The global sports tourism products market was valued at USD 60.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2030. The rising popularity of sports tourism across the globe is driving the market growth. Sports tourism is defined as the movement of people from one place to another for the purpose of participating in sports activities or watching sports events. This type of tourism has become increasingly popular among people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. For instance, according to a survey conducted by the Tourism Research Center in the U.K., in 2020, more than 60% of the respondents said they had participated in some form of sports tourism in the past year.

The rising trend of experiential travel and the increasing disposable income of individuals are some of the factors driving the growth of the market. Furthermore, the increasing availability of sports-related events, such as Formula 1, UEFA Champions League, and the Olympics, is expected to boost the market growth. Additionally, the emergence of sports-specific destinations such as golf resorts, beach resorts, and ski resorts is driving the demand for sports tourism products.

The rising trend of online travel bookings is also contributing to the growth of the market. The increasing use of the internet and the development of digital solutions by online travel agencies and tour operators are providing customers with an enhanced online booking experience, thereby driving the market growth. Moreover, the growing demand for digital tickets and the increasing adoption of paperless ticketing systems are also bolstering the market growth.

The availability of various packages and discounts offered by tour operators is also providing a boost to the market. These packages and discounts are helping customers to save money, while they get to experience the thrill of the sports event and explore the destination. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of adventure sports is expected to drive the demand for sports tourism products in the coming years. For instance, in April 2021, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) launched a new Adventure Travel Passport program, allowing travelers to experience a variety of adventure sports activities across the globe.

The rising trend of corporate sports tourism is also driving the growth of the market. Companies are increasingly organizing corporate sports events to develop team spirit and encourage their employees to engage in physical activity. Furthermore, the rising demand for sports-themed cruises is expected to offer lucrative opportunities to the market in the coming years. For instance, in June 2021, Carnival Cruise Line launched its first-ever sports-themed cruise, targeting sports fans across the U.S.

The adventure sports segment held the largest share in the market in 2022. The rising trend of sports tourism among young adults is one of the primary factors driving the demand for adventure sports activities. According to a survey conducted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) in 2020, adventure travel activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and skiing were the top-three activities people have gone on or plan to go on. Furthermore, increasing disposable income and rising trend of experiential travel are also bolstering the adoption of adventure sports activities.

The extreme sports segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. Growing popularity of extreme sports activities, such as base jumping, bungee jumping, and white water rafting are some of the key factors driving the demand for extreme sports tourism. According to a survey conducted by the Extreme Sports Association in February 2021, the majority of participants have gone on extreme sports trips, due to the thrill and adrenaline rush they get out of it. Furthermore, increasing popularity of extreme sports and growing awareness about the benefits of extreme sports activities are some of the major factors driving the growth of the market.

The hotels and resorts segment dominated the market and accounted for over 31.2% of the global market share in 2020. The growth of the segment is mainly driven by the rising number of tourists for sports events. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international tourist arrivals for sports events rose by 5.1% between 2018 and 2019, with an estimated 4.2 million tourists visiting sports events in 2019.

In addition, the rising trend of sports tourism and the growing awareness of health and wellness among tourists is fuelling the demand for sports tourism products. For instance, in 2020, the number of sports tourists increased significantly in countries like China, Australia, and India. Sports tourists in these countries prefer to stay in hotels and resorts offering separate sports facilities to meet their fitness needs.

The online segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 11.9% over the forecast period. The increasing popularity of online platforms for the promotion and sale of sports tourism products is driving the segment’s growth. Online platforms enable the promotion and sale of sports tourism products at competitive prices, thereby attracting a large number of potential customers. In addition, the increasing penetration of smartphones and the availability of low-cost data plans are driving the online segment’s growth.

The leisure segment dominated the market in 2021 and is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rise in the number of people in developed countries opting for sports tourism, as they are willing to pay a premium for the experience. Furthermore, the increasing number of family vacations that include recreational activities such as sports tourism is boosting the demand for leisure sports tourism.

