Sports Tourism Market Report 2026

The sports tourism market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $645.76 billion in 2025 to $717.22 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in international sports events, rising disposable income for travel, expansion of global sporting leagues, increasing availability of sports tourism packages, improved transportation connectivity.

The sports tourism market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.08 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in sports infrastructure, rising demand for immersive fan experiences, expansion of eco-friendly tourism initiatives, growing adoption of online booking platforms, increasing promotion of niche sports tourism segments. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing popularity of destination-based sporting events, rising demand for experiential and adventure sports travel, growing integration of digital booking platforms, expansion of sports heritage and nostalgia tourism, enhanced focus on sustainable sports travel.

The growing number of young players is expected to drive the expansion of the Sports Tourism market in the coming years. Young players are typically children and adolescents who participate in organized sports at school, community, or club levels. The increase in young players is fueled by improved access to organized sports programs and greater awareness of the physical and social benefits of athletic participation, encouraging more youth to compete. Sports tourism supports this trend by promoting travel for youth tournaments, interscholastic competitions, and training events, attracting families, teams, and spectators to various destinations. For example, in September 2024, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), a US-based nonprofit association, high school sports participation in the 2023-24 school year reached 8,062,302 students, an increase of 210,469 compared with the 2022-23 school year, marking the first time participation exceeded eight million. Therefore, the rising number of young players is contributing to the growth of the Sports Tourism market.

Major players in the sports tourism market are concentrating on developing advanced solutions such as dynamic real-time index scoring to improve decision-making and event management. Dynamic real-time index scoring involves continuously assessing and updating scores or ratings for destinations, events, and facilities based on live data. This system helps stakeholders make informed decisions and quickly adapt to changing conditions. For example, in June 2024, Tempest, a US-based provider of software, websites, and digital marketing solutions, introduced Sports Tourism Index 2.0. This upgraded platform is designed to enhance the capabilities of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and sports event rights holders. It features improved event search functionalities with predictive capabilities, dynamic real-time index scoring, and comprehensive management tools for facilities and user teams. Additionally, it provides on-demand reporting and advanced matchmaking features to better align events with appropriate facilities.

In May 2024, Sports Tours International, a UK-based sports travel company, acquired Destination Marathons LLC for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables Sports Tours International to broaden its reach and offer a wider range of running events and destinations to American runners. Destination Marathons LLC, a US-based travel company, specializes in providing comprehensive travel packages for runners participating in marathons around the world.

Major companies operating in the sports tourism market are KNT CT Holdings, IMG Travel, Thomas Cook India Ltd., International Sports Management Inc., Teamlink Travel, Match Hospitality AG, QuintEvents LLC, Sports Tours International Ltd., Sportsnet Corp. Pty Ltd., JTB India Pvt. Ltd., Fanatic Sports Pvt. Ltd., Event Travel Management, Sports Travel and Hospitality Group Ltd., Travel And Sport, Veda Sports Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Victory Sports Tours, BAC Sports Ltd., DTB Sports Management Ltd, Premiership Experience, Global Sports Travel and Tours Pty Ltd., Sports Travel Group, ITC Travel Group, Hospitality Group.

Europe was the largest region in the sports tourism market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sports tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sports tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sports tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as tickets to sports events and matches, event management, travel insurance, and cultural and recreational services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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