Production Passport Newsletter | 🌍 $114B Sports Tourism Boom

Today’s Top Pick 🔎

🎯 Meet Us at SportsPro London: The Future of Sports, Media & Tech Starts Here!

Contentive will be attending SportsPro Live (29–30 April, Kia Oval, London)—a leading event bringing together rights holders, broadcasters, tech innovators, and brand leaders to shape the next chapter of global sports business.

With sessions covering everything from AI in fan engagement to the monetisation of digital communities and the evolution of OTT platforms, this is where strategy meets innovation.

👋 Joining us on the ground is Noah Gershon, Head of Sports Coverage at Contentive, connecting with key voices across the industry and spotlighting the biggest shifts shaping sport’s digital future.

🚀 Whether you’re looking to supercharge your sponsorship strategy, stay ahead of digital trends, or connect with forward-thinking partners—let’s talk.

🤝 Want to connect at SportsPro London? Schedule time with Noah for a conversation on what’s next in sports and media.

Editor’s Insight💭

Unlocking New Value: How Luxury Sports Hospitality Can Transform Regional Theatres

In the world of sports production, the lines between event logistics, hospitality, and cultural engagement are blurring faster than ever. Senior decision-makers at luxury travel and sports hospitality firms are no longer just moving people—they’re curating experiences that blend exclusivity with local authenticity. For production professionals, this shift is more than a trend; it’s a strategic opportunity to redefine value for both clients and communities.

Imagine a scenario where a Formula 1 weekend isn’t just about the race, but includes private theatre performances for VIP guests, or where a Wimbledon package offers backstage access to local cultural landmarks. These aren’t just add-ons—they’re differentiators that elevate the guest experience and deepen relationships with both athletes and sponsors. The logistics are complex: international travel, accreditation, and compliance must be seamless, but the payoff is significant. By integrating regional theatres into high-end sports itineraries, companies can unlock new revenue streams, support local economies, and offer clients something truly unique.

The real insight for production teams is this: partnerships between luxury sports events and cultural venues aren’t just about filling seats—they’re about creating stories that resonate. The most successful operations managers and tour leads are those who see beyond the event itself, leveraging local assets to craft immersive, memorable journeys. In a market where every detail matters, those who innovate at the intersection of sport, culture, and hospitality will set the pace for the industry’s next act.

Sector Spotlight 🌟

SPORTS LOGISTICS

Professional Sports Travel Solutions Streamline Football Club Operations and Enhance Global Reach

Elite football logistics is rapidly evolving into a critical pillar of club operations, with end-to-end travel management now extending far beyond simple transportation. Today’s leading providers offer tailored solutions covering everything from chartered flights and bespoke accommodation to operational support that meets the unique demands of professional football—including tight schedules, complex medical needs, and high-security requirements.

As the globalisation of the sport accelerates, the most forward-thinking travel partners are combining international scale with local expertise to unlock new commercial and operational opportunities for clubs. With sustainability also rising up the agenda, advanced carbon reporting and responsible travel planning are becoming essential components of the service. This marks a shift toward a future where efficient, seamless, and sustainable travel is not just a logistical necessity, but a competitive advantage in football’s expanding global landscape.

SPORTS TOURISM GROWTH

Sports Tourism Injects $114 Billion Into United States Economy In 2024

Sports tourism in the United States reached unprecedented heights in 2024, generating $114B and supporting nearly 665,000 jobs. Direct spending accounted for $47.1 billion, while state and local governments benefitted from $8.5 billion in tax revenue—testament to the economic power of over 109 million fans travelling for major sporting events. California, Texas, and Florida led the way, illustrating the value of strategic investment in venue infrastructure and hospitality.

Looking ahead, the U.S. is poised to consolidate its role as a global sports destination, with forthcoming mega-events—including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Olympics—driving further investment across hospitality and tourism sectors. International interest is on the rise, as reflected in the $3.9 billion spent by 1.8 million overseas visitors. These developments signify robust potential for continued market growth and transformative impacts on local economies.

LUXURY HOSPITALITY SPACES

Ultra-Luxury Owners Suites Transform Stadium Experiences With Bespoke Design And Service

Sports owners in the United States are redefining luxury with owners suites that rival high-end residential spaces. No longer merely functional, these suites now feature fine dining, bespoke artisanal elements, museum-quality artwork, custom design work by local craftsmen, and ultra-exclusive features such as wine rooms and private bathrooms. Integrating attributes from iconic hospitality venues and local architectural heritage, these spaces reflect both the personal style and community roots of the owners, serving as powerful settings for networking and guest entertainment.

Demand for these suites is exceptionally high, given their scarcity—fewer than two hundred exist nationwide—making location and amenities critical differentiators. The trend toward larger, multi-storey designs not only signals the escalating prestige associated with sports ownership, but also points to a future in which stadiums provide highly curated, immersive experiences, further raising the bar for luxury hospitality and guest engagement.

SPORTS TOURISM GROWTH

Global Sports Climbing Event Highlights Luxury Tourism Growth In Bali’s Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua’s selection as host for the 2025 IFSC Climbing World Cup underscores its emergence as a premier destination for global sports tourism. Backed by its established credentials in accommodating world-class events—exemplified by hosting the G20 Summit—Nusa Dua is leveraging this high-profile climbing competition to not only spotlight Indonesia’s growing prominence in the sporting world but also to diversify its already robust luxury tourism sector.

The region’s leadership is investing in top-tier infrastructure for the event, aligning the resort’s offerings with the international standards expected by elite athletes and visitors. This strategy signals a broader ambition to broaden the tourism portfolio beyond five-star accommodation, including surf tourism, and position Nusa Dua as a hub where sport, culture, and leisure converge. The event’s anticipated success is likely to further strengthen Indonesia’s standing as a leader in sport tourism and inspire continued growth and innovation.

SPORTS PRODUCTION AND BROADCASTING

Oscar Sanchez Leads FIFA’s Massive North American World Cup Broadcast Challenge

Oscar Sanchez, Head of Host Broadcast Production at FIFA, brings a wealth of diverse experience to the task of orchestrating the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing lessons from his tenure at CONCACAF, Sanchez emphasises resourcefulness, adaptability, and the early adoption of IP-based broadcast solutions—proving more reliable than satellite in challenging environments. Such innovation positions FIFA well to manage vast, logistically complex events with demanding timelines.