The business segment is expected to expand at a rapid rate over the forecast period. This is mainly due to the increasing use of sports tourism for business purposes such as corporate team building activities and conferences. Moreover, the rising trend of corporate sports events and tournaments is likely to fuel the demand for business sports tourism. Additionally, the rising number of sports-related events such as marathons and adventure sports is also driving the business segment.

The Europe sports tourism market accounted for the largest revenue share of over 34.4% in 2022. This is attributed to the presence of well-developed countries, such as Germany, the U.K., and France, in the region. Rising participation in sports activities, coupled with the availability of modern infrastructure is expected to drive the growth of the market in the region. For instance, the U.K. government has announced a plan to invest £100 million in sports facilities and community projects to encourage physical activity among people across the country.

North America is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. This is because of the rising number of people participating in sports activities in the region. The region is home to various professional sports leagues, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). Moreover, the presence of numerous sports-related events and activities, such as the X Games and the Super Bowl, is expected to attract a large number of tourists from across the globe.

In this section of the business plan, we will provide an overview of the financial projections of the sports tourism products. This will include a detailed breakdown of all income and expense categories of the business. These projections should typically be drafted for a 5-year period.

Revenue Assumptions
The main sources of revenues for this business will come from the sale of sports tourism products to customers. These could include tickets to sporting events, accommodations, transportation, souvenirs, and other related services. Other potential sources of income could come from sponsorship deals or partnerships with hotels, airlines, and other tourism-related businesses.

Projecting Expenses
In this section, all the regular expenses related to the running of the sports tourism business will be outlined. These expenses will include wages, marketing costs, insurance, and other operating costs. Additionally, some of the costs associated with the transportation and accommodation options may need to be factored into the projections as well.

Some of the key companies operating in the sports tourism market are increasingly focusing on product launches and expansion of the distribution channel to gain prominent visibility among consumers. Some of the initiatives are:

– In April 2022, the World Tourism Organization launched a global campaign to promote sports tourism.

– In June 2022, the International Olympic Committee launched a new initiative to promote and support sports tourism in emerging countries.

– In August 2022, the International Football Federation launched a series of campaigns to promote sports tourism in developing countries.

Some of the prominent players in the sports tourism market include:

– World Tourism Organization
– International Olympic Committee
– International Football Federation
– United States Travel Association
– Adventure Travel Trade Association
– European Travel Commission
– International Association of Travel Agents
– International Air Transport Association
– International Association of Sports Tourism Professionals
– Adventure Tour Operators Association

This report forecasts growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global sports tourism products market based on product, type, and region:

1. Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– Sports Equipment
– Sporting Events
– Travel Packages
– Others

2. Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– Group
– Individual

3. Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 – 2030)

– North America
– Europe
– Asia Pacific
– Central & South America
– Middle East & Africa

[Q]: What is the Potential of Product Innovation in Sports Tourism?
[A]: Sports tourism is an evolving industry with a strong potential for product innovation. With the rise of digital technology, sports tourism has seen a surge in the development of digital products, such as mobile apps and websites, that provide innovative ways to engage with sports fans and tourists. Additionally, the development of digital experiences such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) has enabled sports organizations to create more immersive and engaging experiences for fans. These innovations have the potential to drive growth in the sports tourism industry.

[Q]: Who are the Key Players in the Sports Tourism Market?
[A]: Major players in the sports tourism market include Disney, ESPN, Ticketmaster, Fox Sports, IMG, and AEG.

[Q]: Which Regions Offer the Largest Opportunity for Sports Tourism?
[A]: The Asia-Pacific region is expected to present the largest opportunity for sports tourism over the forecast period. This is due to the region’s rapidly rising population and increasing disposable incomes, which are likely to lead to increased spending on sports-related activities.

[Q]: What are the factors driving the sports tourism market?
[A]: Factors driving the growth of the sports tourism market include the increasing popularity of major sporting events, the growth of the e-sports industry, the emergence of new sports activities, and the increasing number of stadiums and arenas in the region. Additionally, the growth of the digital economy is expected to have a positive impact on the industry as it provides more opportunities for sports fans to engage with their favorite teams and athletes.