With a busy calendar of major tennis, soccer, golf and motorsport events ahead, sports travel in 2019 is poised to grow compared with previous years, according to luxury tour operator Roadtrips. The company attributes that growth to a mix of compelling venues and attractive host destinations.
“Sports are a major driver in the global travel industry,” said David Guenther, president of Roadtrips. “Over the past 25 years we’ve seen the sports travel sector expand as elite venues and marquee events become powerful travel draws. When you pair a standout event with an appealing destination, interest and bookings naturally increase.”
The peak season for sports travel runs through spring and summer, when fans flock to high-profile events such as the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the U.S. Open Golf Tournament, the UEFA Champions League Final, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Monaco Grand Prix. These occasions combine world-class competition with iconic settings, encouraging travelers to plan extended stays that include local culture, dining and sightseeing.
Travelers seeking a premium experience often prioritize packaged itineraries that handle logistics from tickets and hospitality to transportation and accommodations. Luxury operators like Roadtrips say their role is to curate seamless journeys that let guests focus on the event while enjoying comfortable, well-organized travel. That full-service approach appeals to both longtime sports fans and those celebrating special occasions.
Beyond the headline events, secondary tournaments and regional fixtures also contribute to a vibrant sports travel market. Timing, accessibility and the appeal of a destination all influence demand: a city that offers convenient transport links, a strong hospitality scene and cultural attractions tends to draw more visitors for a single event or a multi-stop tour.
Organizers and host cities recognize the economic and promotional benefits that come with staging major sports events, which helps sustain investment in venues and hospitality. As a result, travelers can expect continued innovation in event presentation, VIP experiences and hospitality packages that enhance the travel experience.
For fans planning trips, experts recommend booking early for peak events, considering package options to simplify travel arrangements, and allowing extra time to enjoy the host destination beyond the competition itself. With an abundance of world-class events on the calendar, sports travel in 2019 offers a variety of ways to combine top-level competition with memorable travel experiences.