Tag: Sports Tourism

20Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2026 Ranking of Sports Cities: New York takes top spot ahead of Paris and LA

New York has taken the top spot in Burson’s 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities, ahead of Paris, Los Angeles, London and Madrid. Paris moves to second place after topping the ranking for three consecutive years.  The annual ranking identifies the top 100 cities from around the world with the strongest  association with sport. Now in its 15th edition, it is based on both perception and in-depth  quantitative analysis, including feedback from international sports leaders, sports media  representatives and industry experts, as well as social media and media coverage analytics.  Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive view of how cities build visibility and influence  through sport.  The 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities identifies four key findings th...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Global sports tourism market to reach $957.91 billion by 2031 – report

Valued at $680.23 billion in 2025, the global sports tourism market is projected to increase from $721.60 billion in 2026 to $957.91 billion by 2031, according to a new report issued by Research and Markets.  The market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.09% during the 2026-2031 forecast period, supported by international sporting events, premium hospitality packages, active participation travel and expanding sports infrastructure. International sporting events strengthen travel demand A growing pipeline of international tournaments is creating sustained demand across the global sports tourism market. After co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the United States is preparing to host major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the LA28 Olympic a...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports tourism global value to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032 – World Economic Forum report

A new report published by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney, has positioned sports tourism as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel economy, with a projected value of more than US$1.7 trillion by 2032. According to the report – Travel & Tourism at a Turning Point – sports tourism is one of several segments emerging as “significant growth drivers”, expanding at rates “exceeding sector averages”, and driven by rising global interest in live events, active travel experiences, and the power of digital engagement. Valued at US$609 billion in 2023, the sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, reaching more than US$1.7 trillion in less than a decade. The report defines sports tourism as “where the tourist either obse...

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30Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia set to generate AUS$1.3bn in visitor expenditure

World Rugby has unveiled the seven host cities for the 11th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. With 250,000 international visitors expected over the six-week period, the tournament is projected to generate AUS$1.3 billion in direct visitor expenditure across the country and seven host cities, while inspiring a nation to embrace rugby, aiming for 200,000 participants by 2029. Selected for their vibrant culture, world-class hospitality and scenic landmarks, the Rugby World Cup 2027 host cities are:  Adelaide | Tarntanya  Brisbane | Meeanjin  Melbourne | Narrm  Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi  Perth | Boorloo  Sydney | Gadigal  Townsville | Gurambilbarra  Perth | Boorloo will play host to the anticipa...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Global sports tourism market to hit $2.4 trillion by 2030 – report

The global market for sports tourism was estimated at $1.1 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to the Sports Tourism - Global Strategic Business Report published by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The growth in the sports tourism market is driven by several factors, including the rising popularity of international sports events and competitions, technological advancements in travel planning, booking platforms, and customer experience, and the increasing focus on promoting adventure sports, ecotourism, and experiential travel. The need to provide unique, engaging, and culturally enriching sports tourism experiences for diverse traveller demographics is driving the demand for sports...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees

World Travel Awards has announced the 20 nominees shortlisted for the World's Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 award – with voting is now open ahead of November’s gala ceremony.  In 2023, Qatar’s capital city Doha was the winner of the award, ending Abu Dhabi’s winning run from 2013 to 2022. Dubai (2012) and South Africa (2011) have also previously won the title.  Five nominees have also been announced for the World’s Leading Sports Academy 2024 award. The nominees are Aspire Academy in Qatar, Cascade Wellness Resort in Portugal, Forte Village Resort in Italy, Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort in the USA, and La Manga Club in Spain. Voting is now open until 20 October 2024 for both categories, with the winners revealed at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala C...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

Amex Travel report: sports tourism is one of 2024’s top global travel trends

Sports tourism has been picked out as one of the top global travel trends for 2024, in a new report published by American Express Travel. Under the headline “for the love of the game”, the report reveals how sports fans, both internationally and domestically in the US, are “logging serious miles to witness their favourite sporting events first-hand”. The 2024 Global Travel Trends Report uncovers the “driving forces behind why people are travelling right now”, and “one thing remains clear”, they “intend to make the most of their trips this year”. In regards to the sports travel trend, it’s not just about “rooting for the home team”, the report said. A poll conducted by American Express Travel found that nearly three-quarters of global respondents are into sports, with 71% considering ...

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13Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

African Sports Tourism Week to stage sports tourism masterclass in Nigeria

African Sports Tourism Week, the premier pan-African sports travel trade event, will be staging a sports tourism masterclass from 21-24 April 2021 in Nigeria. Taking place at Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resorts in Uyo, the masterclass will attract delegates from sports commissions, ministries and associations as well as tourism boards and ministries. Organisers of the event said: “The masterclass was conceived out of the concern for how opportunities in sporting events, especially, aren’t being maximised, because sports and tourism have always stood aloof to each other, in Nigeria.”  Held under a theme of "Understanding How Collaboration between Sport and Tourism Works, for Socioeconomic Benefits To Destinations", the event will seek to address strategies, framework for collab...

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20Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Trips & Experiences

Sport in Wales: events, activities and things to do

Wales is a passionate sporting nation - especially when it comes to rugby union. Cardiff's Principality Stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team and every year it hosts games in the Six Nations championship.  While the capital Cardiff offers a big city vibe and many attractions, visitors are recommended to explore the rest of the country and enjoy Wales's outdoor activities. Trekkers, walkers and bikers should head to Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons for their outdoor fix.  For golfers why not play one of Wales’s top coastal courses or tee it up at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor?  If you fancy something a bit different (or crazier) then the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Man vs Mountain event or the Tenby Boxing Day Swim could be for you. Here we pick out some of th...

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13Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Travel

What is the world’s best sports city? Here’s 30 you should visit…

If you ask the question “what is the world's best sports city?” the answers won’t just be varied but it could also start a huge debate.  Take the United States for example. You have Boston - home of NFL’s New England Patriots, baseball’s Red Sox, NBA’s Celtics and NHL’s Bruins - which was named America’s best sports city in 2020 by Forbes magazine.  Would residents of Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago or New York agree with the Forbes ranking? Of course not, but this is the beauty of such a list, it certainly gets sports fans talking... In February communications agency Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) published its 2020 ranking of the best sports cities and it was New York that took top spot ahead of London, Paris, Los Angeles and Lausanne.   Is New York a be...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences, Venues & Stadiums

‘Escapade Living’ brings motorsport to your living room window

It is somewhat of an understatement to say that 2020 has been and continues to be a year of seismic changes. The pandemic changed the world as we know it and whilst much pain – mental, physical and economic – continues to affect our lives, it has catalysed the need to for adaptability, innovation and resilience, especially within all areas of the travel sector. Clearly the travel industry that emerges at the end of this year will be very different from the one that entered it. But one thing the pandemic has turbocharged is the growing trend for ‘experiential travel’. Experiential travel – in which the traveller immerses themselves in a destination rather than superficially seeing it – is now coming of age in double time. The sports travel sector is of course at the very forefront...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2020 #SportsBiz conferences: sports tourism and travel industry events

Sports business and sports tourism conferences are a huge driver for the travel industry. However, the sector has been hit hard this year by the coronavirus pandemic with many events cancelled, postponed or rescheduled. Here we look at the #SportsBiz events, conferences, exhibitions and awards scheduled to take place in 2020. All events are subject to change due to Covid-19. Sport + Travel Magazine: sign up for the free monthly digital publication 2020 sports calendar: major sporting events 2020 sports business calendar  December 2020 Business of Sport Summit When: 1-2 December 2020 Where: RACV City Club in Melbourne, Australia and delivered digitally Website: sportsleaders.com.au The Stadium Business Summit When: 1-3 December 2020 Where: online Website: stadiumbusinesssummit.com Maj...

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2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

February 2020 sports business events and conferences

In February 2020 there's many sports business and sports tourism events being held across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. There's also a new addition on the #SportsBiz event circuit with Global Sports Week Paris taking place in the French capital city for the first time. Here we look at the conferences, exhibitions and events in February. Related articles 2020 sports business and sports tourism calendar: events, conferences, exhibitions 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details February 2020 #SportsBiz events ICE London When: 4-6 February Where: Excel, London, UK Website: icelondon.uk.com Global Sports Week Paris Theme: Making the future of sport When: 5-7 February Where: Les Salles du Carrousel, Louvre Museum, Paris Website: globalsport...

