Top News

New Delhi: With many people travelling to and from India to various destinations across the world, not only for exploration but also for the latest travel trend, where individuals are visiting places that are famous for sports or countries organising sports and events. The shift from only travelling to visit tourist places to travelling for experiences has increased a lot post-pandemic, and people are visiting countries or cities in order to support their passion for games, watch a tournament or even learn it.

With easier access to information, better connectivity, and a growing appreciation for global diversity, travel has become not just a leisure activity but a meaningful part of modern life. Taran Singh, Sports Influencer and Enthusiast, has a lot to tell you all about how the sudden increase is impacting the global change, how people are finally choosing to travel to countries for their favourite sport and also how the shift can be planned easily for a seamless experience.

Taran Singh talks about Sports Tourism

Let us dig deeper for meaningful insights and know all about the latest trend of Sports Tourism. News9live asked a few questions in detail for all the queries from Taran Singh for better understanding and conversation.

Q 1. The Skyscanner report reveals a surge in fan travel for sporting events. In your view, what’s driving this rise among Indian travellers?

As someone who’s always on the move to catch the live action, whether in India or abroad, I have seen a clear rise in fans travelling for sporting events. It is no longer just about the game, it is about the atmosphere in the stadium, the energy of the crowd, and the shared experience of cheering your favourite team alongside fellow fans.

This growing passion to travel to watch a live cricket match is reflected in Skyscanner’s Pitch Perfect Journeys report, which highlighted that nearly half (47 per cent) of Indian cricket fans want to travel both domestically and internationally for live matches. What is further fueling this trend is the opportunity to combine the match with a holiday. I used to think I was the only one using this ‘cheat code’ of turning a cricket trip into a vacation, but I’m not alone. The

Skyscanner’s report also revealed that 50 per cent of fans are extending their cricket trips by 3–4 days, turning it into a getaway, with many chalking out their itineraries as well. From exploring local cuisines to checking off tourist landmarks and iconic sites, fans are making the most of their trip by exploring the host city. And of course, social media plays a huge role too, with 65 per cent of Indians saying that influencers and social media inspire them to do this. That’s how this love for cricket has transformed into a full-fledged travel experience.

Q2. How do you think sporting events like WPL and IPL reshape how Indians plan their travel in 2025?

India is a cricket-loving nation, and the love for the game is reshaping the way we travel. Tournaments like the Women’s Premier League and the Indian Premier League have become massive cultural moments that Indians want to experience live. I’ve seen my friends, family, and my audience starting to plan their trips as soon as the fixtures are out, just to catch their favourite teams in action.

Even Skyscanner’s Pitch Perfect Journeys report confirms this: 80 per cent of Indian cricket fans are excited to travel for the IPL this year, and nearly half (48 per cent) start their travel planning up to two months before the match. I feel that’s the best way to make sure that the journey is as rewarding as the game itself!

Q3. Is there a ‘sweet spot’ in the stadium where fans can truly soak in the atmosphere?

Absolutely, for me, it’s the upper-tier seats right behind the bowler’s arm. It gives you a clear view of the action, and it is also the ideal distance to observe the field set up. Plus, let’s be honest, it is extremely hot right now, so ventilation is of utmost importance, and up there you get a bit more breeze, which makes a big difference, especially during those long innings in the afternoon.

And the best part? You get to see the crowd jump up in action every time there’s a six or a wicket. That shared emotion of thousands of fans in that moment is what makes it all special! And if you’re someone who hops from one city to another like me, comfort, atmosphere, and a good seat can make or break the experience.

Q4. What destinations in India or abroad do you think offer the best overall experience for sports travellers?

I travel extensively for cricket, both across India and overseas, and visiting England has always been high on my bucket list. There’s something magical about the history and vibe of Lord’s—the atmosphere is electric and steeped in tradition.

I’ve also been lucky enough to experience Australia during a recent cricket tournament, and I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. And I was really glad to see that other fans also feel the same. In fact, like me, many cricket fans (56 per cent) are keen on heading to Australia for a cricket trip, followed by England (46 per cent) as per the Skyscanner report. Closer home, it’s got to be Mumbai for me. Wankhede has this raw energy that’s hard to match, be it the crowd, the legacy, the emotion—it’s pure cricket madness in the best way possible.

Q5. What’s your checklist when heading out for a match trip? Any must-carry items or rituals you swear by?

Whenever I’m heading out for a match trip, I have a few go-tos I never skip. The most important thing to remember is to always pack light and smart. Invest in a good check-in suitcase, it just makes airport runs and match-day moves so much easier. The first things I usually pack are my jersey, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Comfort is top priority for me, since it gets pretty hot and hectic in the stands, I always wear something breathable and easy to move around in. Most stadiums won’t allow backpacks or big handbags, so I usually carry a small sling bag for the essentials.