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Sports and Music Event Tourism unlocks new opportunities to capture spend

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Collinson International launches global research report unveiling how businesses can engage with sports and music fans to capture share of growing market spend.

80% of sports and music fans in Asia Pacific (APAC) have travelled by plane to watch their favourite team or artistSports fans are the biggest spenders globally, with 57% of sports enthusiasts from APAC spending more than US$500 per trip, per person4 in 5 event travellers from APAC visit new places rather than familiar ones

SINGAPORE, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Collinson International, the owner and operator of Priority Pass and LoungeKey, has released its latest global research report, The Value of Sports and Music Tourism, exploring the travel and spending habits of sports and music event travellers. The new research revealed that sports fans are the biggest spenders globally in comparison to those travelling for music events; 57% of Asia Pacific’s (APAC) sports enthusiasts are spending more than US$500 per trip, per person.

Sports and music tourism is seeing huge growth. In 2023, sports tourism was valued at US$564.7 billion and is expected to almost double in value to US$1.33 trillion by 2032.[1] Similarly, music tourism is expected to see huge growth, forecasted to reach US$13.8 billion by 2032.[2] This is being driven by three main components: events, with more sports and music events, fans have more choice of destinations; exposure, the internationalisation of new and existing sports leagues through TV and streaming has encouraged fans to travel, while music fans are finding it may be more cost-effective to see an artist abroad; and experience, after years of Covid-19 travel restrictions, live fans are back and wanting new, enhanced experiences.  

It is clear that sports and music tourism is booming and event travellers have high aspirations, presenting a huge opportunity for businesses to tap into this growing segment of travellers. In APAC, of those that travel to an event by plane, more than four-fifths (85%) have travelled for sports and 74% for music in the past three years or plan to do so in the coming 12 months. Of these travellers, over half (53%) travel more than once a year with 19% attending three or more events annually.

SPENDING HABITS

Sports fans are the biggest spenders globally, with 57% from APAC exceeding US$500 per trip. Notably, 12% of respondents in APAC spend more than US$2,000 per trip. Globally, the 25-34 age group spends the most overall, with a third (33%) exceeding US$1,000 for sports and 31% for music events.

The typical spend for event travellers globally at airports is US$100 (44%) but this varies considerably with those travelling for basketball (30%), Formula 1 (32%) and the Olympics (31%) prepared to spend US$200 or more. As for those travelling for music, 25% are prepared to spend US$200 or above.

Over 4 in 5 (82%) of APAC sports and music fans have travelled to a new city or country to watch their favourite team or artist and of those, 28% said they have returned to these new cities / countries – with a further 31% planning to return. This presents huge economic growth opportunities for local businesses within these destinations, particularly where repeat business can be identified ahead of time. 

ELEVATED AIRPORT EXPERIENCES

Those travelling to see their favourite sports team or artist are looking for more premium travel experiences, which means they are more likely to take advantage of airport experiences.

More than half (52%) of APAC sports and music fans have used airport experiences when travelling for an event, which includes visiting an airport lounge (34%), gaming lounges (15%), sleep pods (16%) and spas (13%). The top reasons APAC fans visit an airport lounge is to relax and unwind before or after watching their favourite team/artist (58% for sports and 59% for music fans), followed by enjoying food and drink options at the airport (56% for sports and 57% for music).  

The uptake of airport lounges is higher among those spending more money on the trip overall. Globally, those travelling to basketball events (48%), Formula 1 (45%) and the Olympics (44%) are more likely to use lounges, with these fans also spending the most. 

TAILORING CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND LOYALTY PROGRAMMES

Around 65% of APAC event travellers participate in customer engagement and loyalty programmes. Many have joined customer engagement and loyalty programmes that offer points/miles (46%) or discounts on flights (50%), tickets (39%) and accommodation (38%). Over a third (39%) of APAC event travellers would choose a payment card that offered exclusive travel benefits such as access to airport lounges, travel insurance (42%), and an event package (42%) that includes flights, accommodation, transfers and tickets.

