United States, Spain, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of a rapidly growing trend in global tourism: sports tourism. With the market projected to double in value, from $1.2 trillion in 2024 to $2.4 trillion by 2030, these countries are seeing a surge in both inbound and outbound sports tourism. Airlines, such as Delta, Southwest, and United, are expanding their international routes to meet the demand, offering more direct flights to major sporting events. At the same time, the hospitality industry is booming, with hotels rolling out tailored services and exclusive packages for sports enthusiasts. As more travelers seek to combine their love of sport with their passion for exploration, the intersection of sports and travel continues to reshape the tourism landscape, bringing significant economic benefits to these countries and enhancing the overall travel experience for tourists.

U.S. Airlines Expand Routes as Sports Tourism is Anticipated to Reach $2.4 Trillion by 2030

The world of travel is changing and so is the impact of sports tourism on that change. Currently valued at $1.2 Trillion, the sports tourism market is projected to double by 2030, further reaching the $2.4 Trillion mark. This change is positively impacting global cross-border travel, and growth is also expected in the airline and hospitality industry. Due to the strategic growth of route options within the airline industry as well as expanding hospitality services, sports lovers will be more able to travel to more destinations, with an expected improvement in services provided.

U.S. Airlines Expand Routes in Response to Sports Tourism

The last couple of years have seen a rise in the sports tourism demand, and with that, an increasing supply from the airline industries. As predicted, the sports tourism market will reach unprecedented growth, and airlines in the United States have begun expanding their flight offerings in order to meet the demand.

Delta Airlines has increased its number of international flights and connectivity on routes between the United States and primary sports market destinations worldwide. The airline has begun servicing routes to Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai, which corresponds to the international travel demand expected on such routes during prestigious sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, and Formula One Grand Prix. The newly added routes lessen the travel burden on sports tourists and increase the number of travel alternatives and the connectivity of travel routes.

On the other end of the service spectrum, budget-oriented Southwest Airlines is also expanding its international reach as part of the expected expansion of the airline to support the increased demand in sports tourism. Southwest Airlines service additions focus on the needs of sports tourists seeking cost-efficient travel as the airline increases the number of international flights to connect more United States locations to Europe and Latin America.

United Airlines has expanded its international flights as part of the airline’s planned growth to the international sporting tournament destinations of London, Sydney, and Tokyo. The increase in flights is in line with the increased demand expected in international sporting events travel. The increase in planned flights is coupled with the offering of a sports tourism package, which helps to ease travel for corporate, fan, and sporting teams’ groups.

Most tourists also look for specific flight details. Delta Airlines, for example, has direct flights to Paris, a destination for sports tourists traveling for the 2024 Summer Olympics with an approximate flight time of 7 hours 40 minutes, coming from New York. American Airlines also has non-stop flights to London from Chicago, providing easy access to tourists for the events at Wimbledon, also during the summer.

These airline companies monitor the increase in the number of flights with the enhancement of customer experience especially at the premium economy class section, which offers personalized services for the sports tourists. They collaborate with organizers of the sporting events to provide packaged services that offer seamless transfers to the customers for the bigger sporting events.

Growth in Sports Tourism Is Beneficial for the Hospitality Sector

The growth of sports tourism also positively impacts the hospitality sector. Hotels and hospitality businesses, especially those positioned close to major sporting facilities, are also reaping the benefits of the increase in sports tourists.

Take the increase in hotels in Paris, which is preparing for the incredible number of visitors expected during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Big chains like Marriott International have begun increasing their packages and offerings designed for the clientele expected during the Olympics. The combination of the Paris 2024 Olympics and the *UEFA Champions League Finals is projected to generate in excess of 11 million visitors to the city, according to the French Ministry of Tourism.

In the U.S. the response of the hospitality industry to the expected increase in sports tourism is notable. Hotels near sports arenas and stadiums are seeing a rise in their bookings, especially in the lead up to major events, like Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas or the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Las Vegas, in particular, is seeing the expected increase in sports tourism rewarded with hotel bookings increasing by 20% in the last year.

Hilton, Accor, and Marriott have begun offering specific sports tourism packages, including hotel accommodations, shuttle services, and fan perks during sports events. These packages simplify the sports tourism experience, from touchdown to departure. These tourism packages include perks that make the entire experience easier and more enjoyable.

