Football Tourism After Coronavirus

Delivery

This report comes in PPT.

Key Findings

Spain and UK the most affected countries by lack of travelling international fans

Due to high value inbound receipts and the influx of visiting fans, Spain has been the country most affected globally by a lack of travelling fans. Despite much lower inbound receipts value, the UK was the second most affected country, owing to its unmatched volume of incoming visiting fans.

Economic impact in other regions more limited, but still significant in key countries

Attendance figures for the AFC Champions League and Copa Libertadores were hit less hard than tournaments in Europe, reducing the total loss in spend deriving from the lack of visiting fans. However, in key countries like Brazil, Argentina, Russia and China, the economic impact of inbound fans remains significant.

With international travel on its knees, the focus is on local travel for recovery

The travel and tourism industry will experience a long-lasting impact across the whole value chain, with a full recovery likely to take 5-10 years in some categories. With pockets of recovery in some regions, domestic and short haul travel are expected to drive the initial rebound.

The development of the pandemic is crucial to the future of sports events

Health and logistic factors related to the availability and effectiveness of a vaccine will play a key role in determining when sports properties will be allowed full capacity at their events, as well as when visiting fans will be allowed to travel abroad to attend such events.

The challenge of overcoming the fear factor

A significant factor in the recovery scenario is the fear factor that may persist. While most fans wish to return to attending sports events, it is unclear how many will weigh this desire against risks and will decide to prolong their absence. Coordination between local authorities, sports properties and tourism brands will be crucial to minimise the fear factor and encourage a return to sports venues.