Airport lounge access is a popular travel benefit through payment cards, particularly for travellers from India (43%), Hong Kong, UAE, Australia (all 41%), Singapore (40%) Germany (34%), UK (33%) and Brazil (32%).

“The growing and global fanbase that will travel to iconic sports and music events is looking for unforgettable experiences and are prepared to spend significantly to make their trip extra special,” says Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass. “Fans are by definition synonymous with loyalty. This new research shows the high value they place on travel benefits. Great news for the travel industry and for those businesses targeting frequent travellers providing the opportunity to capitalise on the rise of event tourism by offering the travel benefits fans crave. In return, they will see the advantage of being top-of-mind and wallet with these frequent travellers, boosting engagement, building loyalty, and driving additional cross-border spend.”

“Sports and music events fuel wanderlust, taking travellers to every corner of the globe. As the appetite for sports and music tourism grows across Asia Pacific, significant opportunities for businesses are opening up,” says Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific President, Collinson International. “This is particularly true for the travel sector, with Asia Pacific travellers being some of the highest spenders globally; as well as financial services organisations, with the latter witnessing significant shifts driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and disruptive competitors. As businesses navigate this changing era, consumer loyalty and engagement emerge as pivotal drivers of growth and competitive advantage. Brands who can unlock the power and influence of sports and music-related rewards will position themselves well to benefit from higher customer engagement and retention.”

To find out more, read the full report here.

Notes to Editors

Collinson International commissioned this research independently. The report is not endorsed by any party mentioned herein.

Methodology: Research commissioned by Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass, and independently conducted among a sample of 8,537 travellers from 17 countries and territories including: Australia (505), Brazil (502), Colombia (503), France (501), Germany (503), Hong Kong (501), India (502), Italy (504), Mexico (502), Peru (503), Saudi Arabia (501), Singapore (503), Spain (501), Thailand (503), UAE (501), UK (502) and USA (500). The survey was completed online in June 2024.  

Currency in US$.

Methodology 

Research commissioned by Collinson International, owner and operator of Priority Pass, and independently conducted among a sample of 8,537 travellers from 17 countries and territories including: Australia (505), Brazil (502), Colombia (503), France (501), Germany (503), Hong Kong (501), India (502), Italy (504), Mexico (502), Peru (503), Saudi Arabia (501), Singapore (503), Spain (501), Thailand (503), UAE (501), UK (502) and USA (500). The survey was completed online in June 2024.  

About Collinson International

Collinson International is the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence. We work with the world’s leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines and 20 hotel groups worldwide. We deliver market-leading airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement, and insurance solutions for over 400 million end consumers.

Collinson International is the operator of Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme. Travellers can access a network of over 1,500 lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in over 700 airports in 145 countries, helping to elevate the journey into something special. 

[1] Global Markets Insights, Sports Tourism Market Forecast 2024 – 2032 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/sports-tourism-market
[2] Custom Market Insights, Global Music Tourism Market 2024–2033 https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/music-tourism-market/ 

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Automated Drone Technology Further Transforms Polish Mountain Rescue Operations

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How Poland’s TOPR Team is Revolutionizing Mountain Rescues with Automated DJI Docks

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With its steep peaks, deep valleys, and harsh winter conditions, the Tatra Mountains present immense challenges for search and rescue operations. Powered by DJI Enterprise’s next-generation automated drone technology, TOPR (Tatrzańskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe), Poland’s dedicated volunteer mountain rescue service, is actively transforming its emergency response in rugged regions.

Building on their successful integration of DJI Enterprise equipment like the DJI Dock 3, TOPR recently initiated a pilot program with the newly released DJI Dock 4. The concept is groundbreaking for alpine rescues: launching a drone from an automated rooftop dock before the ground rescue team has even left the base.

“Certain locations are completely inaccessible by car, bike, or even snowmobile during winter,” explains Marcin Józefowicz, a TOPR rescuer and Head of Cybertech. Traditionally, a full mountain deployment could take up to two hours just to assemble the team and reach the trailhead on foot. To overcome this critical bottleneck, TOPR is looking to the sky.

