explanation of what each type of tourism is, along with some examples.

Sport event tourism

Sports event tourism is tourism which centres around a sporting event. Sporting events can be of any size and importance, however it tends to be the major sporting events which gain the most gravitas.

Hallmark events, such as the Olympics or football World Cup, are important centres for sport event tourism, bringing millions of tourists to the host destination.

Smaller events, such as the Henley Regatta in the United Kingdom or a national tennis competition also clarify as sport event tourism.

An often overlooked example of sport event tourism are amateur sporting events. Events such as regional school competitions, youth sporting leagues and non-profit community based sport events are just a few examples.

Wimbledon, also known as ‘The Championships’ is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. A prestigious sporting event, Wimbledon is often associated with the upper class, where spectators sip sparkling wine and Pimms whilst dressed in their best frocks.

Knowing very little about tennis, I attending Wimbledon a couple of years ago just to experience this famous event, which is an integral part off British heritage!

Dating back to 1877, Wimbledon has been held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, on the outskirts of London, each year. The tennis is played on outdoor grass courts, which is unlike tennis matches played in many other parts of the world.

Wimbledon is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the others being the Australian Open, the French Open and the US Open.

The tournament takes place in late June/early July each year.

The football World Cup, known officially as the FIFA World Cup, is an international football tournament held every four years.

The  Fédération Internationale de Football Association  (FIFA) is the sport’s global governing body. The football consists of mens only teams and boats the most skilled footballers in the world.

Teams must first pass the qualification phase, which takes place over the preceding three years. After this, 32 teams, including the automatically qualifying host nation, compete in the tournament. The World Cup tournament generally lasts about one month.

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition that takes place. It involves what are considered to be the six best nations in terms of rugby in Europe The six nations are:

The Six Nations tournament begins on the first weekend in February each year and finishes with ‘Super Saturday’ on the second or third Saturday in March.

Each team is required to play every other team once (making a total of 15 matches). Each team will play one match at home and one match away from home.

I attended a six nations match once and whilst I’m really not into rugby (surprise!), I really enjoyed the sophisticated and supportive atmosphere at the venue.

Inspired by the ancient Greeks, the modern Olympic Games have been running since 1896. But, in fact, the games have been played in some form or another since long before this date.

The Olympics is perhaps the most famous and the most popular international sporting event. It features both summer and winter sports competitions which take place every four years. Like many other major sporting events, the Olympics are held in a different location each time.

Read also: Slow tourism: Everything you need to know

The Olympics involves thousands of athletes from around the world who compete in a range of different sports, from trampolining to running. Over 200 nations participate in the event.

The Super Bowl is the annual championship of the National Football League (NFL). Based in the Unites States of America, this is the most popular sport tourism event of the year.

Some interesting facts include The Super Bowl being the second-largest day for food consumption in the USA (after Thanksgiving) and the Super Bowl being the most-watched American television broadcast of the year.

Nostalgia sports tourism

Nostalgia sport tourism involves travelling to famous sport-related tourist attractions.

Nostalgia sports tourism may celebrate sports of the past or the present. It may include visiting museums or exhibitions, visiting sporting hall of fames or visiting sporting venues.

The nostalgia sports tourist does not need to be actively participating in sport or to be spectating. They may simply want to learn more or to reminisce.

Here are some examples of popular nostalgia sport tourism attractions.

We visited Calgary Olympic Park on travels through Canada with a baby and loved it!

WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park (COP), (formerly known as Paskapoo Ski Hill) was one of the venues used in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Nowadays, it is open to the general public and iw well known for its ski jumping, bobsleigh and luge.

Whilst we did learn a little bit about the Olympics on our visit here, we actually sent more time on the luge ride than anything else because it was so much fun!

The Maracana is a famous football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The stadium is rich in history and was once the largest stadium in the world.

The stadium was opened in 1950 to host the FIFA World Cup. The venue has seen attendances of 150,000 or more at 26 occasions. Over time terraces were replaced with seating, and after the renovation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Maracana’s original capacity was reduced to 78,838.

Nowadays, it is popular to take a tour to visit the Maracana stadium, like I did when I travelled to Buenos Aires with my friend who is football mad!

The Olympic Village, known in Spanish as La Vila Olímpica del Poblenou is an area in the Sant Martí district of Barcelona, Spain.

The Barcelona Olympic Village was built in the late 1980s and early 1990s in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, which were held in Barcelona.

Nowadays, visiting the Barcelona Olympic Village is a popular sports tourism activity undertaken by many tourists visiting Barcelona.

Active sports tourism

Active sports tourism is when a person travels to actively participate in their chosen sport, or when they travel for other reasons, but taking part in sport is an important part of their tourism experience.

Active sports tourists can be segregated into three classifications: The amateur sports tourist; the hobbyist sports tourist and the professional sports tourist.

I would say that I would generally come under the first category. I am an amateur (at best!) at every sport I try my hand at. But, I still like to give it a go! I’ve attempted skiing in Argentina, kayaking in Vietnam and surfing in Costa Rica, to name but a few.

Read also: Business tourism: Everything you need to know

My husband, on the other hand, is usually either a hobbyist sports tourist or a professional sports tourist. He plays for badminton and football teams and loves playing a large number of sports in his free time. He is also a former athlete, having competed for Britain as a trampoline gymnast. As part of this role he travelled around the workload for professional sporting competitions. This qualified him as a professional sports tourist.

There are a large number of active sports that a tourist may choose to get involved with around the world. Here are a few that I have experienced on my travels. But there are sooo many other sports that you can get involved in as a sports tourist!

