Stadium goals over staycations? Sports tourism is the new travel flex
Travel isn't just a trend anymore, it's become a lifeline for many. And if you're not travelling yourself, chances are you're scrolling through someone else's feed who just did. One of the hottest trends in travel right now? Sports tourism.Indian fans are no longer content with cheering from their sofas, they're boarding flights and rooting for their players from the stands, IRL. And it's not just about cricket anymore. The passion spills beyond the 22 yards to racetracks and green courts.advertisementFrom solo trips, staycations, and workcations to luxury stays, people are now ready to spend more on travel - be it quick getaways or long luxury escapes.Sofas to stadiums: Rise of sports tourism
The ongoing Formula 1 season and the upcoming Wimbledon 2025 have recently led to a surge in visa queries.Wimbledon 2025, scheduled in London from June 30 to July 13, has sparked a 28 per cent rise in UK visa application queries, according to data by Atlys, a visa processing firm.Meanwhile, Formula 1 is doing more than revving up engines: it's driving tourism and visa queries for countries like Monaco, Italy, Japan, and the UK. Spread across countries, the data shows a rise from 18 to 30 per cent as people plan itineraries not just for the race but for immersive experiences too.
Formula 1 is driving a surge in visa queries and travel. (Photo: AFP)
Beyond stadiums and courtsWhile sport is fuelling more tourism, it's no longer limited to just the day of the event. Most fans are now keen to extend their trips, to explore, unwind, and experience more. According to a survey by Expedia Group, a US-based travel company, 3 in 5 travellers plan detailed itineraries that include destinations beyond the host city.This hints at a major shift in the behavioural patterns of tourists. 'From what we see in visa search trends, sports have become one of the most influential forces shaping global mobility. It's no longer just about attending a match or a race, it's about being part of something bigger, something unforgettable,' says Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys.
Monaco offers a great travel experience for tourists who come for Formula 1 (Photo: Unsplash)
While the trend is gaining serious momentum now, it actually began a little earlier. Ahead of the Paris Olympics in 2024, there was a 60 per cent increase in visa applications from India, along with a 50 per cent rise in sports tourism-related enquiries and a 45 per cent jump in group visa applications.Even during the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, overall bookings to the city rose by nearly 45 per cent.Sports tourism isn't just having its moment, it's having an entire season. 'It represents 10 per cent of global tourism spending and is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Olympics in Italy and Los Angeles, momentum is only picking up,' according to the survey.- EndsMust Watch
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