NEW YORK: We’re at the cusp of the busiest time of year for sports travel, with major tennis, football, golf and sports car racing competitions being held around the world in the coming months.
Luxury sports tour operator Roadtrips predicts that 2019 will be a particularly strong year for sports travel given the growing popularity of these global competitions, attractive venues and highly desirable destinations hosting major events this year. Interest is already heavy for a number of events, which is why Roadtrips recommends sports fans make plans soon. Roadtrips is partnering with travel advisors from Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group to promote trips combining some of the world’s most sought-after sporting events with a luxury vacation experience in a popular destination.
“Sports is a key segment of the global travel industry,” said David Guenther, president of Roadtrips, which has grown significantly over the past 25 years along with the sports travel sector. “The athletic venues and events themselves have become a huge draw. Add in an attractive host destination and it is no surprise this is a continually growing travel segment.”
The Travel Industry Association of America once described sports travel as the “sleeping giant of the tourism market” because of the millions who travel to see different sporting events. Peak season, according to Guenther, occurs primarily during the spring and summer months when the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, US Open Golf Tournament, Champions League Final, FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Monaco Grand Prix and other sporting events occur, taking place in travel hotspots such as England, France and Spain, among others.
Key upcoming events include:
Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs in Louisville: May 2-5
PGA Championship, Bethpage State Park, New York: May 16-20
Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, Monaco: May 23-27
Champions League Final, Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain: May 30 – June 2
French Open, Roland Garros, Paris, France: May 26 – June 9
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, 9 host venues, France: June 7 – July 7
Wimbledon Tennis Championships, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, England: July 1-14