• Diving in the Galapagos
• Swimming at the Great Barrier Reef
• Playing tennis in Morocco
• Learning archery in Spain
• Going running in France
• Cycling in Amsterdam
• Taking yoga classes in Bali
• Learning tai chi in China
• Kayaking in Vietnam
• Sailing in Australia
• Skiing in Argentina
• Surfing in Costa Rica
• Playing baseball in Boston
• Hand gliding in Rio de Janeiro
• Fishing in The Gambia
• Climbing in Thailand
• Horse riding in Equador
• Walking in Jeju

Here are a few active sports tourism examples:

Did I ever tell you that I completed a Tough Mudder Race? This was a BIG achievement!

Tough Mudder is an endurance event. It is a an obstacle course, originally designed for army training. It is a test of the mind and body.

The race is usually between 10-12 miles in length. It includes a number of obstacles, many of which involve mud! The obstacles often play on common human fears, such as fire, water , electricity and heights.

**Buy now: Sport and Tourism – a recommended textbook for sports studies students!**

Common obstacles include:

• Arctic Enema – Participants plunge into a tank filled with ice water, where they must swim under the water and past an obstacle to the other side.
• Electroshock Therapy – This is where participants will run through a pit of mud where electric wires sway in the air. Participants will often get small electric shocks.
• Funky Monkey – Monkey bars over a pit of cold water. The bars are covered with a mixture of butter and mud.
• The birthing canal- A small, confined space that the participant must crawl through. The upper layer is filled with water so it feels like you are being compressed as you crawl through the tunnel.

Of course, you will need to travel to a Tough Mudder venue to be classified a sports tourism, but many people do!

Many people choose to travel to South Korea for martial arts holidays and Taekwondo-themed events. These might be amateur sports tourists, hobbyist sports tourists or professional sports tourists, depending on the level of involvement and activity type.

Portugal is a popular destination for surf holidays. You can go it alone, if you have the skills and ‘know-how’, or you can book a tour. There are a number of tour operator who offer specialised surfing holidays for all levels of sports tourists, ranging from beginner to advanced.

There are several golfing hotspots around the world. One of the most popular places to travel to for a golfing holiday is Florida . With its year-round pleasant weather and large open spaces, Florida welcomes golf tourists from all over the world to play on their first-class golf courses.

There are many parts of Asia that are known for the popularity of yoga. However, done attracts so many tourists as Bali. Bali is famous the world over for offering top quality yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses.

Lastly, it is important to recognise that whilst sport is inherently active , not all those who participate or who are involved with the sport are themselves active. In fact, passive tourists can actually contribute more to the sport than those who are active!

A passive sports tourist is a person who is not actively participating in the sport. They are spectators or fans. Passive sports tourism involves tourists watching sport being played. This could take place at a major sporting event (qualifying this also as sports event tourism), or they could simply be supporting a family member of friend. Most passive sports tourists are fans.

Football, or soccer, is arguably the most well-known and popular sports in the world.

Manchester United is a particularly famous football club. It is estimated by the BBC that Manchester United has a whopping 659million football fans!

I always find is fascinating when I travel to a country that is so different and so far removed from my own, yet the locals are also quick to ask me about Manchester United!

Many sports tourists will follow Manchester United, or which ever football team is their favourite, around the world to watch their games.

Anthony Joshua is a British professional boxer. He has many millions of followers, both from the UK and abroad.

Anthony is a two-time unified heavyweight champion, having held the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO titles since December 2019, and previously between 2016 and June 2019. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2014 to 2016.

Anthony Joshua participates in fights around the world and is often accompanies by his passive sports tourism supporters.

The British & Irish Lions is a rugby union team selected from players eligible for any of the Home Nations – the national teams of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 

If rugby is your thing and your from Britain or Ireland, then this is a pretty big deal.

The Lions have many thousands of passive sports tourism supporters who cheat them on each match.

Cricket is pretty big in Australia. So big, in fact, that the Australian cricket team has an estimated 24million supporters! Many of these supporters travel with the team around the world as passive sports tourists.

As with any type of tourism , there are a range of benefits and advantages of sports tourism. Whilst the most obvious is perhaps the economic advantage of tourism , there are also positive social impacts as well as environmental impacts . Below I provide some examples:

• Sports encourages tourists to visit the area
• Sports tourism creates economic growth through tourists booking hotel rooms, eating in restaurants and opening money in local shops
• Sports tourism helps to create exposure and enhances a positive image for the local community
• Many sports tourism infrastructures and facilities can also be used by members of the host community
• The development of sports tourism helps to build a sense of community
• Sports tourism has the potential to attract high-yield visitors and repeat visitors
• It can provide opportunity to develop new infrastructure in the area
• The media can help to promote the destination
• Sports tourism can improve overall tourist numbers
• Money made from sports tourism can be reinvested into the local economy
• Sports tourism creates jobs for local people
• Sports tourism which relies on the natural environment may result in better environmental management and preservation

Whilst there are many positive impacts of sports tourism, however, it is also important that there are a number of negative impacts too. Aspects such as environmental degradation when gold courses, employing foreign rather than local people for major sporting events and locals who feel that their cultural norms are being overlooked (such as not covering your shoulders in the Middle East, for example), are just a few example of negative impacts of sports tourism.

It is clear that sports tourism is big business. Whether its events sports tourism, active sports tourism, nostalgic sports tourism or passive sports tourism, there is a huge market for tourists worldwide. However, as with any type of tourism, sports tourism must be carefully managed to ensure that it is sustainable .

For more information on sports tourism, I recommend the texts below;

• Sports Tourism: Participants, Policy and Providers – explains sports tourism as a social, economic and cultural phenomenon that stems from the unique interaction of activity, people and place.
• Sport Tourism Development – a text book covering the growth and development of sport tourism.
• Sport Tourism Destinations: Issues and Analysis – with contributions from international experts, this book looks at the dramatic effects sports tourism has on the economy and future of tourism destinations. 
• Sport and Tourism – This book proposes a groundbreaking theoretical model which explores globalization, mobility and authenticity providing insight into the unique interrelationship that exists in a sport tourism context between activity, people and place.

