The sports tourism market in South Africa is witnessing consistent growth, influenced by the country’s deep-rooted sports culture, international event hosting capacity, and expanding domestic travel ecosystem. Government tourism strategies and industry announcements have prioritized sports as a key pillar for attracting international visitors and stimulating local economic activity.
South Africa’s established infrastructure for stadiums, training facilities, and transport, alongside its track record of hosting major global events, has positioned it as a leading destination for sports-driven travel. Public-private partnerships have supported investment in sports tourism packages, youth engagement programs, and cross-border promotional campaigns.
Additionally, seasonal sporting calendars, cultural enthusiasm, and favorable weather conditions have sustained year-round interest in both professional and recreational sporting events. Future opportunities are expected to emerge through digital fan engagement platforms, multi-sport event bundling, and enhanced sports-tourism integration within broader travel offerings. Segmental growth is led by Football/Soccer due to its national popularity, Sports Event Tourism through organized fan-based travel, and Men as the dominant consumer group due to historical participation and viewership trends.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Sports Tourism in South Africa Estimated Value in (2025 E) | USD 4.3 billion |
| Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Sports Tourism in South Africa Forecast Value in (2035 F) | USD 11.9 billion |
| Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.7% |
The market is segmented by Sports Type, Type, Consumer Orientation, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, and Tour Type and region. By Sports Type, the market is divided into Football/Soccer, Cricket, Motor Sports, Basketball, and Others. In terms of Type, the market is classified into Sports Event Tourism, Nostalgia Sports Tourism, Active Sports Tourism, and Passive Sports Tourism. Based on Consumer Orientation, the market is segmented into Men, Women, and Children. By Booking Channel, the market is divided into Online Booking, Phone Booking, and In-Person Booking.
By Booking Channel, the market is segmented into Online Booking, Phone Booking, and In-Person Booking. By Tourist Type, the market is segmented into Domestic Tourist and International Tourist. By Tour Type, the market is segmented into Independent Traveller, Tour Group, and Package Traveller. Regionally, the market is classified into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Balkan & Baltic Countries, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
The Football/Soccer segment is projected to account for 46.2% of the sports tourism market revenue in South Africa in 2025, making it the leading sports type segment. Growth in this segment has been anchored by the widespread popularity of football across the country and its cultural significance as a unifying sport.
South Africa’s legacy as a former FIFA World Cup host has contributed to sustained infrastructure, brand equity, and international visibility in football tourism. Football leagues and tournaments attract large volumes of both domestic and international fans, driving stadium attendance, city-based tourism, and related hospitality services.
Event organizers and tourism boards have capitalized on football's mass appeal by creating tailored fan experiences, match-day packages, and stadium tours, which have enhanced its tourism potential. The presence of prominent clubs and high-profile matches further supports football's dominance in the sports tourism landscape, reinforcing its stronghold as the sport of choice for tourists.
The Sports Event Tourism segment is anticipated to contribute 49.5% of the sports tourism market revenue in 2025, holding its lead among tourism types. This segment’s expansion has been shaped by the steady demand for large-scale sporting events that attract both domestic spectators and international visitors.
South Africa’s ability to host world-class events, supported by government funding and logistics planning, has reinforced its position as a hub for sports-driven travel. Event-specific tourism has included international competitions, continental championships, and domestic league matches, which collectively generate demand for accommodation, transportation, and leisure services.
Additionally, pre- and post-event travel itineraries have enhanced overall visitor spending. The sports event model has been successful in stimulating local economies and showcasing regional attractions to international audiences. With ongoing investment in event bidding, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic partnerships, Sports Event Tourism is expected to maintain its dominant role in the country's sports tourism growth.
The Men segment is projected to hold 53.3% of the sports tourism market revenue in South Africa in 2025, establishing itself as the leading consumer orientation segment. This dominance has been supported by long-standing male engagement in both participation and viewership across a wide range of sports.
Marketing campaigns and brand sponsorships have historically targeted male demographics, reinforcing their role as the primary audience for organized sports events and tours. Travel agencies and event organizers have tailored sports packages to male consumers, particularly around high-stakes competitions and team-based experiences.
