With the hockey playoffs and baseball season now in session – and the Summer Olympics and EURO 2024 only a few calendar page flips off – Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) says its research show that nearly one out of every two Canadians say they are likely to plan a trip focused on attending sporting events.

FCTG’s survey, conducted by YouGov, roughly showed that 45% of Canadians are likely to travel for sports tourism, with over one-fifth (21%) expressing they’d be very likely to do so.

Regionally, 45% of Canadian men are showing a particular interest for planning trips centred around sports, while 28% of Canadian women are indicating the same inclination, saying they are likely to plan a sports-focused trip in the future.

Soccer and multi-sport events are the frontrunners, enticing 47% of these Canadian sport travel enthusiasts equally. Not to be outdone, football and Formula 1 races are on course to captivate 32% and 27% of the Canadian market, respectively.

“This year is shaping up to be a phenomenal one for sports fans,” said Chadd Andre, Executive VP for Flight Centre Canada, pinpointing the growing enthusiasm for significant events such as the Super Bowl, NHL, and the Kentucky Derby, leading up to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. “We’re seeing great interest from Canadians in travelling to sports events, and amid this wave of anticipation, strategic travel planning is crucial.”

Andre underscored that leveraging the expertise of professional travel experts can ensure a standout sports travel experience. With 86% of Canadians reporting that finding exclusive deals is the most important factor when planning a vacation, consulting with expert advisors could help travellers secure access to special rates and unique packages for the upcoming EURO 2024 soccer championship, which may elude those booking on their own.

Given this high interest in sports tourism, 2024 is shaping up as a year primed for the merger of athletic spectacles and travel, says Flight Centre.