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15Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Clarity Sports named official team travel partner of the Football Association of Wales

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Clarity Sports have announced a new partnership that will see Clarity provide all domestic and international travel for the Welsh national teams.  Clarity Sports, who also work with a number of top-flight English and Scottish football teams, has signed a three-year contract that will see the business provide its best-in-class services at an exciting time for the FAW, with Euro 2020 on the horizon. Wales have been drawn against Italy, Switzerland and Turkey and will play games initially in Baku and Rome.  The women’s international team will continue their 2021 European Championship qualifying campaign, where they currently sit second in the table, in April 2020.  Rob Slawson, director of sports travel at Clarity, said: “The role we play is to t...

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20Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

WSL Sydney Surf Pro in Manly to generate AUD$3.7m and 25,000 visitor nights

Manly beach in Sydney, Australia, will host the World Surf League’s newest event – the Sydney Surf Pro – for the next three years. The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has secured the event exclusively for Sydney as part of the new global WSL Challenger Series. The WSL Sydney Surf Pro will include men’s and women’s events and is locked in for Manly from 2020 to 2022, with the first event to take place between 8-14 March next year.  James Griffin, member for Manly, said: “Manly staged the first-ever world championships in May 1964, and in March this year our iconic four-kilometre beach attracted 11-time world champion Kelly Slater to compete. “Where better to kick off the WSL Challenger Series than in the hub of surf culture that is Manly?”  ...

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1Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sports tourism and travel industry events and conferences | 2019

STOP THE PRESS! *** We have an updated 2020 sports business calendar on this link. Click to see the latest events, conferences and exhibitions in 2020...*** 

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17Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Runnin’City wins 1st UNWTO Sports Tourism Start-up Competition

Smartphone app Runnin’City has been named the winner of the 1st United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Sports Tourism Start-up Competition. Launched in partnership with the Barca Innovation Hub and supported by the Qatar National Tourism Council, the competition saw hundreds of start-ups enter. Five companies - Runnin’City; Fly-Foot; Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-free Institute; Oevit; and WeFish - were then shortlisted for the final. In October, the five finalists took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, with the first SportsTech edition of the WTO’s Tourism Tech Adventures initiative celebrating the most disruptive ideas and innovators from around the world.  Within the framework of the Forum, the five finalists were invited to Macau for a special masterc...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Event focus: 2019 African Sports Tourism Week Ghana

Ghana’s capital city Accra will host the 2019 edition of African Sports Tourism Week.  Taking place from 19-20 September the event will feature the African Sports Tourism Summit & Olympic Roundtable, African Sports Destination Awards, African Sports Holiday Exhibition and pre-event tours. Deji Ajomale-McWord, president of African Sports Tourism Week, said: “Our goal is to increase the gross domestic products of African nations, through better delivered sporting events and sports holidays.  “Sports can only be best commodified through experiences that only hospitality and tourism can tailor. We will be moving to different African nations, year in year out, conduct the marriage of sports and tourism, and watch over their romance to ensure it produces offspring of socioeconom...

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20Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Premier League creates a buzz for international visitors to Britain

New research from VisitBritain shows the power of the Premier League in driving inbound tourism amongst overseas football fans, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed intending to visit the UK during the next two years. Chinese football fans surveyed showed the greatest intention with 92% intending to visit the UK within the next two years followed by India, 85% and the US, 80%. VisitBritain’s International Football Research also found that the Premier League had a greater pull for tourists than the top leagues in other countries. Two-thirds, 66%, of those who had travelled to watch a football match in the UK saw a Premier League match, making it the most popular. This compared to 39% who had watched a top league match when they had travelled to watch football out...

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20Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

US sports make big impact on London’s tourism industry

American sports will be in the spotlight in London this year as more US athletes and events choose the UK capital as their second home. According to Visit London 2018 saw a record 2.6m visits to London from the US, with live sports events playing a key role in attracting tourists. Upcoming highlights include the Boston Red Sox going head to head with baseball rivals New York Yankees and US tennis icon Serena Williams aiming to win a 24th grand slam title at Wimbledon. In October and November four matches will be played in London during the NFL's 100th anniversary. Two games will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and two at Wembley Stadium. Speaking of his experience playing in the capital, Tom Brady, the six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the New England Patriots ...

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