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State of the Industry Report

Sports events & tourism: state of the industry report , for questions or to arrange an interview with sports eta, contact jackie reau, game day, at  [email protected]  or (513) 708-5822., prepared for:, supported by:,              , 2021 state of the industry report  for the $91.8 billion sport tourism industry.

Sports ETA, the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, released its annual State of the Industry Report for 2021 resulting in the sports tourism sector’s direct spending impact of $39.7 billion which generated a total economic impact of $91.8 billion, supporting 635,000 full-time and part-time jobs and generating $12.9 billion in taxes. View press release .  

View 2021 State of the Industry Report  

2019 Report

This landmark study presents the most comprehensive and representative data quantifying the value of sports-related travel in the United States. Conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, the report incorporates original data from Sports ETA with Longwoods International Travel Survey Data, Bureau of Economic Analysis and Labor Statistics data, U.S. Travel Association data together with NCAA and annual sports attendance figures.     

Release date: September 1, 2020

View Press Release

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Growth Market Sports Tourism: Opportunities for Tour Operators and Brands

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Sports tourism is an indispensable economic factor for the sports business. But what are the current developments and what opportunities does sports tourism offer for operators and brands? We give you a comprehensive overview of the market and provide important facts and figures - from the preferences of vacationers to current trends and forecasts for the future.

• Sustainability Green change in Europe: What the sports and outdoor industry can expect now, part 2
• Sports Business Green fashion trend: how preloved sportswear is conquering the market
• Sustainability Green change in Europe: What the new rules mean for sport and the outdoors, part 1
• All about Sports Business

Sports Tourism at a Glance

• Sports tourism: pure beach vacations were yesterday
• Sports tourism: Spain as an example
• Sports tourism: Home is back in vogue
• Sports tourism: Megatrends as a key driver
• Sustainability, individualization and digitization as keys to success

Health and an active lifestyle are in vogue - and not just since the end of the

COVID 19 pandemic. One beneficiary: sports tourism, which continues to grow strongly. The global sports tourism market is estimated at USD 587.87 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a growth rate of 17.5% by 2030. Europe is the largest sports tourism market in the world, accounting for 38.01% of revenue. The range of activities on offer includes everything from sports events and training camps to active vacations.

Sports Tourism: Pure Beach Vacations Were Yesterday

Sports tourists love to be active outdoors and celebrate many different outdoor activities. According to the yearbook of sports statistics, they are divided into three segments:

• Active vacationers* whose main motivation is to participate in sports. These include hobby sports such as golf, sailing, surfing and other outdoor sports, as well as higher-intensity sports such as cycling or climbing.
• Event tourists who attend sporting events and activities.
• Recreational athletes who want to practice sports activities during their beach vacation, for example.

Sports Tourism: Example Spain

In 2021, Spain received a total of 4.8 million sports tourists, of which

• 64% of them actively practiced sports themselves and
• 36% attended events.

The revenues of the Spanish vacation regions from sports tourism came to

• 57% from active tourists and
• 43% from event tourists.

Although almost 80% of travelers came from Spain itself, the approximately 20% of foreign tourists* contributed to half of the revenue - which shows how important they are in qualitative terms. This was different before the pandemic: in 2019, 33% of international sports travelers provided 68% of total sports tourism revenue in Spain. In addition, event visitors* accounted for about two-thirds. So, while sporting events were the main driver of the sector before the pandemic, there was - at least in the short term - a trend towards domestic active vacationers. It remains to be seen whether this will be confirmed once the pandemic is over.

Sports Tourism: Home Is Back in Vogue

However, considering the general trends in the tourism industry such as increasing environmental awareness and flight shame, which are now important aspects for many travelers when planning their trips, the trend toward sports vacations in one's own country could endure due to climate friendliness.

Another trend is that more and more people are integrating sports and physical activities into their daily lives. For example, 4 out of 5 Europeans in the Outdoor Consumer Report 2021 by Deloitte and OutDoor by ISPO, four out of five Europeans said they had engaged in an outdoor activity in the past year. But what does this mean for organizers and brands? One thing is for sure: The increasing importance of sustainability, sports, and physical activity in daily life has a direct influence on vacation design and thus holds opportunities for the sports industry.

• Overtourism: On the influence of travel influencers

Sports Tourism: Megatrends as a Key Driver

What will sports tourism look like in the future and what factors will influence it? To answer these questions, leading industry experts discussed at a keypanel at the international tourism trade show FITUR. Christoph Rapp from ISPO Munich, José Pablo Vázquez from Visit Valencia and Agustí Pérez from the Ironman Group emphasized the increasing importance of sustainability, digitalization and individualism. But how can companies benefit from these megatrends?

1. Sustainability

Like many other areas of sport, environmental change is also shaping sports tourism. Consumers demand sustainable solutions from companies and are willing to pay more for them. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to environmental protection, especially at sporting events. It is not enough to ban plastic cups. Rather, there is a need for deeper awareness and change on a large scale. Agustí Pérez, Senior Regional Director South of the Ironman Group, called for increased collaboration with administrations and more sustainable processes, saying, "Both at the institutional and organizational level, despite a pandemic that has slowed down the rhythm of decision-making, we need to make all processes around the staging of events sustainable. From laws, to collaboration with administrations, to the demands of the athletes themselves. This is the only way to create truly sustainable experiences."

2. Digitization

Digitization has also taken hold of sports tourism. More and more travelers are using online platforms and apps to plan and book their trips individually. Vacationers are increasingly using electronic devices such as smartphones and smartwatches for outdoor activities. According to the Outdoor Consumer Report, more than half of those surveyed use apps to track their activities and collect important performance data. The goal of operators and sports brands should therefore be to create a seamless digital experience for travelers.

