Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Sports tourism identified as key driver of visitor economy growth

Sports tourism identified as key driver of visitor economy growth
July 26, 2024

A new report from the United Nations has identified sports tourism as one of the four top trends driving travel booking decisions.

Also revealed as one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, both in size and market volume, UN Tourism has advised that the market reached an approximate value of $US609 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at rate of around 16% between 2024 and 2030.

According to UN Tourism “the tourism and sports sectors are inextricably linked and play a key role in enhancing economic diversification, growth, and social development in many destinations by creating jobs and supporting businesses in cities and rural communities.

"The increasing popularity of major sporting events attracts more and more domestic and international visitors."

UN Tourism announced this week that it will hold its third World Sports Tourism Congress in Madrid on 28th and 29th November 2024.

The event will bring together high-level stakeholders from these sectors to share innovative ideas, best practices, and insights of sports tourism, including its economic impact, contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strategies for effectively promoting destinations through sports events and sponsorships.

American Express report identifies importance of sports tourism
American Express Travel's 2024 Global Travel Trends Report has also identified sports tourism as one of the four top trends driving booking decisions, based on survey data from travellers in Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the USA.

According to the report, a desire to see sporting events live and to watch favourite teams and beloved players in person are driving where travellers are going and what they are doing when they get there.

Almost four in 10 respondents (37%) to the survey said they had plans to travel for sporting events in 2024, with 67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents being interested in travelling for sporting events in 2024.

Commenting on the findings, American Express Travel President, Audrey Hendley stated “travellers are focused on creating the right itineraries and building memories, whether that means booking a trip to see a favourite sports team compete or taking a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise."

Click here for more information on UN Sport Tourism.

Click here for details on the third World Sports Tourism Congress in Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Fans at the Hong Kong Sevens.

Related Articles

26th July 2024 - New research reveals value of Sport and Music Events

25th July 2024 - International Olympic Committee generates US$902 million in revenue for 2023

2nd March 2024 - UN Tourism and WTTC laud Saudi Arabia for welcoming over 100 million tourists

22nd January 2024 - Thailand Government looks to grow sport tourism with new Muay Thai visa

26th October 2023 - American Express and Venues NSW partnership sees launch of new hospitality options at Allianz Stadium

22nd June 2023 - UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council Sign Historic MOU

20th June 2023 - Asia-Pacific nations back UNWTO tourism safety initiative

25th May 2023 - Study suggests major sporting events fail to inspire mass physical activity

20th December 2022 - 2022 World Esports Championships attracts the most nationalities ever represented in an esports tournament

1st December 2022 - World Rugby announces transformation of Sevens World Series

8th December 2021 - Laguna Phuket celebrates return of international events and sports tourism

19th August 2019 - Western Australia sports tourism helps drive Mid-West economy

11th April 2019 - Funding available for Goulburn Sports Tourism events

18th April 2017 - Rugby fails to draw crowds to Singapore National Stadium

17th July 2013 - Sunshine Coast pursues sport tourism opportunities

13th January 2012 - Qatar’s Aspire Zone named World’s Leading Sports Tourism Development Project

20th May 2011 - American Express Cardholders redeem rewards for tickets at Ticketmaster

6th July 2010 - Sport tourism takes centre stage


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Augmented Creative

Augmented Creative is an open organization of like-minded and highly dedicated, creative people who conceive, plan and execute visual solutions. We pursue new and innovative visual ideas to help…

read more

Arts / Attractions / Consultants / Design / Tourism

 
 

COMMERCIAL AQUATICS AUSTRALIA

Commercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

BH Fitness

BH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 

Gladstone MRM

Gladstone Health & Leisure (Gladstone MRM Pty Ltd Australia) is a leading supplier of leisure management and fitness software and is endorsed by leading health and fitness professionals and…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Venues

 
 

InterQuad (International Quadratics) 

InterQuad (International Quadratics)  With a combined legacy spanning over 150 years, International Quadratics (founded in 1976) and Pierce Pool Supplies (originally established in 1898 as A H…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

AIS Water

AIS Water, the trading name of Australian Innovative Systems, is a multi-award winning, Australian owned leader in the design, production and supply of commercial and residential chlorine generators…

read more

Aquatics / Safety / Technology

 
 

Vivaticket

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd.  Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

SWIMPLEX AQUATICS

Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business