Over the last several decades, tennis has evolved from a simple sport into a global tourism market valued at $10. billion. From major tournaments to the tennis tourism market, join us as we unravel the reasons behind tennis’s role as a substantial economic booster, including predictions for 2024.
Celebrity update: Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch at #Wimbledon for today’s final between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Enjoy the view! Sorry, I meant to say Enjoy the game! pic.twitter.com/hgAIL3t3TI
— Tennis (@tennis_photos) July 14, 2019
A Wider Audience
Once upon a time, tennis was just a game. Nowadays, events like Wimbledon and the French Open have evolved tennis from a game between just two people into a prominent cultural phenomenon loved by almost everybody. The allure of these events now extends far beyond the tennis court, garnering attention from all corners of the globe. The economic impacts of these major events are no longer solely derived from ticket sales; but from the whole spectacle of the event – embracing the convergence of entertainment, sports, and fashion. One significant dimension of this transformation is the establishment of tennis betting into mainstream sports betting platforms. Beyond the regular tennis enthusiast, the calibre of people who bet on tennis or attend major tennis events is incredibly diverse. From the seasoned tennis enthusiast to modern fashion influencers, tennis is no longer a game solely for those well-versed in sporting politics, but a highly anticipated social event. Some place bets based on knowledge of the game, whereas others attend simply for the social aspect of being a part of such a high-profile event. In sum, these tournaments have changed the meaning behind ‘traditional’ tennis. Tennis players are no longer athletes; but global superstars who like to mix with the other A-listers who attend these events. And after the media frenzy ensues, the latest celebrity tennis fashion trends quickly rush to take center stage.
FACTS-FEELINGS & the truth about our economy heading into the holidays.
PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE SPENDING 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/wNE3pDVIVI— Stephanie Ruhle (@SRuhle) November 23, 2023
Tennis Tourism
And it’s not just about the media or the tickets when it comes to tennis and the economy. The tourism aspect these events bring to the host cities has been seen to give local economies a significant boost. Tennis fans, celebrities and holiday goers will travel far and wide to experience the live action. And they’re not just there for the thrill of the volleys; they’re there for the whole experience. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses of the chosen host cities relish a significant boom during these periods. And boy oh boy, do tennis fans love to enjoy themselves.
Predictions for 2024
In recent years, the global economy has seen a period of significant uncertainty. However, the major events of tennis and the tennis tourism market are expected to continue positively impacting the economy in 2024. The number of tourists for tennis is predicted to increase by 5% in 2024, with the average spend per tourist increasing by 3% in 2023. By 2027, the tennis tourism market is expected to have grown to $12.4 billion. And it’s not hard to see why, tennis events in this day and age encompass way more than just the serves and the lobs between two players.
For the Love of the Game
From continuing to positively impact the economy to transforming the stands and the courts, major tennis tournaments have rewritten the rulebook on what it means to be a part of tennis. Not only does tennis pull in more people each year, but it also significantly contributes to the economy through its positive impact on local communities and job opportunities.