• Digital lifesavers: apps and tools for safe tour planning

3. Individualism

Individual experiences have become increasingly important in tourism. The trend is away from mass tourism and toward holistic experiences tailored to the individual needs and interests of travelers. Here, sports such as ski touring or trail running offer ideal opportunities for nature activities away from the mainstream.

Christoph Rapp, International Sales & Retail Manager at ISPO Munich, emphasizes that creating such experiences not only satisfies customers* but also holds huge potential for revenue. It is clear that destinations, especially in the Alpine regions, need to adapt and expand their infrastructure to respond to this trend and meet the demand for individual experiences - without losing sight of sustainability.

• These megatrends determined the future of the sports industry

Sustainability, Individualization and Digitization as Keys to Success

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on the sports and tourism industry, the potential of sports tourism remains high. Especially due to the increasing interest of consumers in health and active lifestyles, operators and brands should proactively leverage the trends in sports tourism by finding innovative solutions that take into account sustainability , individualization and digitalization at the same time.

• These Sportstech megatrends are revolutionizing sports

What is sports tourism?

Sports tourism involves traveling to engage in sports-related activities, which can range from participating in sports to attending sporting events.

What is the current size of the global sports tourism market?

The global sports tourism market is estimated at USD 587.87 billion in 2022.

Which region accounts for the largest share of the sports tourism market?

Europe is the largest sports tourism market, contributing 38.01% of the total revenue.

What are the main segments of sports tourists?

Sports tourists are divided into active vacationers, event tourists, and recreational athletes.

Why is sustainability important in sports tourism?

Sustainability is vital due to increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions and willingness to pay more for sustainable experiences.

How is digitization impacting sports tourism?

Digitization is changing how travelers plan and book trips, with more using online platforms and apps for tracking activities.

What factors are key to success in sports tourism?

Sustainability, individualization, and digitization are key factors for success in sports tourism.

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8 big sports tourism trends for 2023.

The sports tourism industry continues to trend up. We look at the forces behind the trends.

Tim Morgan, chief sports officer at the Chattanooga Sports Commission , says the fiber optic-powered destination didn’t experience a dip from 2020 to 2022 in hosting sporting events. On the other hand, Greg Fante , the newly minted CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission , acknowledges his hometown’s numbers aren’t back to pre-pandemic levels. Such is the uneven nature of the sports tourism industry’s recovery from COVID-19.

Predicting the future is unknown, but it appears safe to say the worst of the pandemic is over. Arenas and stadiums across the country are full again. Generally speaking, Americans are back to many of their old routines. The expectation is 2023 will be the closest to the ways things were, albeit with a few twists. 

“We have seen an upward trend in event participation for our sport by around 10% to 20%,” reports Connor Shane, director of national events at USA Racquetball . “Our regional events are coming back online in full force this year after almost three years of seeing obstacles from COVID-19.”

What that means for sports tourism is a level playing field. Destinations are open for business and events are returning. The fact some of the industry’s most prominent leaders were in Qatar for the World Cup, prepping for this country’s turn in 2026, is a sign of how far we’ve come back.

The fact that it appears 2023 is the end of the tunnel the industry has been waiting for makes it a particularly pivotal year. Yes, travel sports appear to be back, but this is also a time to incorporate changes beyond the playing field. Time doesn’t stand still, and forward-thinking sports event professionals are looking for new opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with participants, parents and spectators.

Health and safety will always be a concern in sports, but perhaps the greater hurdle going forward are concerning economic headwinds. Finding coaches, refs and other staff necessary to keep tournaments running smoothly is not as easy as it used to be. Parents have proved they will put their children’s activities first, but they could face tough choices as inflation continues to raise prices.

Fante, a fourth-generation Louisvillian, stayed close to home professionals because of the positive impacts events have on his community.

“Sports matter because they promote active lifestyles, encourage personal growth and development, and create a sense of community,” he says. Or more succinctly, “Sports bring together,” he adds.

His comments come at an inflexion point for society, which appears split on many cultural issues. Sports has always been at the forefront of change and this era will not be different.

Here, we explore the trends sure to affect sports tourism in 2023 (and beyond) and how the industry is adapting to the needs of its base.

Good luck finding a hotter topic, especially given how far-ranging DEI initiatives have come in recent years. Last year, US Quidditch and Major League Quidditch teamed up to rebrand their sport to Quadball in an effort to distance themselves from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s controversial comments about transsexuals. Questions about LGBTQ athletes participating in certain competitions are now political.

USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews took the extraordinary step to share this LinkedIn post as the NGB’s response to human rights issues: “Beginning with the 2023-24 national tournament season and beyond, we'll give preference when selecting host cities for national tournaments to states without laws that harm members of LGBTQ communities as well as states that do not have laws undermining the reproductive health of women.”

Fante describes Louisville’s current inclusion efforts as “intentional,” a term many organizations would likely say about their initiatives. In the case of the Louisville Sports Commission, key actions include adding a specific diversity statement to its mission overview. More tangibly, a partnership with the city’s Urban League led to a top-of-the-line indoor track built at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center , located mere blocks from where Muhammad Ali grew up—a traditionally underserved neighborhood.

“ Fencing the Gap ” is a new campaign USA Fencing implemented to extend its outreach to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) youth, youth girls and youth with disabilities. Grants and scholarships ease financial burdens for athletes, coaches and clubs.

On the supplier side, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission launched its Diversity Apprenticeship Program to provide hands-on experience to people of color in the travel industry in hopes of encouraging a broader group of future professionals. “I’m really proud of this hospitality initiative in our community,” says Greater Columbus Sports Commission CEO Linda Logan, a trailblazer for women in sports tourism.

While it’s far harder to recreate sports events on a virtual platform than corporate meetings, the 2020 digital revolution opened new doors.

