Exploring the rise of sports tourism in India: The journey beyond the game
The Hindu
Indian sports tourism is surging, with many heading to the Paris Olympics for a blend of athletic thrills and cultural experiences
In Alain de Botton’s contemplative exploration of travel, The Art of Travel, he posits that our journeys extend beyond mere physical movement. Travel, according to de Botton, is an opportunity to encounter unfamiliar landscapes, both external and internal. It allows us to escape the mundane and engage with the extraordinary.
Now, consider sports tourism, a burgeoning global trend where people traverse borders to witness iconic sporting events. The global sports tourism market size, valued at $323 million (₹2,697 crores) in 2020, is projected to reach $1.8 billion (₹15,046 crores) by 2030. By de Botton’s words, these travellers are not merely chasing scores or cheering for their favourite teams; they are also on a quest for meaning. The roar of a stadium crowd becomes a universal language, transcending linguistic barriers. The adrenaline rush of a last-minute goal or a photo finish connects them to a collective human experience.
Sports tourism is growing in India, too.
Azerbaijan Tourism’s CEO, Florian Sengstschmid, reports a notable rise in Indian tourists to Azerbaijan in 2024’s first half, with 118,985 arrivals, up from 47,670 in 2023, partly due to the Baku F1 Grand Prix. Similarly, the American Express Global Travel Trends report highlights an increasing trend of Indian sports fans, especially F1 fans, planning to visit Singapore, with 29% intending to travel more for sports events and 30% specifically for F1.
Also read: A career in Travel and Tourism
“The Singapore race experience extends beyond the circuit,” says Renjie Wong, area director, Singapore Tourism Board. “People can enjoy 10 days of race-themed festivities, nightlife, entertainment, retail, dining, and attractions across the city, from Kampong Gelam to the Civic District.”
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series 2024-2025 is expected to boost Indian travel interest to Australia. According to Cricket Australia, ticket sales from India are six times higher than last year and 10 times higher than the 2018/19 edition, when India scripted a historic series win.
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