• THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY: SPORTS TOURISM
Game changer
As sports tourism becomes one of the fastest-growing segments of the global visitor economy, Saudi Arabia is positioning sport as a catalyst for strengthening destinations, stimulating visitor demand and supporting long-term tourism growth
Formula 1 race weekend with a wider cultural itinerary, travellers are organising holidays around the experiences they value most. Sports tourism now accounts for an estimated 10% of global tourism expenditure, with spending projected to more than double over the coming decade. According to Grand View Research, the market is expected to exceed US$1.3 trillion by 2033, driven by changing traveller behaviour and an expanding calendar of international competitions. Around one in four global travellers also expects to take a sports- related trip, with research consistently showing sports tourists stay longer, spend more and are more likely to explore
F or much of the modern travel era, sports tourism was defined by a relatively small calendar of global spectacles. Every four years, major events such as the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, while Formula 1 races, Grand Slam tennis and golf’s major championships generate predictable
peaks in visitor numbers for their host cities. Today, sport has become part of a broader shift towards experience-led travel, with holidaymakers increasingly planning trips around live events, active pursuits and shared experiences. Whether following their favourite football team across Europe, running a marathon overseas or combining a
72 | SPOTLIGHT RIYADH
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator