News Summary
New York City is witnessing a major shift in tourism trends as lifestyle sports like running, pickleball, and golf gain popularity. Hotels and destinations are adapting to active travelers’ needs by incorporating sports-centric features and offering specialized amenities. With rising participation in marathon events, the demand for wellness programs, and sports-oriented experiences, NYC is redefining its tourism landscape. The growth of sports tourism is also contributing significantly to local economies, highlighting the importance of active travel in the hospitality industry.
New York City Embraces Lifestyle Sports and Transforms Travel and Hospitality Trends
In recent years, New York City has seen a significant shift in the way travel and tourism are integrating with lifestyle sports, leading to changes in how hotels, destinations, and event organizers adapt to meet rising demands. The growing popularity of activities such as running, pickleball, tennis, and golf is redefining travel behaviors and influencing the tourism economy.
The Rise of Active Travel and Sports-Oriented Destinations
Travelers today often prioritize active pursuits, often packing sneakers, paddles, or golf clubs alongside traditional swimwear. This trend has propelled destinations to incorporate sports-centric features into their tourism infrastructure, such as organizing races, trail runs, and building sports courts to attract and retain visitors.
Most notably, major marathon events like the Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo marathons continue to draw large numbers of participants and spectators, significantly boosting local economies. Smaller scenic races, set against inspiring backdrops like the Big Sur cliffs or Reykjavik’s landscapes, are increasing in popularity, indicating a broader interest in memorable and picturesque sporting events.
Hotels Reimagining Amenities for Active Travelers
Hotels in New York City are adapting to this evolving landscape by offering specialized wellness programs and curated local routes to promote physical activity among guests. For instance, properties are establishing run clubs and similar social fitness events, which have seen participation rise by nearly 60% globally, signaling a shift towards more community-oriented fitness experiences.
Some hotel chains are enhancing amenities around major sports events, providing focused experiences for sports enthusiasts and travelers eager to participate. These initiatives serve both leisure and competitive athletes, creating new revenue streams and enriching guest experiences.
The Growing Popularity of Pickleball and Tennis
Pickleball, a fast-paced paddle sport, continues its rapid growth, especially in the United States, with nearly 20 million players reported in 2024—a 46% increase from the previous year. One of the prominent events, the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships held in Naples, regularly attracts over 55,000 fans and thousands of players, reflecting the sport’s increasing visibility and appeal.
Furthermore, resorts such as Sandals are expanding their pickleball facilities, installing upgraded courts and providing coaching to meet the demand. Tennis participation reached a record 25.7 million players in the U.S. last year, with a notable demographic shift toward a younger and more diverse audience. Major hotels and luxury accommodations are tailoring experiences around the sport’s key events, offering special packages during Wimbledon and other prestigious tournaments to capitalize on the surging interest.
Golf’s Evolution Toward Inclusivity and Spectator Engagement
Golf has also seen notable changes, becoming more inclusive and appealing to younger generations. The percentage of golfers under the age of 50 has grown to 57%, with increased participation among women and youth. Off-course venues such as Topgolf have contributed to this trend by providing accessible and social environments tailored to new and casual players.
Major golf tournaments attract widespread spectatorship, with events like the WM Phoenix Open demonstrating high engagement levels. LIV Golf’s innovative approach, featuring a younger and more diverse audience, attracts fresh attendance demographics, with about 30% of attendees being first-time spectators.
Economic and Hospitality Impacts of Sports Tourism
Projected growth in sports tourism is expected to account for roughly 10% of total tourism revenues. The economic impact manifests not only in big cities but also in smaller markets hosting youth tournaments and regional events, which significantly boost local commerce.
Hotels across the city are increasingly hosting sports-related events, partnering with local organizers, and providing tailored amenities to accommodate athletes and their families. This includes practical offerings such as family-friendly accommodations, sports equipment storage, and transportation arrangements. The emphasis on family-oriented sports travel highlights a growing segment of the market where hotels cater to young athletes and their traveling support networks.
Destinations Capitalizing on Sports for Economic Growth
Besides hotels, many destinations are leveraging sports tourism to elevate their economic profile. Major events serve as catalysts to attract visitors and generate spending, fostering long-term tourism growth. This strategic focus enables places like New York City to diversify and strengthen their tourism sectors, emphasizing active and sports-oriented experiences for all travelers.
The overall trend indicates that lifestyle sports are increasingly intertwined with travel and hospitality industries, prompting innovative adaptations to cater to the modern, active, and experience-driven traveler.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Tourism News: Ultimate Travel Bucket List
- Wikipedia: Sports tourism
- National Geographic: Why Sports Tourism Is on the Rise
- Forbes Travel Guide: Why Sports Tourism Is Winning Right Now
- BBC Travel: Four Countries Welcoming Sports Fans
- Google Search: Sports Tourism Trends
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
