Ignore your Insta feed. Not all Aussies are jetting out for a Euro Summer! In fact, according to fresh research commissioned and served by Airbnb, there’s a new MVP in town when it comes to travel trends. And, it’s wearing a local team jersey. This is because sports tourism is kicking off across the country, and it’s not just our elite athletes scoring wins. Local hosts, small businesses and entire neighbourhoods are also getting a piece of the (meat) pie.
Airbnb’s latest report reveals that 70% of Australians say they’d travel within the country to attend or participate in a sporting event. From the AFL Grand Final to the Sydney Marathon, sports are no longer just a game – they’re a reason to book, travel and spend. Soccer has taken the lead as the country’s most popular sport for domestic travel (30%), followed closely by AFL (22%) and tennis (21%). And, when it comes to where fans are headed, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are top of the table – though Tassie is giving them a run for their money with some goal-worthy getaways.
So, what’s behind this national travel trend? For one, Aussies are embracing the idea of a “sport-cation” – combining their love of live games with a getaway. Think cricket in the day, beach at night. Marathon in the morning, recovery pub crawl after. According to Airbnb’s numbers, 59% of Aussies have either already travelled or plan to travel for sport this year, with an average spend of $108 per person per night on accommodation. Multiply that by a three-day stay and a nation full of sports-mad travellers, and we’re looking at a whopping $3.8 billion being pumped into the economy. That’s a hat trick if we’ve ever seen one.
And, it’s not just fans benefiting. Airbnb hosts are also seeing big wins. During the Sydney cricket test in January, a typical host earned $1,390 over the weekend. Just ask Elia Palambino, a Melbourne-based host whose home sits right across from the Grand Prix circuit. “Hosting during sporting weekends not only helps with the mortgage,” Elia says, “but it’s helped me save for trips back home to Italy. Plus, there’s such a buzz. It’s like my house becomes part of the action.” Talk about home-field advantage.
Millennials are leading the charge, with 78% having travelled for sport in the past six months. Gen Z isn’t far behind either. Especially those following the Lions rugby tour. Group bookings are booming too, with friends and families banding together to attend events like the men’s Ashes in Brisbane. That means more full homes, more meals shared at local pubs and cafes and a ripple effect of spending in neighbourhoods that might otherwise miss out. Everyone’s playing on the same team when it comes to supporting local.
Even major sporting events that attract global attention – like the Sydney Marathon – are seeing a significant surge in interest. “With 35,000 participants, many travelling with family or friends, Airbnb provides a cost-effective and flexible way to stay,” says Wayne Larden, CEO of the TCS Sydney Marathon. “Hotel capacity can’t keep up with this kind of demand. And, that’s where Airbnb shines.” So sure, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. but Airbnb’s definitely steps ahead.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming an Airbnb host, now might be your golden opportunity. With sporting events taking place almost every weekend and fans seeking affordable, group-friendly, well-located stays, the field is wide open.
Want in on the action? Check out these slam-dunk stays for every sports fan. From stadium-side stunners to champion-level crash pads, these fan-favourite finds on Airbnb are the ultimate game-day getaways worth cheering for.
Aashiyana – Sleeps 18, indoor pool, tennis court – Houses for Rent in Fountaindale, New South Wales, Australia – Airbnb