Sports-tripping enters a league of its own

More Brits are travelling abroad to take part in such events

Brits love travelling to take part in sporting events so much that one in six (16%) admit they’d be willing to travel thousands of miles to do so, according to a survey by Hyatt. 

This growing trend, dubbed Sports-tripping, sees people combine their love of taking part in sport with ticking off bucket list destinations.

The survey also reveals that typically people plan to take part in five sporting events in the next 12 months, with two in five saying this is more than previous years. 

Football tournaments (48%), cycling races (20%), and swimming competitions (18%) topped the list of our favourite events. 

More than a quarter of people are planning to turn their marathon race calendars into travel itineraries, while almost one in 10 say they’ll be taking part in a body building competition.

The key motivations driving the Sports-tripping trend include a sense of fulfilment and adrenaline rush (37%), a motivation ‘to get fit’ (35%) and mingling with other fans of our chosen sport (22%).

Meanwhile, a quarter like participating in sporting events because it allows them to spend quality time with family and friends – which is likely why almost three in five (57%) Sports-trippers travel with their friend group. 

In fact, Brits often take a 14-strong entourage on their Sports-tripping adventures! Bringing along partners and children (52%) and wider family (22%) is also typical, though 14% travel with their work colleagues.

With sports increasingly becoming a major source of travel inspiration, Sports-trippers use these events as an excuse to visit a destination they’ve already visited and loved (15%) or to explore a new destination on their bucket list (15%). 

In fact, one in six Brits (16%) would even plan a holiday around a sporting event they’re taking part in. And when it comes to somewhere to stay, hotel accommodation plays an important role in the trip. Sports-trippers value the ease of getting to the sports venue (57%) and a central location (43%) the most. 

One in four (22%) want on-site sports facilities to work-out and stretch their muscles, while one in five (19%) always look out for a spa for some well-earned relaxation post the event.

As more travellers with a passion for sport seek to watch or take part in sporting adventures around the world, Hyatt is well-positioned to cater to this demand. 

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure complete with padel, surfing and fishing in Morocco, golf in Mijas, or supporting one of the world’s most decorated football clubs in Barcelona, there is a diverse range of properties for every type of Sports-tripper. 

For those looking to relax, recover and unwind, enjoy an afternoon of yoga in Lanzarote or indulge in a post-competition Balinese massage in Oman.

“Travel that positively impacts travellers’ mental, emotional and physical health has been on the rise for a couple of years, and the demand for sport-focused travel feeds directly into this trend as a brilliant way to combine travelling the world with your interests,” said TJ Abrams, VP of Global Wellbeing, Hyatt. 

“Not only are these races and tournaments inspiring travellers to discover new places, but the events are also fitting into their itineraries between sightseeing, restaurants and relaxation.”