Sports Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry. Valued at $500 – $700 billion, this niche market makes up approximately 10% of global tourism spending. And according to Grand View Research, this figure is projected to grow at a rate of 17.5% between now and 2030.
What is the catalyst for Sport Tourism?
Increasingly, tourists are incorporating sport-related activities into their itineraries. In fact, it’s the largest entertainment industry in the world, with the most-watched sports across the globe, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, rugby, cricket, and soccer.
But why? What is it about watching a ball get across a line, or cars racing around a track at breakneck speed, that is such an enigma? Maybe it’s the pull of community in a world where this is increasingly rare. Sports teams give us clear groups to belong to. So much so that you can intensely dislike someone wearing the wrong jersey at a game and strategise together around a boardroom table at work the next day.
Why the market is growing
Sport and Tourism are two driving forces for the promotion and sustainable economic development of tourism destinations. Mega sports events like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup have accelerated social, economic, and environmental development, leaving a long-lasting positive legacy.
For example, the 2024 Paris Games generated in the region of €10 billion, including infrastructure, event operations, and knock-on tourism effects. Similarly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar generated an estimated US$2.3–4.1 billion, about 0.7–1.0% of Qatar’s GDP for that year.
Today’s travellers want to experience the uniqueness of their destination beyond the boardroom. They want to connect to authentic experiences, and attending sports events is the ultimate travel experience. Imagine being in London for a board meeting and, instead of rushing home, getting to witness the last competitive tour match of the Federer-Nadal rivalry at Wimbledon. Or watch Manchester United win a match at Old Trafford. These are the moments that change routine business trips into lifelong memories. And that’s where the Rennies BCD Travel sports division makes the difference.
Our Sports Travel Division was created to meet that global demand, providing a one-stop service for fans, teams, and corporate groups that combines ticketing, travel logistics, hospitality and bespoke experiences.
How the Rennies BCD Sports Division delivers match-day travel
The global figures show not just the scale, but the growing need to provide integrated booking, secure ticket procurement, and on-the-ground hospitality services to meet the corporate and sports crossover. Here’s how we help you:
- Curates sports packages that include flights, accommodation, match tickets, local transportation, and curated local experiences (e.g., stadium tours, meet-and-greet opportunities).
- Group & corporate expertise: bespoke programmes for corporate clients, including team-building and incentive travel.
- Logistics management: visa assistance, ticket authenticity guarantees, travel insurance, and local ground support for travellers.
- Sustainability and accessibility: carbon offset options, accessible travel support, and local community partnerships that align with destination expectations.
Find out more about our services on our sports travel site: https://www.renniesbcdtravelsa.com/bcd-sports/ and subscribe to our Rennies BCD Sports Newsletter for insider news, upcoming events, and tailored travel packages.
The Sports Division represents more than a service expansion; it’s a philosophical shift toward recognising that the best business travel experiences seamlessly blend professional success with personal fulfillment. In an era where work-life integration has replaced work-life balance, this approach resonates powerfully with modern travellers.
For business travellers who have ever found themselves overseas during a major sporting event, wondering “what if,” the answer is now clear. With the Sports Division’s expertise, that next business trip might just become the adventure of a lifetime. After all, in the world of travel, the game is changing, and Rennies BCD Travel is ready to tailor your next match-day experience.