Hotels are also enhancing their services with sports themed rooms, custom viewing packages that include tickets to exclusive sporting events. For example, some hotels are now offering packages for the Formula 1 Grand Prix that include VIP tickets and special access to behind the scenes events.

Growth of Sports Tourism and Its Impact on Travel Behavior

A global increase in sports tourism is affecting travelers’ destination choice and trip planning. For example, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to increase tourism in the New Jersey and New York area by $3.3 billion. Sporting events have global popularity, which is prompting more travelers to adjust their schedules during international tournaments, leagues, and other competitions.

The current climate provides even more reasons for airlines and hotels to broaden the scope of their offerings. Airlines and hotels provide sports-related travel packages, thus making it possible for sports fans to indulge in their other passion—travel. There is an increasing interest in sports-themed tours, where tourists get to see crucial sports sites, participate in live sporting events, and experience the local culture of the destination.

Consider the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Demand for sports tourism will be very prominent. French hotels are offering guided stadium tours as part of their Olympic packages, along with stadium tour guides, Olympic memorabilia, and tickets to the opening and prime championship events. Paris is expecting millions of sports fans. The city’s transportation branch, which includes the airlines, and hospitality services are expecting a very positive revenue growth.

Travel Tips for Sports Tourists

1. Book Flights Early: The growth of sports tourism means that flights to Paris, London, and Tokyo, as well as other major sporting event destinations, will be fully booked well in advance. Ensure you book your flights as early as possible so you can get your preferred travel dates and the lowest available price.
2. Choose Sports-Friendly Hotels: Some hotels provide special packages for sports enthusiasts, including shuttle bus services to sports facilities, VIP tickets, and themed rooms. Many hotels that are located close to the stadiums or event venues provide deals that improve the convenience of your stay.
3. Consider Travel Insurance: Risks like flight cancellations or delays are involved when traveling for a large sporting event. Ensure that the travel insurance you buy that covers your flight, accommodation, and event tickets, is comprehensive.
4. Look for Group Discounts: If you are going to a big event with a team or friends, you may want to book group packages. These can provide considerable savings, as many airlines and hotels offer bulk booking discounts.
5. Explore More Than Just the Event: By all means, the sporting event may be your primary reason for traveling, but be sure to appreciate the local culture and local attractions as well. Sports tourism is much more than watching a game; it involves engaging fully with the destination.
6. Know the Event Schedules: Major sporting events are often tightly programmed, so be sure to check the timing for the key events, matches and opening ceremonies. This will assist you in arranging your flights and accommodations.

Flight Options for Sports Tourists

Investing in sports tourism has become standard practice in the airline industry. This translates to easier group bookings, premium seating, and various package deals for airline customers attending sporting events. Here are some suggestions to help you book a flight for your sports tourism activities:

• American Airlines: It has one of the most extensive airline networks, and offers flights to most sports tourism destinations around the globe. For example, American Airlines offers 7-hour non-stop flights to London, which allows you to attend events like the Premier League and Wimbledon in the Summer.
• Delta Airlines: Delta is a top airline for sports tourism and offers non-stop flights to important sporting destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney. For sports teams and organizations traveling together, Delta has special group rate offers.
• Southwest Airlines: Budget-conscious sports tourism travelers can rely on Southwest to various sporting destinations for both international and domestic tourism. They are a popular airline with no-frills airline services due to their competitive pricing.
• United Airlines: United Airlines has made a name for itself convenient flights to major sporting events which, includes the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. United Airlines also offers flights with easy transitions to international centers.

The United States, Spain, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge as sports tourism rapidly grows, projected to double from $1.2 trillion in 2024 to $2.4 trillion by 2030. Airlines and the hospitality industry are expanding services to cater to the rising demand from sports travelers.

The Future of Sports Tourism

The value of the global sports tourism market is likely to continue increasing in value to about two trillion dollars by the year 2030. The expansion of airline routes and the development of new marketing strategies by the accommodation sector will lead to new opportunities for travelers. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and 2026 FIFA World Cup will offer sporting tourists new opportunities, in addition to the many local sporting events around the world. Sports tourists will have many opportunities to engage in the world of sports tourism.

The expansion of airline routes and tailored hospitality packages, along with the expectations of the U.S, France, and Japan to receive millions of sports tourists all points to a brighter future in sports tourism. The world is increasingly offering more opportunities for sports tourists.