This early deployment means a drone can reach a reported accident site in minutes instead of hours. “Crucially, we can assess the situation before we begin a physical operation,” says Józefowicz. This rapid aerial reconnaissance allows duty officers to determine if a rescue is genuinely needed, how many volunteers to dispatch, and exactly what equipment is required.

Once on the scene, the DJI Matrice 5TD helps TOPR make contact with people on the ground. Rescuers can use its loudspeaker to give instructions and ask whether assistance is needed, with hikers responding through gestures. If they indicate that they do not need help, the team can continue searching elsewhere. In total darkness, advanced thermal fusion imaging provides operators with near-daylight clarity, allowing them to pinpoint hikers’ headlamps and read topographic details simultaneously.

To conquer the mountainous terrain that frequently blocks standard communication signals, TOPR’s trial creatively utilizes a network of DJI O4 video transmission ground stations. By placing relay stations on observation towers and distant peaks, the drone can seamlessly roam between them. “This infrastructure allows us to extend our flight range even into neighboring valleys,” Józefowicz notes.

With automated flight triggers and a dock capable of swapping batteries in just 25 seconds for continuous operations, TOPR is exploring the ultimate future of mountain rescue. Beyond active missions, the automated fleet is testing the waters for daily hazard reconnaissance and trail monitoring. For TOPR’s dedicated volunteers, this continuous innovation serves one ultimate goal: reaching the injured faster, safer, and more effectively in the unforgiving Tatras.

1 All data was measured using a production model in a controlled environment. Some features are only available when paired with specific DJI drones, and may not be available in certain regions and countries. For more information, please refer to our official website: https://enterprise.dji.com/dock-4

About DJI

Since 2006, DJI has led the world with civilian drone innovations that have empowered individuals to take flight for the first time, visionaries to turn their imagination into reality, and professionals to transform their work entirely. Today, DJI serves to build a better world by continuously promoting human advancement. With a solution-oriented mindset and genuine curiosity, DJI has expanded its ambitions into areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, public safety, surveying and mapping, and infrastructure inspection. In every application, DJI products deliver experiences that add value to lives around the world in more profound ways than ever before.

For more information, visit our:

Website: https://enterprise.dji.com  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJIEnterpriseOfficial/       
X: https://X.com/DJIEnterprise   
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dji    
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@DJIEnterprise   

About TOPR:

TOPR (Tatrzańskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) is the dedicated volunteer mountain search and rescue organization operating in the Tatra Mountains, headquartered in Zakopane, Poland.

(Note: The accompanying multimedia case study was co-produced by DJI Enterprise and INNPRO.)

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automated-drone-technology-further-transforms-polish-mountain-rescue-operations-302927891.html

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SlidesAI Expands Beyond Google Slides With Standalone AI Presentation Platform

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Users can now create, edit and share presentations directly in their browser, alongside integrations with Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint and ChatGPT.

SHARJAH, UAE, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SlidesAI, an AI presentation maker that began as a Google Slides add-on, has expanded into a standalone presentation platform with its own browser-based workspace.

First released earlier this year, the SlidesAI web app lets users turn ideas, notes and documents into presentations without installing an add-on or working inside Google Slides or PowerPoint. It brings presentation planning, content creation, design and editing into one workspace.

“We started as a Google Slides add-on, then a PowerPoint add-in, and that’s where we found our first users and grew to over twelve million,” said Anurag Bhagsain, founder of SlidesAI. “But honestly, the product outgrew that framing.”

The standalone platform extends SlidesAI’s role across the presentation process. Users begin with a topic, notes or a document, then specify their audience, tone, language and slide count. Before generating the deck, they can review the outline, reorder slides and refine the content. Once the presentation opens in the editor, they can edit text directly or request AI revisions, review the suggested changes and accept them.

The need for help across those steps is reflected in a recent SlidesAI onboarding survey. Among more than 18,000 responding new users, roughly two-thirds selected design and visuals as a presentation challenge, while nearly half selected the time required. Respondents could select multiple challenges.

Those responses illustrate why generating slide text addresses only part of the work. Turning that content into a structured, visually coherent presentation also requires decisions about sequence, layout and design. SlidesAI’s web-based AI presentation maker lets users work through those stages within the same environment.