As “Gig City,” Chattanooga has been ahead of the game in this regard. The Tennessee destination was the first city in the Western Hemisphere to offer 1 gigabit-per-second fiber internet service to all of its residents and businesses in 2010 (it’s up to 25 gigabits-per-second service now). Morgan says this makes the area a natural for esports because of the bandwidth required for large-scale gaming events. 

Its reputation for technical know-how expands with geofencing advertising employed for state championships, notes Morgan. Investments have also been made in the form of a state-of-the-art Jumbotron at Finley Stadium , home of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team and Chattanooga FC, a professional Division 3 soccer team, as well as many youth sports events.

Despite the return of fans to the stands, livestreaming is as popular as ever. NFHS Network Vice President Mark Koski says out-of-state family members and friends make up much of the millions of viewers catching high school games online. Statistics show most of the audience watches in real time even though on-demand is available, a sign of how involved the viewers are in the action. NFHS is more than halfway to its goal of providing streaming capabilities to all of the country’s 19,500 high schools. The holdup appears to be athletic directors who remain afraid the high-tech option takes away from ticket sales that act as fundraisers.

Koski’s job is to educate using an impressive list of stats that their fears are unfounded. “It truly is for those who can’t make it to the games,” he says.

EMERGING SPORTS

By this time next year, pickleball may be disqualified from the list of trending sports. In many regards, it has hit the big time. Tom Brady, LeBron James and Kim Clijsters are among professional athletes investing in teams. Pickleball events are a big deal in cities ranging from Atlantic City to Kissimmee, Florida, to Columbus, Ohio . Pickle & Chill in Columbus is among a growing number of specific pickleball facilities. Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events in Alabama partnered to build a 12-court lighted pickleball facility at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex

Morgan sees plenty of pickleball in Chattanooga, too, but adds badminton and gravel races are also on his radar as gaining steam.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

It’s not a coincidence to see the flurry of activity regarding international events coming to U.S. cities. Fante, who helps welcome international crowds annually to the Kentucky Derby, says some of the red tape involved in bringing global events to the U.S. has been cut on both the domestic and international side. Noteworthy items from 2022 include:

• The World Athletics Championships had spanned the globe without stopping in this country until Eugene, Oregon , hosted the 2022 event. 
• Birmingham, Alabama, welcomed The World Games , a spotlight for non-Olympic sports, in July 2022.
• The Maryland Cycling Classic got rolling on Labor Day weekend after back-to-back COVID-related cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
• Eleven U.S. destinations learned they will host World Cup games in 2026. First-timers include Seattle, Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston and Kansas City.
• The U.S. was awarded the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cup , a first for both events.

“I think cities are getting smarter and there are more dollars available for cities to take some more risk,” says Fante, who is hoping to bring the Breeder’s Cup, a major international horse racing event, back to Louisville. “We’re understanding how we can raise funds and have funds to help host these kinds of events.”

Beyond the hotel rooms, Morgan says international events have the benefit of increasing a city and region’s international profile. Chattanooga, for instance, hosted the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships, which not only spurred business to the city but to the entire state. The event also cemented Chattanooga’s reputation as an active, outdoors destination, he adds.

SITE SELECTION & RFPS

Sustainability and site selection go hand in hand these days. This goes beyond decreasing waste, which is always a top priority. Sports planners are showing a preference toward turf fields, particularly among sports played on rectangular fields, says Morgan. Organizers are growing wary of rain damaging fields to the point where events can’t go on, which becomes a higher priority as families free up vacation time and resources to travel to tournaments. 

Morgan has also noticed a decreased demand for bid fees from rights holders.

He also says Airbnb remains a popular option for visiting athletes despite stay-to-play policies. The cost of renting a home is often cheaper than a single hotel room, Morgan notes.

“Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies,” Morgan says of high prices.

CONSOLIDATION

The events business has seen a retraction in the number of vendors and companies. If the economy turns south, more mergers will come. One company to watch is 3STEP Sports .

Founder and Chairman David Geaslen , former CEO of Scouts Inc. and as ESPN’s VP of High School Sports and Recruiting, is targeting established event brands and bringing them into the fold. Under the current model, the acquired organizations still run the events under the large umbrella. With the financial backing of core investors Fiume Capital and Juggernaut Capital, 3STEP has acquired 74 new brands in nine sports across 43 states over the course of the past three years. Hoop Group and Munciana Volleyball Club are among the most notable acquisitions. The company includes more than 2,500 events and 1,800 club teams. 

BURNOUT IS REAL

The hospitality industry at large is still facing an uphill battle following the employee exodus of 2020-21. Help Wanted posters may as well be a universal sign for all events. The staff that did stay is often overworked and underpaid considering the extra tasks they are performing. Likewise, the constant adjustments make it almost impossible to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Shane says the stress is noticeable. 

“Many of our head coaches and state association board members have been transitioning in and out of officer positions. This trend is similar to our national coaching, as well as our federation operational staff. This is creating a tough situation as the biggest problem we will be facing with this turnover is the disappearance of intellectual capital and expertise that does not get cleanly passed down. I have faced several situations this year where we did not have any controlling officers in a program that had solid experience to meet their KPIs and we had to reinvent the wheel,” he says.

BIG NEWS AHEAD

Perhaps the best trend for sports tourism is there is no shortage of interest. A few items to watch for in 2023 include:

• The NCAA opens its portal for future championships. Las Vegas already won its first Final Four. Fante hopes indoor track events find their way to Louisville’s newish facility.
• FIFA is expected to reveal which North American destinations will host the later rounds of the 2026 World Cup. The grand prize—semifinals and finals—are in play for large venues with experience hosting major events. That bodes well for Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Houston, in particular.
• Sports ETA, the association composed primarily of sports commissions, is seeking a new CEO to take over for Al Kidd , who announced his retirement effective June 2023. Will a woman lead the organization for the first time?  

