Here’s a surprising trend that’s reshaping the travel industry: millennials are spending thousands to combine their love of sports with their wanderlust, and it’s fueling a massive boom in sports tourism. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this just a passing fad, or is it a lasting shift in how we travel? Let’s dive in.
Take Vince Nguyen, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Vietnam, who drops hundreds of dollars every month to travel the world playing pickleball. What started as a casual pastime after a football injury has now become a central part of his lifestyle. He plays for two to four hours almost daily and has already explored courts in Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Canada. Next on his list? A tournament in China. His trips aren’t cheap—ranging from $386 to $772 for flights, court fees, and hotels in Asia, and nearly $1,000 when he heads to Canada. But for Vince, it’s worth every penny. “Every country has a slightly different style of play,” he explains, “and that keeps it exciting.”
And Vince isn’t alone. According to Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, 67% of millennials have planned trips around their interests, including sports, wellness, and concerts. In the U.S., Priceline’s 2025 Travel Trend Report reveals that millennials are 80% more likely to plan a vacation for tennis and a staggering 87% more likely for pickleball. This isn’t just a niche trend—it’s a global phenomenon. The sports tourism industry is already valued at $707.29 billion and is projected to nearly triple by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. Europe leads the pack with a $248.23 billion market, while the Asia-Pacific region is growing at a breakneck pace, expected to hit $149.50 billion by 2025.
But this is the part most people miss: sports tourism isn’t just about the game—it’s about personal growth, mental health, and community. Take Nirbhay Handa, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Singapore, who travels for tennis. For him, the sport is therapeutic. “It’s good for your soul,” he says. “It’s helped me build better habits, like cutting back on drinking and quitting social smoking. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people without the need for a pub.” Nirbhay takes about six tennis trips a year, spending around $200 a week on sessions in Dubai. He even has a coach he plays with in the evenings after work, which he credits with improving his mood and productivity.
Then there’s Mike Goldys, a 39-year-old from Florida, who’s on a mission to surf as many wave pools as possible. With 140 hours logged across 26 cities in 10 countries, he’s spent $18,500 on surf sessions alone. Each trip costs him between $6,000 and $10,000, but he insists it’s worth it. “Wave pools guarantee powerful, perfectly shaped waves—it’s a way to accelerate my progress,” he explains. As a social media strategist, he takes one to two weeks off for these trips, only checking in for emergencies. His goal? To experience as many unique surf parks as he can, even if it means never returning to the same one twice.
But here’s the question: Is this trend sustainable, or is it just a luxury for the privileged few? With surf park sessions costing $170 an hour and pickleball trips adding up quickly, it’s clear that sports tourism isn’t cheap. Yet, for those who can afford it, the benefits seem undeniable—personal growth, mental wellness, and a sense of community. What do you think? Is sports tourism the future of travel, or just a passing phase? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
