Sports tourism will boost international demand by 2026, according to Mundo Tour

What are the main new features that Afitur is presenting for the next tourist season?

The 2026 season will be marked by an exceptional calendar of major events. The FIFA World Cup will be the centerpiece, but it also includes the World Roller Hockey Championships, Formula 1 Madrid—with a new racetrack near IFEMA—and a packed schedule of international concerts and shows.
This volume of sporting and cultural events is generating an unprecedented influx of travelers from around the world, solidifying event tourism as one of the year's major drivers.

Which markets are a priority for Mundo Tour in preparation for the 2026 World Cup?

Thanks to its status as the official travel agency for several national teams, Mundo Tour works directly with multiple markets. The company manages travel for the national teams and fans of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Paraguay, and Uruguay, among others.

Demand is already extraordinary: sales linked to the 2026 World Cup are, at this point, double those recorded for the Qatar World Cup, even though there are still several key months of marketing remaining.

What are your expectations regarding the demand and occupancy of the events?

Stadiums, flights, and hotels are all expected to be completely full. The allure of Lionel Messi's latest World Cup performance and the global interest in the reigning world champions are drawing crowds from every continent.
Demand isn't limited to South America or Europe: large groups are also being booked from Asia, including contingents of Chinese travelers who will be coming specifically to see the Argentine national team.

Besides the World Cup, what other major events are boosting sports tourism?

The Champions League continues to be a major draw for international tourism, as are continental finals like the Copa Libertadores. Experience shows that, regardless of which teams reach the finals, fans travel from different continents to experience these events live.

Added to this are special matches such as the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina in Qatar, as well as new international matches that are further expanding the appeal of the calendar.

What other segments are driving demand for sports-related travel?

The phenomenon isn't limited to football. Formula 1, tennis, hockey, and motorsport events also generate significant tourism. A recent example was the impact of Franco Colapinto, whose participation in a single competition mobilized eight charter flights between Buenos Aires and Córdoba.

This behavior confirms that sports tourism has established itself as one of the major drivers of the international tourism market.