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In terms of passion and consumption, there are few groups that surpass sports fandom. Sports fans with high loyalty to their favorite sports spend a lot in various ways, including international events and road trips toward the stadium.
As a result, areas that attract sports events are paying attention to them.
According to the World Tourism Organization, sports tourism already accounts for about 10%of global tourism expenditures, and in 2030, its share is expected to increase to 17.5%. In 2024, more than 100 million sports fans visited the stadium nationwide in the United States alone, producing about $ 114 billion in sports tourism.
“It’s not easy to coordinate your trip with your friends, but it’s easier to adjust your schedule with your friends.” He takes a RV car with his friends to watch the Georgia Technology Football Team, which is held throughout the United States. I went to Ireland for the team I support.
“A car trip to see the away game is a chance to explore new cities and campuses, and it’s often more fun than home games because you can talk with your friends and build memories.
According to the Expedia Group’s Sports Tourism Research, about 44%of the world’s sports fans go abroad to enjoy sports events. Especially in the age group of 16-34 years old, the proportion increases to 56%. The general spending of travel for sports is $ 1,500 per person. And three out of five sports fans stay outside the host city, so sports tourism has a big impact on the local economy.
More and more people are traveling to enjoy sports games, including the Olympics, F1 Grand Prix, Super Bowl, and Soccer. We introduce four countries that are expected to achieve great results and attract sports events and actively attract fans.
USA
The United States will co -host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and will hold the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. It is not yet known how the Trump administration’s strengthening of immigration management will affect it, but it is clear that the United States is trying to maximize the charm of international sports events and overseas destinations.
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Los Angeles, which will be held in the United States in the United States, 32 years after the 1996 Atlanta, has already had an infrastructure for sports events. Recently, the LAX/Metro Transit Center has opened the door to connect the airport and two major subway lines to the shuttle. In 2026, automated transportation will also be introduced. In addition to the Olympics, Los Angeles will also hold the US Women’s Open Golf Tournament in 2025, 8 FIFA World Cups in 2027 (including the opening of the US men’s team) and Super Bowl LXI.
Las Vegas is also active in sports. Ten years ago, there was no major professional sports team in Las Vegas, but now the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL) team are making this place. In the future, there will be a major league baseball team. Las Vegas held the F1 Grand Prix in 2023 and plans to attract them every year by at least 2027. In 2024, about 175,000 foreign visitors visited Las Vegas in the F1 Grand Prix in 2024, creating an economic effect of about $ 934 million.
Many of the F1 Grand Prix tourists were the first to visit Las Vegas. “There were a lot of people who didn’t even think about visiting Las Vegas if it weren’t for a sports event,” said Brian Yest, chief operating officer of the Tourism Agency.
The average Las Vegas visitors spend $ 1290 on a single trip, but sports tourists spend an average of $ 1,980. “In addition to purchasing economic tickets, sports tourists include food and beverage, entertainment, games, and hotels.”
Miami in the eastern United States is investing in football. Intermiami CF has recruited Lionel Messi in 2023 and is building a 25,000 -seat Miami Freedom Park with the goal of opening in 2026. The stadium is 131 acres, and it will be equipped with retail stores, parks and plazas, and is expected to generate tax revenues of $ 40 million annually.
Miami will hold seven games, including the 3rd and 4th place in the 2026 World Cup, which will lead to an economic effect of up to 1 million visitors and $ 1 billion.
Spain
Spanish, which says more than 60% of the people as sports fans (especially soccer), is a place where sports fans are continuing thanks to the world’s best sports facilities and international recognition. According to Travel and Tour World, the size of Spain’s sports tourism market is expected to grow more than 13% year -on -year to $ 64 million.
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Spanish blogger Vega Lopez Romero said, “I witnessed how huge football tourism was.”
“Some people come by plane to see El Classico (Rivals of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid twice a year), while others plan a vacation around the game in Camp Nu or Santiago Bernabeu.Madrid and Barcelona have a football as part of the city, and the stadium tour and club Through the museum and the fan zone, you can enjoy the energy even if you don’t see the game.
Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, has been operating sports tourism programs since 2019 and has invested more than 1.4 million euros in marketing and education to support local business.
“Valencia has been a benchmark in the field of sports tourism because Valencia is showing a lot of interest and dedication to travelers and active visitors who enjoy sports.”
“Thanks to this city -level effort, Valencia has become a differentiated destination that understands and satisfies sports fans’ expectations.”
Two major stadiums are currently under construction in Valencia. The Roik Arena, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2025, will be the largest basketball stadium in Spain, and Numetaya is a new 70,000 seat for Valencia CF. Valencia will also hold Moto Grand Prix in 2025 and Gay Game, a 2026 LGBTQ+ sports event.
australia
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Australia is the 2032 Brisbane Olympic host country. To prepare for this, Australia starts an ambitious campaign called ’10 years of green and golden’ and is trying to become a must -see destination for sports fans.
“The last three years, Australia has been the best sports tourist destination for the past three years, and it has been full of rich sights, culture and warm people.” “This month alone, 40,000 British sports fans visited Australia for the British & Ireland Lions Tour.”
Australia’s major sports events include the Ash Cricket Series, where Australia and England are facing, and the men’s and women’s rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2029. In Victoria, Australian Open Tennis and F1 Grand Prix will be held. In the leading Melbourne, Australia’s first NFL match will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium this year.
Victoria’s CEO Brendan McClement said, “Los Angeles Rams has designated Melbourne as a home team, and the NFL game is expected to set the most crowds in the international series.” “Sports are Melbourne and Victorian DNA. It ties the community together, revitalizes the city, and contributes to economic growth through tourism.”
Sydney Marathon, New South Welsh, has recently been upgraded to the Avot World Marathon Major Competition, becoming the same grade as New York, London and Tokyo Marathon. About 35,000 marathoners are expected to participate in the contest in August this year. “The scene where the world -class players cross the Sydney Harbor Bridge through the Opera House finish line will be broadcast live,” said New South Wales, Minister of Tourism.
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South Africa
South Africa has a mild climate, beautiful coastline and rich sports heritage, emerging as a new star in the sports tourism sector. According to the US market research firm Future Market Insight, the sports tourism market in South Africa is expected to grow to $ 10 billion by 2034.
In South Africa, the atmosphere of preparing for the cricket World Cup in 2027 is rising. The national team, Proteas, won the World Test Championship. There are about 400 golf courses throughout South Africa, and golf is also popular, with major competitions such as the ‘Nedbank Golf Challenge’.
In a recent post, South Africa’s CEO Noma Sonto -eun said, “South Africa’s sports culture is not just a matter of numbers or economy, but about people.” “I think sports tourism is a channel for social change, economic growth, and international unity. Sports has the power to empathize with all classes beyond boundaries.”
