The Spanish sports tourism market is estimated to reach USD 18,135.6 million in 2024. As per the analysis, sales are forecast to increase at a robust 13.5% CAGR during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034 and it is projected to reach USD 64,341.3 million by the end of 2034. Total sales in Spain’s sports tourism market contribute around 5% share to the global sports tourism market.
Spain has successfully positioned itself in the sports tourism market due to its ability to offer a pleasant climate, varied territory, and excellent amenities. It draws millions of tourists each year for super events such as football especially the La Liga, tennis tours like the Madrid Open and even the annual Barcelona Marathon. Other exciting activities include golfing, cycling, and water sports – areas that take advantage of the country’s terrain.
Both public subsidies in sports and major international events as well as sports facilities help to promote Spain as a sports tourism country. Given more attention to sustainable practices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sports tourists’ potential is expanding with a focus on Spain’s unique cultural, culinary, and historical offer.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Spain Sports Tourism Market Size (2023A) | USD 15,838.9 Million |
| Estimated Spain Sports Tourism Market Size (2024E) | ~USD 18,135.6 Million |
| Projected Market Valuation (2034F) | ~USD 64,341.3 Million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | ~13.5% |
| Collective Value Share: Top 5 Companies (2023A) | ~3% to 6% |
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From 2019 to 2023 the market value of sports tourism in Spain increased by approximately 6.8% CAGR and includes revenue-generating events such as La Liga, Formula 1, and cycling tours, among others. It spiked up in 2023 to 2024 with an improved ~14% growth for travelling tied to sports activities.
Estimating the growth rate of the market in the coming years to (CAGR) of 13.5%, the market size is expected to rise to USD 64,341.3 million by the end of 2034. Another fascinating factor that remains instrumental in strengthening this sustained growth is the rising interest internationally towards sports events, improved sports facilities and structures, and increased environmentally sustainable sports tourism options in Spain that are set to place the country among the top in Europe.
Sports tourism is one of the sectors that contribute the most to Spain's economy. It is also a popular sports event venue, having organized and hosted many national and international games ranging from various games. It has been estimated that this expansion in hosting athletic events has had a huge impact and generated an impressive effect in terms of infrastructure, creation of jobs, income, and promotion of Spain´s image on a global scale as a tourist destination.
From a competitive perspective, a tourism destination must be sustainable, not only economically and environmentally, but also socially, culturally, and politically. With concentrated investment, the Spain government has built the football culture into a national and international tourist attraction. Thus, attracting numerous sports tourists, especially football fans from all over the world.
Sporting Activities and Games, Government Endorsements, and Funding Driving the Target Market
Spain’s different sporting events such as tennis, cycling, water sporting activities, and many others are gaining increasing traction from a variety of tourists visiting the regional market. As the home of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid football teams, the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix and Madrid Tennis Open, Spain sports tourism is strong throughout the year.
The Spanish government’s investment in sports facilities such as sports stadiums and complexes, coupled with sustainable tourism improves the attractiveness of the region. Information promotion campaigns and cooperation with sports-related organizations also contribute to increasing the popularity of the country as an important sports tourism destination.
Altogether, all these factors contribute to the development of Spain’s sports tourism market through the promotion of international tourist attractions and participation by locals thereby enhancing the development of economic and cultural ties.
An Increase in Interest in Specialized Sports, The Influence of New Technologies and Additional Digitalization
New trends in sports tourism are paddle tennis, trail running, and adventurous tours, apart from tennis, football and other standard tourist attractions in Spain. This trend is also in line with the nature of the country which has diverse terrains to suit every endeavour.
Further, Virtual and Augmented reality is enhancing the digital advancement experiences in the sports tourism industry. These technologies provide virtual tours and coverage, enhanced experience of live events like sports tours, interactive experiences for tourists, and new opportunities for marketing or promotion. These are some of the trends currently impacting the sports tourism industry in Spain.
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The Canary Islands, Andalusia, Valencia, and Catalonia are the Regions with the Greatest Potential to Become Consolidated as Sports Hubs
Football is the most played and popular game in Spain and so are the events organized there which are famous worldwide. The Royal Spanish Football Federation, the country's national football governing organization - organizes two Cup competitions: The Supercopa de España, and The Copa del Rey. They also own the national Spanish football team which is popularly known as La selección (The Selection) or La Roja (The Red One).
The region of Catalonia is the home ground of two legendary team clubs Barcelona FC and Real Madrid, whose eternal rivalry is known worldwide and commonly identified as El Classico. Most fans and football admirers follow these two football clubs.
Spain is also a popular place for golf as well, it is the second country in the world in the number of foreign tourists coming to play golf. According to a Golf Business Partners report, golf contributes greatly to the Spanish economy in terms of generating quality employment, and also the GDP, mostly in the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, the Canary Islands, and on the Costa del Sol.