More Latest news

PA Sports Marks Milestone Promoting Keystone State

PA Sports celebrates its 20th anniversary of the statewide effort to draw sports tourism to Pennsylvania.

Top 10 Sports Tourism Trends for 2024

From site selection to experience enhancing, we look at the top trends in sports tourism.

Play Ball! Overland Park, KS to Welcome New College Baseball Hall of Fame

Patrick Mahomes steps up to the plate for Overland Park to score the College Baseball Hall of Fame.

• Sponsored Content

Let’s Get in the Game in Plano, Texas

Blending historic charm with modern luxury, Plano, Texas, brims with attractions and amenities perfect for traveling sports families.

Hattiesburg, MS., Plays Hardball to Drive Sports Tourism

"Baseburg" World Series campaign highlights Hattiesburg's love for the game.

Sports Management 101 in Today’s Competitive Environment

As KemperSports moves into youth and travel competitions, its senior VP discusses the growth opportunities and challenges facing planners and suppliers.

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Sports Tourism Market

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Global Sports Tourism Market – Analysis and Forecast (2025-2030)

Industry insights by type (hard sports tourism and soft sports tourism), by sports type (adventure, basketball, cricket, football, golf, hockey, motorsports, rugby, tennis, winter sports, and other sports), by destination (domestic and international), by end-user (individual & group, and institution), by geography north america(u.s., canada, mexico) europe (germany, u.k, france, italy, spain, russia and rest of europe), asia-pacific (apac) (china, japan, india, south korea and rest of asia-pacific), rest of the world (brazil, saudi arabia, south africa, u.a.e. and other countries..

• Report Description
• Table of Content
• Market Coverage
• Company Covered
• Report Methodology

Industry Overview

The Global Sports Tourism Market is currently in 2023 valued at USD 324 billion expected to grow to USD 1803 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 35.2% during the forecast period. Global sports tourism is one of the most emerging sectors in the tourism industry with a decent growth rate in the past two decades. The tourism sector is continuously evolving however, there is now a significant transformation in demand and traveller expectations. Nowadays, segmenting innovatively means aborting the typical pre-defined schemes, identical and generalist, trips with all the tourists doing the same thing within a period. On the other hand, tailor-made/custom packages are more trustworthy and are chosen for sports travel.

Furthermore, it is expected that sports tourism will continue to gain momentum during the forecast period, opening up innovative avenues helping to improve the quality of life in different communities.

Market Segmentation

Insight by Types

On the basis of type, the market is bifurcated into hard sports tourism and soft sports tourism. Among these types, the hard sports tourism segment captures the largest market share in 2023 and is also expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period, owing to the number of people participating in competitive sports events. These kinds of events act as a motivation to the viewers and attract a large number of visitors to the events.

Insight by Sport Type

On the basis of sports type, the market is subdivided into adventure, basketball, cricket, football, golf, hockey, motorsports, rugby, tennis, winter sports, and other sports. Among these football and adventure accounted for the foremost share in the sports tourism market being played across the globe in almost all countries at large and small scales. 

Insight by Destination  

On the basis of destination, the market is subdivided into domestic and international. Of both the segments, the international destination segment accounted for the maximum share, owing to a large number of international tournaments organized globally with huge investments supporting the growth of the tourism sector.

Insight by End-User

On the basis of end-user, the market is bifurcated into individuals & groups, and institutions. Individual & group is expected to account for the highest market share in the current year and is expected to grow at the fastest rate large number of travelers traveling as solo participants or audience with sports as a reason to travel.

Global Sports Tourism Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Industry Trends

There is a drastic growth in the number of inter-country and intra-country sports league in past few decades. These leagues are watched by not only the domestic audience but is source of attraction for international viewers as well. The trend is going to grow more during the forecast period. 

Growth Drivers

The number of sports events and viewership are increasing globally. This is mainly due to availability of large sports infrastructure including stadiums, clubs, etc. Besides, interest towards the sports has also increased at fast rate in developing economies in last few years. Additionally, viewers for upcoming national and international sports events in 2020 and 2021 is expected to grow at double digit. Olympic Games in 2020 in Japan and FIFA World Cup in 2022 in Qatar are some of the most awaited tournament in coming years. All these factors will impact the Sports Tourism progression in the market in near future. 

Sports tourism sector is highly fragmented, with large number of small and large players operating in the market. Further, the booking process has now shifted from manual to digital method, allowing travelers to make booking online. Due to which there is an increase in chances of fraudulent. such cases occurred happened in past are halting tourists to make booking online. This will impact the growth of market during the coming years.

Geographic Overview

Geographically, Europe is the largest sports tourism market with different type of sports being played in different countries. Besides, the region organizes some of the major sports tournaments and events attracting domestic and international audience.

Further, North America and APAC hold the second and third position in sports tourism market respectively.  APAC is the fastest growing region during the forecast period and is expected to surpass the Europe share in next ten years. China, India and Australia are some of the prominent countries were sports event are organized at large scale.

Competitive Insight

Key players in the in the sports tourism market includes some of the major tourism companies who offers pre-defined and tailor-made packages for individual and group. Apart from this, the sector is a gigantic intercontinental business attracting investment, bringing political interest, media attention and millions of traveling spectators and participants. Therefore, sport is large business helping some of the economics in growing by organizing sports events in their country.

BAC Sport is a trusted bespoke sports travel and hospitality company with 25 years’ experience in providing packages for corporates, concierge, individuals and incentive agencies, as well as arranging travel and logistics for the England Football Media. Company offer tailor-made packages to Formula One, tennis, golf, football, rugby and many other sporting events both domestically and worldwide. 

