Sports-tripping, the practice of incorporating sports into travel plans, is emerging as a significant trend among business travellers. A quarter of British travellers reportedly look forward to going to the gym or playing sport during a business trip. Additionally, a fifth of these travellers try to combine watching or participating in a sporting event with their business trips, according to a survey by Hyatt.
The Rise of Sports-Tripping
The sports-tripping trend is projected to grow by 17.5% between 2023 and 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism industry. Over half (52%) of Brits have planned or would consider planning a holiday around a major sporting event, with nearly a quarter (24%) using it as an opportunity to explore a new destination.
Sports-Tripping and Business Travel
Around 16% of respondents would plan a holiday around a sporting event they are participating in, with 10% of these sports-trippers finding combining the event with a hotel stay appealing. Nearly one in 10 (9%) would consider watching a major sporting event before or after an existing business trip.
The survey also found a 22% year-on-year increase in inquiries for Hyatt’s UK properties related to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions in 2024. This rise is attributed to the increasing demand for experience-driven business events, with sports playing a key role in inspiring collaboration and productivity.
Sports Preferences Among Business Travellers
The survey also revealed that the ability to practice sports during a business trip is a significant incentive for around one in six Brits (16%). The most popular sports among business travellers were football (21%), swimming (17%), running (15%), and wellness sports such as yoga (11%).
The survey, commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by Perspectus Global, involved 2,000 Brits and was carried out in March 2025.
