Grow, thrive, compete: The flourishing industry of athletic travel
Sports Tourism: A Growing Trend Shaping the Future of Travel
London-based journalist Emma Love, who specialises in travel, interiors, and design, has reported on a significant trend in the travel industry - sports tourism. This sector, which encompasses live sporting events, active participation experiences, and digital engagement, is experiencing rapid growth.
According to recent data, the sports tourism market was valued at approximately $609 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 13–16%, reaching between $1.7 trillion and over $2 trillion by 2032 [1][3].
Major sports events such as the UEFA Champions League Final, Winter Olympic Games, and Formula 1 continue to be major catalysts for sports tourism, attracting significant international travel and fan engagement. These events remain crucial for destination marketing and economic inflow, while digital platforms amplify fan experience and broaden participation [1].
The global appeal and frequent hosting of events like the UEFA Champions League Final and Formula 1 in various international cities stimulate local economies and travel influxes. The popularity is boosted by online fan engagement and behind-the-scenes content [1]. The Winter Olympic Games, being a global spectacle, enhance winter sports tourism, with growing interest in skiing and snowboarding destinations [1].
Golf tourism is benefiting from broader wellness and luxury travel trends, as it appeals to affluent tourists seeking premium experiences. Investment in golf resorts and properties is aligned with rising wellness and sustainability-driven tourism trends, where personalized and health-oriented travel is expanding [2]. Surf tourism, part of the active and adventure sports tourism segment, is experiencing rapid growth due to the rising popularity of surfing and water sports [1].
Integration of wearable technology and fitness apps enhances active tourism and sports participation, providing data-driven personalized experiences for sports tourists [4]. The growing importance of wellness tourism, which dovetails with sports tourism, emphasizes the physical and mental health benefits of active travel, including retreats, local sports participation, and fitness-focused vacations [2].
The future outlook for sports tourism is highly positive, driven by technological innovation, digital content engagement, growing wellness integration, and continued enthusiasm for marquee sporting events. Upcoming mega events like the UEFA Champions League Final in Munich and the Winter Olympic Games in Cortina are expected to further accelerate this growth [1][2][3][4][5].
In other news, The Cabot Collection, a golf resort owner, has recently announced investment in Lofoten Links, an 18-hole course in Norway's Lofoten Islands. Meanwhile, motorsport enthusiasts staying in Ocean Residences or Penthouses on the Explora II can book a place in the Paddock Club for VIP access to the race [6].
Wave House, a new high-end, residence-only property in El Zonte, El Salvador, designed for surfers, is located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador. It is aimed at those searching for their next point break, offering the natural beauty of El Salvador's Pacific coast to its residents [7]. During the Monaco race in May, the Explora II cruise ship will dock in Port Hercule, near the track [8].
Emma Love, with over 15 years of journalistic experience, has worked for Tatler magazine and other publications, covering various aspects of travel, interiors, and design [9].
[1] Sports Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Spectator Sports Tourism, Participatory Sports Tourism), By Application (Travel Services, Accommodation, Food & Beverage), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2032
[2] Wellness and Sports Tourism: A Growing Trend
[3] Sports Tourism Market to Reach $2 Trillion by 2032
[4] Wearable Technology and Fitness Apps Drive Active Tourism
[5] Sports Participation and Fitness Culture Boost Demand for Related Apparel and Experiences
[6] [No specific source provided]
[7] Wave House: El Salvador's New High-End Surf Resort
[8] [No specific source provided]
[9] Emma Love: Journalist Profile
Emma Love's report on sports tourism highlighted the integration of sports and travel, mentioning golf tourism benefiting from luxury trends and surf tourism growing due to the popularity of surfing. In the upcoming years, sports tourism is expected to reach a market value of over $2 trillion, with events like the UEFA Champions League Final and Winter Olympic Games playing significant roles in this growth.