Club Europe Travel is a specialist ABTA tour operator which works with schools across the globe. Company offer high quality cultural experiences in the form of concert tours, ski tours and educational tours to countries all over the world.

Some of the key players operating in the sports tourism market are BAC Sports, Club Europe Holidays Ltd., Gullivers Sports Travel Limited, Inspiresport, MATCH Hospitality, QuintEvents, Sports Travel & Hospitality Group, THG Sports, Unique Sports Travel Limited, and Victory Sports Tours.

Recent Developments by Key Players

Inspiresport (the top UK provider of young sports development tours) collaborated with Cricket Scotland. The company has recently launched The R66T Festival of Cricket and The R66T Dubai cup and also offer domestic tours to Lancashire Cricket.

Gullivers Sport Travel (the Group Travel Specialist) partnered with Waratahs Alumni where Waratahs Alumni host four Sports travel tours during the Rugby World Cup in France featuring Darren Coleman, Phil Waugh, Tony Dempsey, and Ian Kennedy.

Primary Research

VynZ Research conducts extensive primary research to understand the market dynamics, validate market data and have key opinions from industry experts. The key profiles approached within the industry include, CEO, CFO, CTO, President, Vice President, Product Managers, Regional Heads and Others. Also, end user surveys comprising of consumers are also conducted to understand consumer behaviour.

The Global Sports Tourism Market report offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with an estimation for the forecast period 2025–2030

• Hard Sports Tourism
• Soft Sports Tourism
• Motorsports
• Winter Sports
• Other Sports
• International
• Individual & Group
• Institution

Region Covered in the Report

• Rest of Europe
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Other Countries

Source: VynZ Research

1.    Research Overview          1.1.    The Report Offers         1.2.    Market Coverage                 1.2.1.    By Type                 1.2.2.    By Sports Type                  1.2.3.    By Destination                 1.2.4.    By End-User                 1.2.5.    By Region         1.3.    Research Phases         1.4.    Limitations         1.5.    Market Methodology                 1.5.1.    Data Sources                         1.5.1.1.    Primary Research                         1.5.1.2.    Secondary Research                 1.5.2.    Methodology                         1.5.2.1.    Data Exploration                         1.5.2.2.    Forecast Parameters                         1.5.2.3.    Data Validation                         1.5.2.4.    Assumptions                 1.5.3.    Study Period & Data Reporting Unit 2.    Executive Summary 3.    Industry Overview         3.1.    Industry Dynamics                 3.1.1.    Market Growth Drivers                 3.1.2.    Market Restraints                 3.1.3.    Key Market Trends                 3.1.4.    Major Opportunities         3.2.    Industry Ecosystem                 3.2.1.    Porter’s Five Forces Analysis                 3.2.2.    Recent Development Analysis                 3.2.3.    Value Chain Analysis         3.3.    Competitive Insight                 3.3.1.    Competitive Position of Industry Players                 3.3.2.    Market Attractive Analysis                 3.3.3.    Market Share Analysis 4.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast         4.1.    Global Market Overview         4.2.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast to 2027 5.    Market Segmentation Estimate and Forecast         5.1.    By Type                 5.1.1.    Soft Sports Tourism                         5.1.1.1.    Market Definition                         5.1.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.1.2.    Hard Sports Tourism                         5.1.2.1.    Market Definition                         5.1.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030         5.2.    By Sports Type                  5.2.1.    Adventure                         5.2.1.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.2.    Basketball                         5.2.2.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.3.    Cricket                         5.2.3.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.3.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.4.    Football                         5.2.4.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.4.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.5.    Golf                         5.2.5.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.5.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.6.    Hockey                         5.2.6.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.6.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.7.    Motorsports                         5.2.7.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.7.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.8.    Rugby                         5.2.8.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.8.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.9.     Tennis                         5.2.9.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.9.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.10.     Winter Sports                         5.2.10.1.    Market Definition                         5.2.10.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.2.11.    Other Sports                         5.2.11.1.    Market Definition                 5.2.11.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030         5.3.    By Destination                 5.3.1.    Domestic                         5.3.1.1.    Market Definition                         5.3.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.3.2.    International                         5.3.2.1.    Market Definition                         5.3.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030         5.4.    By End-User                 5.4.1.    Individual & Group                         5.4.1.1.    Market Definition                         5.4.1.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030                 5.4.2.    Institution                         5.4.2.1.    Market Definition                         5.4.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030 6.    North America Market Estimate and Forecast         6.1.    By Type         6.2.    By Sports Type          6.3.    By Destination         6.4.    By End-User         6.5.    By Country                 6.5.1.    U.S. Market Estimate and Forecast                 6.5.2.    Canada Market Estimate and Forecast                 6.5.3.    Mexico Market Estimate and Forecast 7.    Europe Market Estimate and Forecast         7.1.    By Type         7.2.    By Sports Type          7.3.    By Destination         7.4.    By End-User         7.5.    By Country                 7.5.1.    Germany Market Estimate and Forecast                 7.5.2.    France Market Estimate and Forecast                 7.5.3.    U.K. Market Estimate and Forecast                 7.5.4.    Italy Market Estimate and Forecast                 7.5.5.    Spain Market Estimate and Forecast                 7.5.6.    Rest of Europe Market Estimate and Forecast 8.    Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast         8.1.    By Type         8.2.    By Sports Type          8.3.    By Destination         8.4.    By End-User         8.5.    By Country                  8.5.1.    China Market Estimate and Forecast                 8.5.2.    Japan Market Estimate and Forecast                 8.5.3.    India Market Estimate and Forecast                 8.5.4.    South Korea Market Estimate and Forecast                 8.5.5.    Singapore Market Estimate and Forecast                 8.5.6.    Rest of Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast 9.    Rest of the World (RoW) Market Estimate and Forecast         9.1.    By Type         9.2.    By Sports Type          9.3.    By Destination         9.4.    By End-User         9.5.    By Country                 9.5.1.    Brazil Market Estimate and Forecast                 9.5.2.    Saudi Arabia Market Estimate and Forecast                 9.5.3.    South Africa Market Estimate and Forecast                 9.5.4.    Other Countries Market Estimate and Forecast 10.    Company Profiles         10.1.    BAC Sports                 10.1.1.    Snapshot                 10.1.2.    Overview                 10.1.3.    Offerings                 10.1.4.    Financial Insight                 10.1.5.    Recent Developments         10.2.    Club Europe Holidays Ltd.                 10.2.1.    Snapshot                 10.2.2.    Overview                 10.2.3.    Offerings                 10.2.4.    Financial Insight                 10.2.5.    Recent Developments         10.3.    Gullivers Sports Travel Limited                 10.3.1.    Snapshot                 10.3.2.    Overview                 10.3.3.    Offerings                 10.3.4.    Financial Insight                 10.3.5.    Recent Developments         10.4.    Inspiresport                 10.4.1.    Snapshot                 10.4.2.    Overview                 10.4.3.    Offerings                 10.4.4.    Financial Insight                 10.4.5.    Recent Developments         10.5.    MATCH Hospitality                 10.5.1.    Snapshot                 10.5.2.    Overview                 10.5.3.    Offerings                 10.5.4.    Financial Insight                 10.5.5.    Recent Developments         10.6.    QuintEvents                 10.6.1.    Snapshot                 10.6.2.    Overview                 10.6.3.    Offerings                 10.6.4.    Financial Insight                 10.6.5.    Recent Developments         10.7.    Sports Travel & Hospitality Group                 10.7.1.    Snapshot                 10.7.2.    Overview                 10.7.3.    Offerings                 10.7.4.    Financial Insight                 10.7.5.    Recent Developments         10.8.    THG Sports                 10.8.1.    Snapshot                 10.8.2.    Overview                 10.8.3.    Offerings                 10.8.4.    Financial Insight                 10.8.5.    Recent Developments         10.9.    Unique Sports Travel Limited                 10.9.1.    Snapshot                 10.9.2.    Overview                 10.9.3.    Offerings                 10.9.4.    Financial Insight                 10.9.5.    Recent Developments         10.10.    Victory Sports Tours                 10.10.1.    Snapshot                 10.10.2.    Overview                 10.10.3.    Offerings                 10.10.4.    Financial Insight                 10.10.5.    Recent Developments 11.    Appendix         11.1.    Exchange Rates         11.2.    Abbreviations