For organizations creating recurring presentations, Brand Kit lets users import an existing PowerPoint template and apply their colors, fonts, logos and layouts to generated decks. Finished presentations can be presented directly, shared through a link or exported to PowerPoint or Google Slides.

SlidesAI also continues to support its existing integrations. Users can create and refine presentations through the PowerPoint add-in, work directly within Google Slides, or use ChatGPT to generate presentations directly in their SlidesAI account.

About SlidesAI

SlidesAI is an AI presentation creation and editing platform for professionals, educators and students. Available as a standalone web app and through integrations with Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint and ChatGPT, SlidesAI helps users turn ideas and source material into editable presentations. Learn more at  https://www.slidesai.io/.

Media contact
Anurag Bhagsain
+917018743674
426118@email4pr.com

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SOURCE SlidesAI

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RepData Launches Verified Intelligence Platform, Establishing New Category for End-to-End Research

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Quality-led market research platform combines survey creation, participant sourcing, data quality verification, analysis and AI-powered automation in a closed-loop system 

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rep Data has launched the Verified Intelligence Platform (VIP), an end-to-end research and insights solution that takes teams from business questions to actionable insights, with data quality verified throughout. The platform allows researchers to design studies, source verified respondents, detect fraud and low-quality responses, and analyze results in one connected system, with the flexibility to manage research themselves or work with Rep Data’s experts.

The platform builds on RepData’s sample sourcing and fraud prevention technology, adding survey design, behavioral data quality assessment and advanced analytics through its recent acquisitions of ReDem, OWL and SightX. It incorporates RepData’s curated participant network and quality checks at the source, respondent and response levels. The launch establishes Verified Intelligence as a new category of research with data quality verified at every step and visible to customers.

“Insights teams shouldn’t have to make high-stakes decisions on questionable data or choose between quality and speed,” said Patrick Stokes, CEO and Founder of RepData. “We’ve built the only research platform that offers this level of capability, technology and transparency in one place. Quality has been part of our DNA since day one, and VIP sets a new standard for conducting research and making decisions with confidence.”

Verification is integrated throughout the platform, with customers able to see how data quality is assessed at each stage:

Source: The next generation of Research Defender scores sample sources and blocks low-quality sources in real time, including during and after fieldwork.Respondent: More than 120 signals are analyzed and scored together for each respondent, identifying fraud, inattention and AI text responses before and during surveys.Response: Every response receives a score from 0 to 100 across five criteria (open-ended responses, behavioral analytics, time, grid and coherence), with plain-language explanations of flagged responses.Replacement: Rejected respondents are automatically replaced during fieldwork, eliminating need for data cleaning after the fact and shortening research timelines.Learning: Results from each study are used to retrain quality models, improving detection over time.

RepData’s VIP supports and embeds agentic research workflows, where AI agents can create surveys, launch studies, collect results, analyze data and prepare reports, with verification throughout.

Customers can use RepData’s technology and services in three ways:

Integrated platform: The Verified Intelligence Platform includes more than 50 research methodologies and question types, a panel network spanning 50 countries, pre-survey quality checks, automated data cleaning, analysis, reporting and actionable recommendations.Individual products: RepData’s sample marketplace and data quality tools are available through API and MCP connections for use with existing survey platforms.Research services: RepData’s research team manages projects from scoping and study design through field management, analysis and reporting.

Enterprise and mid-market teams can conduct research in-house or outsource projects, while research agencies and technology platforms can integrate RepData’s capabilities into existing systems.

The launch introduces RepData’s new brand identity and website, reflecting its expanded capabilities.

About RepData
RepData helps businesses make high-stakes decisions with confidence through verified research, advanced technology and human expertise. Its Verified Intelligence Platform (VIP) provides an end-to-end solution for designing, conducting and analyzing research, with data quality verification integrated at every step of the process. RepData works with enterprise and mid-market businesses, research agencies and technology platforms, offering flexible options for teams conducting research across a range of business functions, including self-service research, individual technology solutions and fully managed research services. www.repdata.com

Contact: Michelle Andre, 426176@email4pr.com, +1-415-577-8634

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