Sports tourism in India is on the rise, with the market expected to be valued at nearly $53 billion by 2033 according to a report released by Future Market Insights. Major sporting events such as the cricket T20 World Cup, Wimbledon, and the 2024 Olympics are gaining popularity among Indian travelers. As the spending power of Indian tourists is increasing, there is a growing interest in experiencing these events live.
Online travel companies are reporting a surge in demand for big-ticket global sporting events among Indian travelers. Thomas Cook (India) Limited has seen a 40% increase in inquiries for events such as the cricket World Cup, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and F1. These events are becoming influential factors in travel decision-making, with 23% of consumers considering them when choosing a destination. There is a clear display of spending appetite for sporting extravaganzas among Indian tourists.
SOTC Travel has noted a 20-35% increase in demand for sports tourism in India. Live attendance at major sporting events is considered an exciting and desirable experience by Indian travelers. The market was previously niche but is now attracting a wider audience, including high net worth individuals, families, and young Indians across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Indians are also dominating overseas ticket purchases for events such as cricket, Wimbledon, Australian Open, and football.
Booking.com’s Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia shared that Indian sports fans are traveling internationally to attend their favorite sporting events. According to their travel trends for 2024, 73% of Indian travelers are planning to attend sporting events abroad. London, Paris, and New York are among the top 10 most searched destinations by Indians, corresponding with events like Wimbledon Championships, Paris 2024 Olympics, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup respectively.
TBO Tek, a travel distribution platform, reported a 35% increase in net profit and a 31% growth in revenue for fiscal 2024. The company is focusing on global market development, strengthening its supply, and platform innovation. They recently launched their IPO and experienced a strong debut on the Indian stock exchanges. TBO Tek plans to use its IPO funds for strategic acquisitions and investments, highlighting their commitment to growth and expansion in the travel industry.
Radisson Hotel Group signed its first hotel in Bihar, the 120-key Radisson Hotel Patna, expected to open in 2026. The company is strategically focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions for growth across its brands. Radisson recently introduced its luxury lifestyle brand, Radisson Collection, in India. This move reflects the growing economic prosperity in India and the increasing demand for luxury lifestyle experiences. Royal Orchid Hotels reported a 12% increase in total income for fiscal 2024 and a marginal increase in profit after tax. The company is gearing up for the next financial year with plans to add 30-35 new properties with about 2,000 rooms to expand across India.