Note: Financial insight and recent developments of different companies are subject to availability of information in secondary domain.

List of Tables

Table 1 Sources Table 2 Study Periods Table 3 Data Reporting Unit Table 4 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 5 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 6 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 7 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 8 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 9 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 10 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 11 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 12 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Region, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 13 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Region, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 14 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 15 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 16 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 17 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 18 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 19 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 20 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 21 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 22 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 23 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 24 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 25 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 26 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 27 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 28 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 29 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 30 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 31 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 32 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 33 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 34 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 35 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 36 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 37 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 38 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 39 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 40 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 41 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 42 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 43 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 44 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 45 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 46 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 47 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 48 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 49 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 50 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 51 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 52 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018-2023 (USD Billion) Table 53 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2025-2030 (USD Billion) Table 54 Snapshot – BAC Sports Table 55 Snapshot – Club Europe Holidays Ltd. Table 56 Snapshot – Gullivers Sports Travel Limited Table 57 Snapshot – Inspiresport Table 58 Snapshot – MATCH Hospitality Table 59 Snapshot – QuintEvents Table 60 Snapshot – Sports Travel & Hospitality Group Table 61 Snapshot – THG Sports Table 62 Snapshot – Unique Sports Travel Limited Table 63 Snapshot – Victory Sports Tours

List of Figures

Figure 1 Market Coverage Figure 2 Research Phases Figure 3 Secondary Offerings for Different Parameters Figure 4 Methodology Figure 5 Data Mining & Exploration Figure 6 Data Triangulation Figure 7 Assumptions for Market Estimation and Forecast Figure 8 Market Synopsis Figure 9 Global Sports Tourism Market - Growth Drivers and Restraints Figure 10 Competitive Benchmark Figure 11 Global Sports Tourism Market Highlight Figure 12 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 13 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 14 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 15 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 16 Global Sports Tourism Market Size, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 17 North America Sports Tourism Market Highlight Figure 18 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 19 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 20 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 21 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 22 North America Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 23 Europe Sports Tourism Market Highlight Figure 24 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 25 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 26 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 27 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 28 Europe Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 29 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Highlight Figure 30 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 31 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 32 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 33 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 34 Asia-Pacific Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 35 RoW Sports Tourism Market Highlight Figure 36 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 37 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Sports Type, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 38 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Destination, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 39 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by End-User, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion) Figure 40 RoW Sports Tourism Market Size, by Country, 2018 - 2030 (USD Billion)

Global Sports Tourism Market Coverage

Type Insight and Forecast 2025-2030

Sports Type Insight and Forecast 2025-2030

Destination Insight and Forecast 2025-2030

End-User Insight and Forecast 2025-2030

• Individual & Group

Geographical Segmentation

Sports tourism market by Region

North America

• By Sports Type
• By Destination
• By End-User
• By Country – U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• By Country – Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, and Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

• By Country – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, and Rest of Asia-Pacific

Rest of the World (RoW)

• By Country – Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Other Countries

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• Club Europe Holidays Ltd.
• Gullivers Sports Travel Limited
• Inspiresport
• MATCH Hospitality
• QuintEvents
• Sports Travel & Hospitality Group
• Unique Sports Travel Limited
• Victory Sports Tours

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• Published On:  Dec, 2023
• Report Code:  VRCG7040
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