India's Sports Fans Are Trading Sofas for Stadiums to Experience the Olympics and F1 Live

Imagine yourself soaking up the electric atmosphere of a global sporting event, cheering on your favourite team, athlete, or diver, and exploring amazing new cultures. That's what sports tourism is all about! In fact, Skyscanner’s 2024 Travel Trends report reveals that more than ever, cultural exploration will be a priority for travellers in 2024. Another recent ‘First Trip’ report highlights that young Indian travellers crave the excitement of life’s defining moments, with 46% inspired to jet off overseas to experience sports events and other big cultural events. Clearly, the desire to combine sports with adventure and cultural immersion is driving a new wave of travel.

Whether it's experiencing the grand spectacle of the Olympics or the high-speed excitement of the F1 Grand Prix, let Skyscanner be your go-to travel companion, helping you find the perfect flight and accommodation for your next big sporting escapade.

Olympics - Paris, France (July 26 - August 11)

Picture yourself in the City of Love, in the presence of world-class athletes. The Paris Olympics is more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural extravaganza! From the thrill of watching the world’s best athletes compete to Eiffel Tower selfies and indulging in world-class cuisine, your senses will be on overdrive. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that excitement is building up. That's why Skyscanner is seeing an increase of 28% in flight bookings to Paris, France for the week of 4^th August.

Savvy Indian travellers are even pushing their trips until after the Olympics to soak in the true Parisian charm and explore the quaint cafes. This is evident in their booking patterns with Skyscanner data showing that flight bookings for travel during the week of 12th August are 51% higher compared to the previous week, which is after the closing ceremony, most probably to immerse themselves further in the Parisian summer. With endless possibilities to explore and discover, embark on your journey confidently, armed with the best tools and insights from Skyscanner.

There is a high demand for accommodation too! Skyscanner data shows that 62% of hotel rooms are already booked for the closing ceremony period**. There has also been a surge in hotel bookings via Skyscanner across the host city- Paris, France for August 2024 vs June 2024. Book your stay now to avoid disappointment.

F1 - Singapore (September 20 - 22), Abu Dhabi (December 6 - 8)

Feel the asphalt beneath your feet as the world's fastest cars zoom past. Singapore's dazzling night race or Abu Dhabi's desert glamour – the choice is yours! Immerse yourself in the high-octane world of Formula 1 and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The excitement is palpable, with a surge in searches for these high-octane destinations. Skyscanner data reveals a staggering 189% increase in flight bookings for Singapore for the date of 18th September compared to 17th September, suggesting Indian fans are eager to soak up the pre-race atmosphere in Singapore.

For Abu Dhabi, the action heats up on 2^nd December, with flight bookings jumping 188% compared to the previous day. It seems many Indian fans are keen to arrive early and gear up for the festivities. Interestingly, there's another spike of 167% in volume of flight bookings for the outbound date of 7^th December compared to the previous day, indicating that some fans might be timing their visit to catch the heart-pounding climax of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

To maximize your savings, you could also consider mixing and matching the airlines and airports you choose to fly with to and from, to seriously cut costs. Remember, flights don't always need to be booked as round-trip - embrace flexibility and strategic planning, to keep your budget grounded. This can help you save on flights and get the most bang for your travel buck.

With the surge in Indian fans attending global sporting events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, accommodation has become a hot ticket item. Skyscanner data also shows a surge in hotel bookings for the race weekends. Singapore and Abu Dhabi offer a range of options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, all available through Skyscanner.

Skyscanner’s Travel and Destinations Expert, Mohit Joshi, says, “With more Indian fans eager to catch live sports like the Olympics and F1 Grand Prix, finding the right flight and place to stay can make your money go further. Skyscanner’s Price Alerts is the ultimate travel hack, helping you catch the best flight deals effortlessly. Just set your alert and let Skyscanner notify you when the price changes to book at the best price. You can also think about catching a late-night or red-eye flight out – they tend to be less crowded and also give you more time to explore the city before or after the games.

For accommodation, don’t just settle for the first hotel you see. Explore nearby options with the interactive map on Skyscanner and you might snag a better hotel just a street away. You can also consider exploring different types of stays, like apartments or self-catering options to uncover surprising savings and added comfort. Gear up for an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank!”.

With millions of hotels, apartments, and hostels to choose from, finding a place to stay that suits your budget and style is easier than ever. From budget-friendly hostels to comfortable self-catering options, there's something for every sports fan.

Get set for a journey that’s as thrilling off the field as it is on!