Millennials are fueling a sports tourism boom, spending big to indulge in their favorite sports across the globe. Here's a closer look at how this trend is shaping the travel industry and the personal lives of these avid athletes.
Pickleball's Global Appeal
Vince Nguyen, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Vietnam, exemplifies this trend. He spends hundreds of dollars monthly traveling to countries like Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Canada to play pickleball, his sport of choice. Nguyen's passion for the game drives him to tournaments and leisure play, often spending $386 to $772 per trip. He's even planning a trip to China for an upcoming tournament.
Pickleball's popularity among millennials is evident in surveys. According to a Priceline study, 87% of millennials plan trips for pickleball events. This trend is reflected in the sports tourism market, which was valued at $707.29 billion in 2025 and is projected to nearly triple by 2032, with Asia-Pacific leading the growth at a 17.85% compound annual rate.
Tennis: A Therapeutic Escape
Nirbhay Handa, a 35-year-old Singaporean, shares a similar passion for tennis. He travels abroad for tennis camps and coaching sessions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, spending around $200 per week. Handa finds tennis therapeutic, helping him unwind and improve his mood. He believes it's a valuable investment in his well-being, even if it means forgoing late-night drinking and social smoking.
Surfing: Chasing the Perfect Wave
Mike Goldys, a 39-year-old social media strategist from Florida, takes surfing trips to play in various surf parks worldwide. He's logged 140 hours across 26 cities in 10 countries, spending $18,500 on surf sessions alone. Goldys prioritizes these trips, taking one to two weeks off from work, and budgets $6000 to $10,000 per trip. He values the guaranteed waves and the opportunity to accelerate his surfing skills.
These millennials are willing to invest significantly in their sports passions, whether it's pickleball, tennis, or surfing. This trend highlights the importance of sports in their lives, offering both physical activity and a sense of community and well-being.