Data from ticketing and hospitality platforms has shown higher per capita spending among male sports tourists, contributing to their economic weight in the sector. Moreover, community-based sports programs and alumni sporting events have extended appeal among male travelers. While efforts to broaden gender inclusivity in sports tourism are underway, the Men segment remains the dominant contributor, driven by entrenched consumption patterns and targeted promotional strategies.
Catalysts behind Sports Tourism Sector Growth in South Africa
South Africa has capitalized considerably on emerging world-class sports amenities and infrastructure to host multinational competitions and events. From ultra-modern stadiums to top-grade training institutions, South Africa presents a favorable environment for hosting a broad assortment of sporting tournaments.
The economic consequences of sports-related tourism cannot be minimized. Vital sports activities captivate visitors’ multitudes. This is resulting in escalated expenses on lodging, transportation, dining, merchandise, and other products and services. This flood of revenue strengthens economic growth, devising job opportunities, and amplifies regional vendors. These factors proliferate the surge in sports tourism sales in South Africa.
Impediments Inhibiting South Africa Sports-related Tourism Growth
South Africa warrants the safety and security of its visitors. Concerns like crime rates and political unrest are hurdles inhibiting the adoption in South Africa. Perception plays a crucial role in framing travelers' decisions, and adverse media coverage can tarnish South Africa’s image as a secure destination.
Administering strong preventive measures, presenting precise information to travelers, and advancing safe tourism activities instill confidence and curb risks. This factor is a deterrent to the growth of the sports tourism sector in South Africa.
Growth Prospects for Sports Tourism in South Africa
South Africa has rich cuisine traditions and cross-culturalism as essential constituents of the sports-related tourism experience. This, consecutively, boosts sales in South Africa. Hand-picked culinary tours, culinary showcases, and cultural expeditions that acknowledge local cuisine, customs, and historic landmarks amplify opportunities in the sports-related tourism industry.
Forming an alliance with artisans, chefs, and cultural experts helps present genuine dining experiences, cooking lessons, and artistic performances. These attractions can attract tourists to experience the vibrant South African culture directly. Amalgamating culinary and cultural experiences augment the tourism, luring visitors to inspect the cultural diversity of South Africa.
From 2020 to 2025, the industry in South Africa experienced steady growth, catapulted by spurring interest in sporting events associated with the vibrant culture and natural beauty. The sports-related tourism sales in South Africa inferred a CAGR of 7.7% between 2020 and 2025.
The sector in South Africa has obstacles in the growth avenue because of economic shifts and incidental security issues, inhibiting its full potential. However, occasions like the Comrades Marathon, Cape Town Marathon, and significant cricket and rugby tournaments attracted substantial crowds, amplifying the athletic tourism revenues in South Africa.
Between 2025 and 2035, demand in South Africa is forecasted to witness significant growth. Investments in infrastructural improvement, focus on advertising initiatives, and the hosting of transnational sports tournaments escalate this growth. The diverse landscape of South Africa, its suitable climate, and its prosperous sporting heritage allure tourists like sports enthusiasts, thrill seekers, and families.
The amalgamation of tech and digital platforms into the tourism industry is crucial in luring and engaging visitors. The rich cultural heritage and commitment to the sustainability of South Africa in sporting tourism entices eco-conscious travelers. As the global attraction in sports and adventure travel thrives, South Africa is strategically placed to cash on this trend and crop up as a superior destination for sports tourism, spurring sales.
A thorough segmentation analysis of sports tourism in South Africa is included in this section. Providers of sports-related tourism are closely monitoring trends and witnessing the expanding demand among men. Similarly, the online booking segment outshines other booking channel categories.
| Segment | Men (Consumer Orientation) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2025) | 53.3% |
Cultural factors are conducive to a stronger preference among men toward sports events and activities. Promotional campaigns customized to men's alternatives productively acquire a significant share of the sports-related tourism industry. Men generally are inclined toward spend on sports-related tourism involvements. South Africa's sports culture is a considerable focus on male engagement and spectatorship, persuading their ascendancy in this segment.
| Segment | Online Booking (Booking Channel) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2025) | 45.6% |
Online booking presents utility and convenience, attracting the tech-savvy character of progressive consumers in South Africa. The thriving internet penetration and smartphone adoption ushered in the choice of online booking channels, amplifying sales in South Africa.
