In the UAE, tourists are flocking to experience “sportcations,” spending up to Dh10,000 a night to enjoy top-notch sports facilities and exceptional experiences. Sportcations combine travel with sports activities, catering to various budgets ranging from Dh370 to Dh10,000 per night. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, mentioned the popularity of golf among sportcation packages, particularly during the winter season when the weather is ideal for playing golf.
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, highlighted the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit as a top sportcation spot in the UAE. Pittie emphasized the lure of golf events like the Dubai Desert Classic and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, showcasing the country’s world-class courses. The mix of sports events, luxury, and landscapes makes the UAE a prime sportcation destination.
According to EaseMyTrip, the costs of a sportcation can vary significantly, with factors like flights, accommodations, dining, and leisure activities all contributing to the overall expenses. UAE residents are increasingly embracing sportcations, willing to spend up to 20% more on unique sporting experiences. The importance of sports activities while traveling is highlighted by fitness enthusiasts like Adnan Chaudhry, who allocate an additional budget to enjoy sports facilities in their chosen destinations.
Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, shared insights into the rising trend of sportcations in the UAE, mentioning the launch of sports travel packages that include tickets to sporting events, flights, accommodations, and extras. Formula 1, football, and cricket packages are particularly popular among sport package bookings, with events like the ICC Cricket and T20 World Cups gaining traction. Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a sought-after destination for sporting events alongside GCC countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Rashida Zahid, VP of Operations at musafir.com, highlighted popular sportcation destinations for UAE residents throughout the year, including Georgia, Baku, Montenegro, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Zanzibar, France, and Greece. Emerging destinations like Costa Rica, Latvia, and Slovenia are gaining popularity, with activities like skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, surfing, diving, snorkeling, and trekking being favored among UAE residents.
Tom Van Tuijl, general manager at Kandima Maldives, emphasized sports like football, yoga, Pilates, parasailing, and diving as popular choices among Middle Eastern guests. Families can enjoy activities like football, volleyball, swimming, and tennis at the resort, while adventure seekers can opt for diving, parasailing, and motorized water sports at an additional cost. Prices at the resort start from $275 for a half-board stay for two adults.
Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted Moscow as a diverse sportcation destination for UAE residents, offering activities like drifting, horse riding, quad biking, and mass sports events. Seasonal trends significantly impact sportcation preferences, with summer activities like running, cycling, and outdoor training being popular, while winter brings ski tracks, skating rinks, and curling alleys opening in parks. Activities at these sites are often free of charge, with professional coaching available.
