The quest for wellness and balance is one of the priorities that the younger generation has when it comes to planning a trip. However, sports tourists are not only those who choose a destination based on whether or not they can play a sport, but also those who travel to watch matches and tournaments or to follow their favorite sportsman.
The world revolving around sporting events and the possibility of physical activity opens up numerous opportunities for tourism operators, who gain the ability to create offers tailored to attract this type of traveler.
Professionals and amateurs: what movement enthusiasts look for
Hiking trails, ski facilities, bicycle rentals, and outdoor swimming pools are just a few of the elements best associated with the concept of an "outdoor vacation," a favorite among sports travelers.
Some improvements that a tourist facility can put in place to attract them are easier to make, while others require some extra effort. Nevertheless, one cannot remain indifferent to the "sports tourism" phenomenon, which occupies a considerable share of the market.
If the area where your hotel is located is rich in nature trails, you are already in luck; much of amateur sports tourism is made up of people who enjoy walking in the great outdoors.
The list of activities that amateur sports tourists seek is very long and includes mountain trekking, skiing, and boating.
So you might consider dedicating special packages to your guests by combining a night at the hotel with an experience such as ski lessons or guided hikes.
Professionals, on the other hand, travel to participate in races and competitions, so your facility should be prepared to accommodate them by providing specific menus, areas in which to train, and spaces in which they can take advantage of massage or physical therapy.
Fans: ad hoc offers to capture them
For many people who love sports, it is not satisfying to follow the tournaments of the teams or athletes they love through a screen.
Therefore, sports tourism also includes the flow of travelers who travel to passively watch events of a sports nature, particularly to follow major international competitions.
This is a very relevant area of the tourism market, so even for this type of guest the services your hotel should offer are varied.
For example, many fans belong to fan clubs or travel in large groups, so you could introduce customized offers that meet their needs.
Among these, arranging a shuttle service to and from the event venue could move your property to the top of the list.
Sports tourism and community
Sports tourists have a tendency to want to discover the culture and seek out the typical products of the destination they are in, causing other businesses to benefit from their presence as well.
These types of travelers are often more inclined to spend at restaurants and on the goods and services that local businesses offer. This inclination needs to be encouraged so that it can bring economic benefits to the entire community.
The sports tourism phenomenon is growing steadily and represents a great opportunity for tourism operators to attract guests who are traveling to attend a sporting event or who wish to spend an exercise vacation.
