The sports industry is at an all-time high, and the world is moving toward global sports.
Sports tourism is the most rapid and happening sector that interests millions of people worldwide and urges them to book their travel.
Did you know that this is the fastest-growing sector in global tourism, with a future projection to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030?
It presents itself as the perfect opportunity for travel companies to take advantage of.
Every event is an opportunity for tour operators and DMCs to promote their businesses. People enjoy watching their favourite sports players or teams live, and this has increased travel bookings and tickets. Fans travel globally to support their favourite team and to have the experience of a lifetime.
Even at home, a lot of sleepless nights are experienced by fans who stay awake to watch the live telecast of the match.
FIFA is the biggest sports event that is advancing in global sports. It is followed by millions of people all around the world and is known for its dedicated fandom.
Some of the major football events are -
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The FIFA World Cup
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UEFA European Championship.
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Copa America.
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AFC Asian Cup.
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The FIFA Club World Cup.
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The Champions League of UEFA
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EUFA Europa League.
It's impossible to not mention the FIFA World Cup while talking about sports.
The beginning of an ERA - FIFA World Cup!
"It's more than just a game" - Every football fan ever!
- The craze and love for football among people have been unbelievable.
- People don't view it or play it as a sport; it's a feeling of Adrenaline rush for them. A haven for its followers—This is how football is defined.
- From this moment on, football has always been more than just a game for people.
- It unites people irrespective of their age, caste or any other difference and brings them together.
- It stirs up a desire for belonging and passion in the hearts of football fans.
- FIFA has played a major role in this development.
- The first FIFA World Cup was held in 1930 when FIFA, the organisation responsible for managing football worldwide, decided to hold an international men's football competition.
- Gradually, more people got to know about it, and it gained popularity.
- Shortly after its peak, people started to pursue it as a profession.
- Travel businesses also relished the success of FIFA as it opened several opportunities for them. In today's time, it is the biggest global sports event.
- Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 this year, and it has elevated its tourism to another level.
- The economic impact of FIFA 2022 is anticipated to be $17 billion for Qatar.
- The event will have a positive economic impact across several industries. will continue the sport's lengthy legacy of being one of the most well-liked athletic contests in the globe by drawing an estimated 1.5 million people to Qatar over the four-week festival.
- Every travel business can do the same.
Let's have a look at -
How can tour operators leverage global sports events?
The craze of football among all age groups doesn't go unnoticed by tour operators and also DMCs hosting global football matches.
To maximise the benefits of any global sports event, you need to understand the mentality and the emotions attached to it. People get emotionally attached to players or matches.
1. Paint a picture for them — Make them visualise how the sport will take place, the environment and vibe, etc.
Let us paint a picture for you so you understand it better!
Example: Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people supporting, cheering, and chanting for your favourite team. The air is charged up with energy and the feeling of excitement is running through your veins. Every stroke of the leg, every kick, is being watched by millions of other people who love, share, and respect your view. Get a chance to experience all of this and much more this year! Book your tour now!
2. You can collaborate with sporting events to become an official travel partner. This way, you can promote the tour better and gain a larger audience.
3. Examine where and how much money your target audience spends on sporting events and create a package accordingly. Push the packages to the websites or digital platforms where your audience will engage with them the most.
4. Tie up with a destination management company or local tour operator where the event is taking place if you are not a DMC. If you are a DMC, capitalise on the opportunity and send out packages to attract travellers.
5. Provide a complete travel package. Create it like an event and lure the customers in for a complete offering and experience. Promote not just the sport but also the place where it’s taking place. You can tell them about the locations that they can visit, adventure activities they can do, etc., while not watching the match.
Remember, selling experience is the key!
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