Other regions, like the Costa Daurada, have developed into pre-season training destinations of choice for junior-level international football teams from the Netherlands and Germany, thanks to the high-quality sports facilities they offer. Things also look bright for passive sports tourism.
Madrid is the most common host of the Champions League final, and Barcelona continues to host the Conde de Godó tennis tournament, known as the Barcelona Open. This gives a positive boost to the region’s economy which raises the destination's competitive lead, promotes socio-economic growth in the region, and lends the tourism brands an added value.
Tourists Prefer Online Booking Over Other Modes of Booking
Sports tourism has grown in popularity as a result of its performance throughout the period with which it can be booked and made available through online platforms. Tourists prefer to use an online booking or mobile application platform since it provides for a direct, hassle-free digital transaction, as well as quick tracking and enhanced security.
Moreover, travellers may use the internet to search for and compare information on vacation locations, accommodations, restaurants, and other aspects, making online booking a more popular approach in the country and also, around the world.
Package Travel Is Mostly Preferred by the Tourists
As for tour type, package travel is regularly chosen by the tourist as the tour operators offer numerous offers and customization under the category. Moreover, in the package tours, the operators even provide services which are not been included in other types such as accommodations, heavy discounts on package tours, etc.
Further, a major portion of tourists consider this category as the most budget-friendly and reliant as it offers to cover the major destinations in the country within a scheduled timeline which also lets the tourists plan their trips without any additional self-research.
Besides, these packages come with medium to high-end services such as premium accommodations at the best resorts, comprehensive culinary experience, and other such facilities. On the back of these factors, the category is anticipated to exhibit a significant growth rate during the forecast period.
Most of the Tourists Visiting Spain are Domestic
The Spain sports tourism industry is not as established as other popular countries that are economically and socially forward and capable enough to fund and organize/host various national and international game events which attract tourists and fans all over the world.
Hence, most of the tourists visiting are domestic and coming from different regions of Spain. But with various initiatives and campaigns, the Spain government can stably boost its sports tourism sector to attract an increasing number of international tourists and the category is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 17.8% during the forecast period.
Football is not Just a Game but A Part of Life and Culture for Spaniards
Spaniards are extremely passionate about football, and It’s by far the most followed and played discipline of sport in the country. It is played almost universally by young, old, amateur, and professional enthusiasts, and international matches in the majority draw huge crowds.
Further, the emergence of a high number of international football players from the country along with their increasing association with the top clubs in the world has attracted a large number of football fans. Various such factors are aiding the growth of the Spain sports tourism industry and is likely to continue to witness similar trends during and post the forecast period.
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Leading players operating in the Spain sports tourism market have a footprint in the global market and are focusing on improving their offerings by providing discounts, new tour locations, and packages to gain a competitive edge in the market.
For Instance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2024 to 2034 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2019 to 2023 |
| Market Analysis | USD Million for Value |
| Key Region Covered | EU (Europe) |
| Key Countries Covered | Spain |
| Key Segments Covered | Sports Type, Sports Tourism Type, Consumer Orientation, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Age Group |
| Key Companies Profiled | CN Sports Tourism; Kaptiva Sports Travel; Jolly DMC; Oentours; Spain Essential Travel; Agency Sports and Travel Europe; Spain Sports Tour; Just Explore; Costa Excursions; Madride Travel; Not Just a Tourist; Top Day Tours; Destination Services; Dolphin Adventure; VPT Tours; Born Bike Tours Barcelona; Others |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
The Spain sports tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 18,135.6 million in 2024.
The Spain market for sports tourism is projected to grow at a 13.5% CAGR during the forecast period.
The Spain sports tourism market grew at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8% between 2019 and 2023.
Approximately, 49 million sports tourists visited Spain in the year 2023.
1. Executive Summary
2. Growth Parameters
3. Supply to Demand: Today’s Travel Distribution Network
4. Type in Market
4.1. Total Supplier Market, Share by Segment (%), 2023
5. Spending Type in Market
6. Target Market, 2023
6.1. By Age
6.2. By Sports Type
6.3. By Sports Tourism Type
6.4. By Consumer Orientation
6.5. By Booking Channel
6.6. By Tourist Type
6.7. By Tour Type
7. Market Gross Revenue
7.1. Sports Tourism Market Gross Revenue (USD Million) and Forecast (2024 to 2034)
7.2. Target Market and Forecast (2024 to 2034)
7.3. Total Spending Y-o-Y Growth Projections (2024 to 2034)
7.4. Number of Tourists Y-o-Y Growth Projections
8. Challenges & Looking Forward
9. Market Stakeholders Landscape - Key Service Providers
9.1. Tour Operators
9.2. Government Bodies
10. Social Media Sentimental Analysis
10.1. Travel Influencers: A New Phenomenon in the World of Tourism
10.2. Social Media Platforms Preferred
10.3. Trending #Hashtags
10.4. Social Media Platform Mentions (% of Total Mentions)
10.5. Trending Subject Titles
11. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
12. Research Methodology
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Spain Sports Tourism Market
