More Indians are travelling with the intention of attending global sports events and extending their trip for a more holistic experience, observed outbound specialists.
Monish Shah, founder and CEO, DreamSetGo, a tour agency specialising in sports tourism, said: “Sports tourism in India is on a remarkable upward trajectory, growing at a CAGR of approximately 17.5 per cent, outpacing the overall tourism sector’s 10 per cent. This growth is fuelled by India’s deep-rooted passion for sports and an increasing interest in diverse international sports beyond cricket.”
Indian travellers are willing to spend on travel to attend and/or participate in sports events around the world
Indeed, Indian sports enthusiasts are drawn to football, rugby, golf, badminton and basketball tournaments and competitions.
Thomas Cook (India)’s consumer data trends for 2024 highlights growing demand for big-ticket global sporting events like the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, Wimbledon Championships, the Olympics, and Formula 1 races in various parts of the world.
Rajeev Kale, president & country head, holidays, MICE, visa at Thomas Cook (India), told TTG Asia that these sporting events influence travel decisions, with 23 per cent of consumers taking them into account while choosing destinations.
Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel, observed a 20 to 35 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for sports tourism among his Indian clientele. Interest stems from various demographics, including young professionals and corporate groups, who view these events as opportunities for fun and networking.
DreamSetGo’s Shah has seen “significant demand” from corporate clients. The corporate hospitality programme at major sporting events often include meet-and-greet experiences with sports legends and other exclusive activities.
Indians travelling for sports are willing to splurge, with many opting for VIP boxes as well as premium hospitality packages and experiences.
Thomas Cook (India)’s Kale told TTG Asia that one of the firm’s premium programmes for the Olympics is priced around US$13,103 per person for a group of 50.
As the Official Travel Partner for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, DreamSetGo offers an exclusive package that includes a private meet-and-greet with Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion and World champion for the Men’s Javelin Throw event. The priciest package that takes clients to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics is priced from US$1,192 to US$14,295 per person.
SOTC Travel’s D’Souza said Indians are not only keen on being spectators. Many are travelling abroad to participate in events like marathons and adventure, reflecting the growing shift towards experiential travel preferences.
More Indians are travelling with the intention of attending global sports events and extending their trip for a more holistic experience, observed outbound specialists.
Monish Shah, founder and CEO, DreamSetGo, a tour agency specialising in sports tourism, said: “Sports tourism in India is on a remarkable upward trajectory, growing at a CAGR of approximately 17.5 per cent, outpacing the overall tourism sector’s 10 per cent. This growth is fuelled by India’s deep-rooted passion for sports and an increasing interest in diverse international sports beyond cricket.”
Indeed, Indian sports enthusiasts are drawn to football, rugby, golf, badminton and basketball tournaments and competitions.
Thomas Cook (India)’s consumer data trends for 2024 highlights growing demand for big-ticket global sporting events like the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, Wimbledon Championships, the Olympics, and Formula 1 races in various parts of the world.
Rajeev Kale, president & country head, holidays, MICE, visa at Thomas Cook (India), told TTG Asia that these sporting events influence travel decisions, with 23 per cent of consumers taking them into account while choosing destinations.
Daniel D’Souza, president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel, observed a 20 to 35 per cent year-on-year increase in demand for sports tourism among his Indian clientele. Interest stems from various demographics, including young professionals and corporate groups, who view these events as opportunities for fun and networking.
DreamSetGo’s Shah has seen “significant demand” from corporate clients. The corporate hospitality programme at major sporting events often include meet-and-greet experiences with sports legends and other exclusive activities.
Indians travelling for sports are willing to splurge, with many opting for VIP boxes as well as premium hospitality packages and experiences.
Thomas Cook (India)’s Kale told TTG Asia that one of the firm’s premium programmes for the Olympics is priced around US$13,103 per person for a group of 50.
As the Official Travel Partner for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, DreamSetGo offers an exclusive package that includes a private meet-and-greet with Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic champion and World champion for the Men’s Javelin Throw event. The priciest package that takes clients to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics is priced from US$1,192 to US$14,295 per person.
SOTC Travel’s D’Souza said Indians are not only keen on being spectators. Many are travelling abroad to participate in events like marathons and adventure, reflecting the growing shift towards experiential travel preferences.