15 Destinations Every Indian Sports Aficionado Should Visit in 2026

Sports tourism is fast emerging as one of the most exciting drivers of experiential travel, with Indian travellers increasingly planning holidays around iconic sporting events, legendary stadiums and once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences. According to Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, travellers are increasingly extending sports-led getaways into longer holidays, combining marquee events with local culture, cuisine, sightseeing and nearby attractions to create richer, experience-led itineraries.

1. Melbourne, Australia
- Sports: Tennis (Australian Open), Cricket (MCG), Formula 1, Aussie Rules Football
- Best time: Jan–Apr

2. London, UK
- Sports: Cricket (Lord’s), Football (Premier League), Tennis (Wimbledon)
- Best time: May–Sep

3. Dubai, UAE
- Sports: Cricket, Golf, Horse Racing (Dubai World Cup)
- Best time: Nov–Mar

4. Barcelona, Spain
- Sports: Football (FC Barcelona, Camp Nou)
- Best time: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct

5. Madrid, Spain
- Sports: Football (Real Madrid), Tennis (Madrid Open)
- Best time: Apr–May & Sep–Nov

6. Singapore
- Sports: Formula 1 (Singapore GP), Golf
- Best time: Sep–Oct

7. Paris, France
- Sports: Tennis (Roland-Garros), Football
- Best time: May–Jul

8. Tokyo, Japan
- Sports: Baseball, Sumo, Formula 1 (Japanese GP)
- Best time: Mar–May & Sep–Nov

9. Doha, Qatar
- Sports: Football, Formula 1, Tennis
- Best time: Nov–Feb

10. Monaco
- Sports: Formula 1 (Monaco GP)
- Best time: May

11. Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Sports: Formula 1 (season finale), Cricket, Golf
- Best time: Nov–Dec

12. Zurich, Switzerland
- Sports: Skiing, Football
- Best time: Dec–Mar (ski) | May–Sep

13. Kitzbühel, Austria
- Sports: Skiing, Hiking, Golf
- Best time: Jan–Mar (winter) | Jun–Sep (summer)

14. Cape Town, South Africa
- Sports: Cricket (Newlands), Surfing
- Best time: Nov–Mar

15. New Zealand
- Sports: Cricket, Adventure Sports (bungee, jet boating, glacier hikes)
- Best time: Nov–Mar

✨ Key Insight: These destinations combine marquee sporting events with local culture, cuisine, and sightseeing, making them perfect for experience-led holidays.