A study by VisitBritain shows that 800,000 visitors a year come to football matches, providing income of £684m for the economy. This is a 15 per cent rise on the figure recorded when the research was last done in 2010.
A study by VisitBritain shows that 800,000 visitors a year come to football matches, providing income of £684m for the economy. This is a 15 per cent rise on the figure recorded when the research was last done in 2010.
The largest number of football tourists come across from Ireland, where top clubs in England and Scotland have a big following. Norway and Sweden, with relatively weak domestic leagues, come next, followed by fans from the United States seeking an authentic experience.
The north-west is the region attracting the largest number of football visitors. Old Trafford is the most popular destination. The Emirates has displaced Anfield in the number two slot.
Clubs welcome foreign fans as they tend to spend a lot of money in the club shop acquiring memorabilia of their visit.
Not everyone is enamoured about football tourism. Some consider that local fans are displaced as a consequence. The Football Supporters’ Federation is concerned that ticket allocation priorities may be distorted.
Some years ago I was in the away end at Queens Park Rangers and the nearest home section was full of Japanese tourists. They seemed more interested in the antics of the away supporters than the game.