Visits and spending abroad for the purpose of watching sport

FOI reference: FOI-2026-3386

You asked

I'm writing to request some information to be shared over email on the number of visits abroad made by UK residents specifically to watch sports tournaments (e.g. FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, French Open). It would be great if you could share:

• The number of UK residents who travelled abroad to watch sports tournaments in 2025, the countries they travelled to, and how much they spent.
• The number of UK residents who travelled abroad to watch sports tournaments in 2024, the countries they travelled to, and how much they spent.
• The number of UK residents who travelled abroad to watch sports tournaments in 2023, the countries they travelled to, and how much they spent.

I know that the ONS gathers data on the purpose of visits abroad by UK residents, but I'm conscious that visits abroad specifically to watch sports tournaments may not be tracked.

We said

Thank you for your request.

Please find the data held by the ONS in scope of your request in the associated download spreadsheet.

Please note that 2025 estimates have not yet been created, so are not held. These annual estimates are planned to be published in July 2026.

These data capture respondents who have recorded "Sport" as the main reason for their travel. Estimates of spend reflect total costs incurred during the trip.