Al-Amn Magazine

SPORT T TOP CLASS BONANZA Gl oba l sport s touri sm market to reach $1 .8 t ri l l i on by 2030 he global sports tourism market has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, and projections indicate that this upward trend will continue. Valued at $323.42 billion in 2020, the market is expected to reach an impressive $1.8 trillion by 2030, marking a substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1% during the forecast period. The increase in popularity of sporting events, the expansion of venues, and rising spectator engagement are key factors fueling the surge in demand for sports-related tourism. Sports tourism refers to travel that includes either attending or participating in sporting events while away from one’s usual environment. This type of tourism has become an increasingly important segment of the global travel industry, contributing to the economic growth of host regions. Over the last decade, more people have started traveling long distances to attend major sporting events, a trend that is likely to continue as sports enthusiasts seek unique experiences. Key Market Segments The sports tourism market is diverse, encompassing several different types of tourism and catering to a wide array of spectators and participants. There are three main categories of sports tourism: sports event tourism, celebrity and nostalgia sport tourism, and active sport tourism. Sports event tourism involves traveling to a specific location to attend a sporting event, such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or the Super Bowl. As more cities and countries invest in hosting international sporting events, the market for event tourism continues to expand. Celebrity and nostalgia sport tourismcaters to fans who follow high-profile athletes or teams, while active sport tourism encourages travelers to participate in sporting activities, from hiking and cycling to skiing and water sports. In terms of market contribution, football/soccer has proven to be the most popular sport, generating the highest revenue share. The appeal of major football tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League attracts millions of fans globally, contributing significantly to the overall market growth. Regional Market Analysis In terms of geographic reach, Europe has consistently been the top contributor to the global sports tourism market. In 2020, Europe accounted for $119.02 billion, with projections indicating it will grow to $624.08 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 15.7%. Football is also a major driver in the European market, where countries like Spain, Germany, and the UK host some of the world’s most renowned football clubs and tournaments. Other sports, including motorsports and tennis, are also important contributors to the region’s sports tourism revenue. While Europe leads in terms of revenue, other regions are also seeing significant growth. Asia-Pacific, for