TravTalk India Online Magazine
In the rapidly evolving sports tourism landscape, Sports Konnect has consistently stood out for its diverse and inclusive approach. Shashank Shekhar Mishra, Founder & CEO, Sports Konnect, attributes their success to a simple yet powerful USP – catering to all types of customers through a wide range of sports tourism products.
Hazel Jain
Sports Konnect is a leading sports tourism and marketing company recognised for its award-winning services. It specialises in providing exclusive access to premier global sporting events, paired with comprehensive travel packages. Its expertise covers a broad spectrum of sports, including World Cups, major club leagues, iconic events like Wimbledon, motorsports, multi-sport competitions, and more. The team at Sports Konnect curates unforgettable experiences for fans worldwide, offering everything from budget-friendly tours to ultra-luxurious hospitality packages. Additionally, it operates a dynamic talent management and sponsorship division, further enhancing its diverse offerings.
Sharing some details of the B2B focus, Shashank Shekhar Mishra, Founder CEO, Sports Konnect, highlights the kind of offerings they have for travel agents. “With the growing demand for sports tourism in India, we are actively seeking partnerships with B2B agents nationwide. As this is a highly specialised sector, we are committed to training our partner agents, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to effectively promote and sell these unique packages to their clients. B2B agents benefit from increased sales volumes and profitability, thanks to the high-value, exclusive nature of our offerings. Additionally, with most high-demand events selling out quickly, our guaranteed inventory ensures agents can fulfil customer requests, even at the last minute,” he says.
Mishra sees a huge uptick in travel for sporting events from India. “Yes, there has been a noticeable uptick in travel for sporting events from India in recent years. Several factors contribute to this trend: Rising interest in global sports, increasing disposable income, enhanced and improved accessibility today, influence of social media and globalisation, combined with tailor-made sports tourism packages that are now easily available. These factors together are fuelling the growing trend of Indian travellers seeking out sporting events across the globe,” he explains.
But is this only for cricket? Mishra reveals, “Over the past few years, we have witnessed an incredible surge in demand for motorsports, football, and tennis. Despite the higher costs associated with these events, travellers are increasingly opting for them. A prime example is Formula 1, which offers tremendous value to fans, providing access to global concerts, thrilling on-track action, and an immersive festival atmosphere—all packed into an exciting three-day experience.”
Traveller segments
Mishra underlines the target segment that the team focuses on:
Passionate Sports Fans: Individuals who are deeply interested in specific sports or teams and seek the excitement of live, in-person experiences at major sporting events.
Affluent Travellers: High-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest in premium sports packages, VIP experiences, and exclusive hospitality services at prestigious events like Wimbledon, the Super Bowl, or Formula 1.
Corporate Clients: Another segment is companies looking for unique hospitality and entertainment options for client engagement, networking, and team-building through corporate packages at major sporting events.
Experience Seekers: Next are travellers who seek unique and immersive experiences and enjoy combining their love for sports with travel and exploration.
Special Interest Groups and Enthusiasts: Niche groups dedicated to a particular sport, such as motorsports, rugby, cricket, or soccer, who seek specialised travel experiences to events related to their passion.
These segments, Mishra adds, vary based on the nature of the event, location, and the type of experience offered whether it is budget or luxury.
“Our key USP has always been offering a wide range of sports tourism products, catering to all types of customers, not just high-value deals. Many of our clients start as first-time travellers and gradually move on to more premium experiences,” Mishra concludes.
