News Summary
The rise of lifestyle sports such as running, pickleball, tennis, and golf is transforming travel trends, as travelers incorporate sports into their vacations. The demand has prompted destinations and hotels to adapt by offering sports activities and enhancing amenities. The phenomenon is leading to a significant increase in sports tourism, with a projected 10% contribution to total tourism. As families engage in sports together, hotels are required to cater to these needs, supporting economic growth through sports-related events and offerings.
City: New York – A significant shift is occurring in travel trends as lifestyle sports such as running, pickleball, tennis, and golf influence how and where people vacation. Today’s travelers are not just packing swimwear; they’re bringing along sneakers, paddles, and other sports gear that reflects their active lifestyles. This trend has given rise to the term “cultural athlete,” indicating that sports have evolved from mere exercise to an integral part of personal identity and social connection.
In response to this demand, travel destinations and hotels are adapting their offerings. Destinations are now integrating sports activities, including races, trails, and courts, into their tourism strategies. For instance, major marathons, like the prominent “Big Six” (Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo), attract thousands of participants while significantly boosting local economies. Moreover, there is a growing interest in smaller, scenic races, with locations like Big Sur and Reykjavik experiencing increased participation.
Hotels are also reimagining their amenities to cater to the needs of active travelers. Traditional gyms are no longer sufficient; hotels are enhancing wellness experiences and providing enriched programming. For example, Westin Hotels have initiated their Move Well program, curating local routes for guests to explore while staying fit. This move aligns with a broader trend, as run clubs see a notable 59% global increase in participation, encouraging fitness as a social activity.
The appeal of lifestyle sports is evident in the statistics surrounding various sports. The popularity of pickleball has surged, with nearly 20 million Americans participating in 2024, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. The annual Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples witnessed over 55,000 fans and 3,450 players flocking to the event, emphasizing this sport’s growing fan base. Hotels like Sandals Resorts are responding by enhancing their facilities to include upgraded pickleball courts and coaching options.
Tennis participation in the U.S. has reached record levels, with 25.7 million players engaging in the sport in 2024. Notably, this demographic is becoming younger and more diverse. Modern tennis clubs are now combining luxury amenities with engaging social programming to attract new players. Hotels are taking advantage of major tennis events, evidenced by the specialized packages offered at venues like Egerton House Hotel during Wimbledon.
Golf is also undergoing a transformation to appeal to a broader audience. Currently, 57% of golfers are under the age of 50, with an increase in female youth participation. Venues like Topgolf are providing accessible, off-course gameplay that has amplified the sport’s popularity among younger crowds. High-profile events, such as the WM Phoenix Open, demonstrate golf’s evolution into a more engaging and entertaining experience, while LIV Golf attracts a significant number of attendees, with 30% being first-time participants.
Overall, sports tourism is expected to undergo substantial growth, with this sector anticipated to account for 10% of total tourism. This surge is creating economic impacts not only in larger cities but also in smaller markets that host youth tournaments and events. Many hotels are proactively responding by hosting sports-related activities, partnering with local organizations, and addressing the specific needs of traveling athletes.
The rise of family-oriented sports travel is another trend gaining momentum. As more families engage in sports activities together, hotels are increasingly required to provide practical amenities and facilities that cater to both young athletes and their families. Destinations recognize the value of sports tourism as a powerful tool to enhance their economic profiles and drive visitor spending during major events.
With the ongoing evolution of lifestyle sports and their influence on travel, the industry is witnessing a transformation that affects both tourists and service providers alike.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, 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 state 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