Proficient online booking channels simplify the booking protocol, augment consumer satisfaction and loyalty, and strengthen the adoption of sports tourism in South Africa. Putting funds into a strong online booking system corresponds to industry trends and positions providers for sustained growth in the sports tourism industry in South Africa.
The competition is fierce in the sports-related tourism industry of South Africa, as travel agencies strive for a share of the lucrative industry. Sports-related tourism providers emphasize on collaborations and partnerships with other providers to strengthen their portfolio and attract tourists to the assorted sports outlook. The heterogeneity of services, revolutionary promotional strategies, and investment in infrastructure are strategies that stand out.
Capitalizing on South Africa's landscape beauty and wealthy cultural heritage as supportive attractions is essential. Adjusting to shifting customer choices, like sustainable tourism practices and absorbing adventure, is crucial in sustaining a competitive edge.
Industry Updates
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Industry Value (2025) | USD 3,893.9 million |
| Projected Industry Size (2035) | USD 10,745.5 million |
| Anticipated CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.7% |
| Historical Analysis of Sports Tourism in South Africa | 2020 to 2025 |
| Demand Forecast for Sports Tourism in South Africa | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2025 to 2035 |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Edusport; Sports Tours; SATSA; Edwin Doran; Tourvest Destination; Travel and Sport; SportsNation; Africa Sports Travel; SPORT N SAFARI; Champion Tours CC; Group Sports Travel; RM Marvie Travel & Tours South Africa; Sport Helicopter Rides Cape Town; FLI-AFRIKA TRAVEL; Others |
The report consists of key sports types like football/soccer, cricket, motorsports, basketball, and others.
Based on sports tourism type, the industry is categorized into sports event tourism, nostalgia sports tourism, active sports tourism, and passive sports tourism.
The category is classified into men, women, and children, depending on consumer orientation.
The category is trifurcated into phone booking, online booking, and in-person booking based on the booking channel.
The category is bifurcated into domestic and international based on tourist type.
The tour type category is trifurcated into independent traveler, tour group, and package traveler.
Key age groups present in the industry include 15 to 25 years, 26 to 35 years, 36 to 45 years, 46 to 55 years, and 66 to 75 years.
The global trends, growth, and opportunity analysis of sports tourism in south africa is estimated to be valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2025.
The market size for the trends, growth, and opportunity analysis of sports tourism in south africa is projected to reach USD 11.9 billion by 2035.
The trends, growth, and opportunity analysis of sports tourism in south africa is expected to grow at a 10.7% CAGR between 2025 and 2035.
The key product types in trends, growth, and opportunity analysis of sports tourism in south africa are football/soccer, cricket, motor sports, basketball and others.
In terms of type, sports event tourism segment to command 49.5% share in the trends, growth, and opportunity analysis of sports tourism in south africa in 2025.
Full Research Suite comprises of:
Market outlook & trends analysis
Interviews & case studies
Strategic recommendations
Vendor profiles & capabilities analysis
5-year forecasts
8 regions and 60+ country-level data splits
Market segment data splits
12 months of continuous data updates
DELIVERED AS:
PDF EXCEL ONLINE
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Drinking Water in Saudi Arabia Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Micro-investing Platform in Australia Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
US Luxury Fine Jewelry Market Insights 2024 to 2034
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Pea Protein in South Korea Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Shisha Tobacco in GCC Countries Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Data Center Facility in Morocco Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Europe Connected Car Market Growth - Trends & Forecast through 2034
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Tourism in Burma Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Rail Tourism in Europe Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Monaco Casino Tourism Industry Trends – Growth & Forecast through 2034
UK Medical Tourism Market Analysis – Growth & Forecast 2024-2034
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Culinary Tourism in Italy Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Outbound Tourism in France Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Outbound Tourism in China Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035
Outbound Tourism in GCC Countries - Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis (2024 to 2034)
United States Outbound Tourism Market Analysis - Size, Share, and Forecast 2024 to 2034
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Sustainable Tourism in Thailand Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Market Growth – Forecast 2024-2034
Trends, Growth, Opportunity Analysis of Medical Tourism in Thailand Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Hair Regrowth Treatments Market Size and Share Forecast Outlook 2025 to 2035
Trends, Growth, and Opportunity Analysis of Sports Tourism in South Africa
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
Chat With
MaRIA
