India Game On: The Rise of Sports Tourism Spurs Global Travel Enthusiasm

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

In recent times, sports tourism has surged in popularity, emerging as a significant segment within the travel industry. Projections from industry research indicate that the global sports tourism market is poised to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2030, driven by passionate fans seeking to intertwine their love for sports with travel experiences.

Notably, major sporting spectacles have become magnets for enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing their fervor and dedication to athletic pursuits. Booking.com’s Travel Trends data for 2024 reveals that 45% of global travelers express a desire to embark on sports-themed journeys, aiming to partake in events such as the World Cup, Paris Olympics, and Formula 1 races. This inclination is particularly pronounced in India, where nearly three-quarters (73%) of individuals plan to venture abroad for international sporting extravaganzas in 2024. Moreover, according to Booking.com’s flight data, India ranks among the top 5 Asian countries in terms of bookings for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.

Beyond the allure of international competitions, domestic sports fandom also thrives. A significant majority of Indians (76%) are willing to travel for local sporting contests and events within their own city or state, while 70% express interest in attending national tournaments like the Indian Premier League, Pro Kabaddi, and Indian Super League.

Sports serve as a pivotal factor influencing travel decisions, as highlighted by Booking.com’s Travel Trends data for 2024. For Indian travelers, the allure of sporting events lies in several key motivators:

1. The thrill of witnessing the game firsthand: 71% of Indians express a willingness to embark on journeys to see their favorite players, teams, or sports live in action.
2. Reconnecting with friends and family abroad: 67% view sporting events as opportunities to unite with loved ones residing in different locales.
3. Building connections with fellow fans: 65% of Indians are drawn to traveling for sports to engage with like-minded enthusiasts in novel destinations.
4. Transforming sporting events into holiday experiences: 56% of Indians perceive sports-related travel as an opportunity to blend leisure with the excitement of the occasion.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said: “Sports tourism gives travellers an opportunity to combine the joy of exploring new destinations while enjoying their favourite team or players in action, boosting local economies and tourism. Easier visa access, improved connectivity and rising disposable incomes are some of the factors driving this trend. For all sports enthusiasts journeying across India and the world, Booking.com remains committed to enhancing their travel experiences by offering various travel components like rental cars, flights, attractions and unique places to stay to create a comprehensive, integrated itinerary.”

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