News Summary
Travel patterns are changing as lifestyle sports like running, pickleball, tennis, and golf drive destination selections and hotel offerings. Modern travelers prioritize athletic experiences, leading to a rise in sports tourism. Hotels are adapting by enhancing wellness offerings, while curated experiences centered around running and increased participation in sports such as pickleball and tennis showcase the industry’s growth. Destinations are investing in infrastructure and sports-centric attractions to cater to active families and travelers, influencing the future landscape of tourism.
New York City, NY — Changing Travel Trends Driven by Lifestyle Sports
Travel patterns are evolving as lifestyle sports such as running, pickleball, tennis, and golf increasingly influence destination choices and hotel offerings. These shifts reflect a broader movement where sports are no longer solely fitness activities but also powerful tools for social connection, identity expression, and cultural engagement.
Active Travel Becomes the Norm
Modern travelers are packing their sneakers, paddles, and golf clubs, often prioritizing athletic experiences when planning trips. Races, trails, and sports courts are now core components of tourism strategies across diverse destinations. Major urban hubs and scenic locales are integrating these elements to attract active-minded visitors, fueling a new segment of sports tourism.
Hotels Reimagine Wellness Offerings
Hotels are adapting by expanding wellness amenities beyond traditional gyms. Many properties now feature dedicated programs like the Move Well initiative at Westin Hotels, which includes curated local running routes and fitness experiences designed for active guests. These enhancements aim to cater to travelers seeking immersive, healthy lifestyles during their stays.
Runners and Sports Enthusiasts Drive Growth
Participation in running events globally is on the rise, with run clubs experiencing a 59% increase in membership worldwide. Location remains the most influential factor in race selection, with iconic marathons such as Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo consistently drawing large numbers of runners, boosting local economies significantly. Additionally, scenic races at smaller destinations like Big Sur and Reykjavik are gaining popularity, attracting more participants each year.
Emergence of Curated Running Experiences
Curated travel experiences centered around running, offered by companies like Contiki and Runcation Travel, are gaining traction. These tours provide athletes with tailored routes and community-focused events, promoting social engagement beyond the race itself.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
The sport of pickleball has seen explosive growth, with nearly 20 million Americans participating in 2024—an increase of 46% from the previous year. Major tournaments, including the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships held in Naples, drew over 55,000 fans and 3,450 players from various locations. Hospitality providers such as Sandals Resorts are expanding pickleball facilities across their properties, upgrading courts and adding coaching services to meet demand.
Tennis Enthusiasm Expands
In 2024, tennis participation in the United States reached a record high of 25.7 million players, with age demographics shifting toward younger and more diverse populations. Modern tennis clubs are offering luxurious amenities combined with social programming to attract new players. Hotels are also capitalizing on major tennis events like Wimbledon by creating similar exclusive packages, often including accommodations and exclusive experiences.
Golf’s Inclusive Transformation
Golf is becoming more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, with 57% of golfers now under 50. Female participation among youth is rising, and off-course venues such as Topgolf are attracting younger players through casual, social environments. High-profile tournaments like the WM Phoenix Open have seen strong spectator engagement, reflecting golf’s shift toward entertainment and social interaction. LIV Golf’s innovative approach has also contributed to engaging first-time attendees, with 30% of event spectators being newcomers to the sport.
Economic and Sector Growth
Sports tourism’s economic impact is expanding, currently accounting for approximately 10% of overall tourism activity. Major cities and smaller markets hosting youth tournaments or significant sporting events have experienced increased visitor spending and local economic benefits. Hotels are responding by hosting sports-related events, forming local partnerships, and providing tailored services for traveling athletes and their families.
Family-Oriented Sports Travel
Family participation in sports travel is on the rise, prompting hotels and destinations to develop family-friendly amenities and practical services for young travelers. This growth supports a comprehensive approach to sports tourism, fostering multi-generation travel experiences centered around active pursuits.
Destinations Capitalize on Sports Tourism Opportunities
Destinations are leveraging sporting events to boost their profiles and economies, with many investing in infrastructure, event hosting, and sports-centric attractions. Through these efforts, regions aim to attract a diverse range of travelers seeking active, engaging, and family-friendly experiences, shaping the future landscape of travel and tourism.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Tourism News: Ultimate Travel Bucket List
- Wikipedia: Sports tourism
- National Geographic: Why Sports Tourism Is on the Rise
- Forbes Travel Guide: Why Sports Tourism Is Winning Right Now
- BBC Travel: Four Countries Welcoming Sports Fans
- Google Search: Sports Tourism Trends
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
