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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/ 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sports-and-music-event-tourism-unlocks-new-opportunities-to-capture-spend-302285498.html

SOURCE Collinson International

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KNEX Technology CTO Gustavo Gonzalez Elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG

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January 11, 2025

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Gustavo Gonzalez, KNEX Technology’s CTO, has been elected 2025 President-Elect of OATUG, emphasizing his dedication to Oracle innovation, collaboration, and leadership, including Ascend 2025’s strategic initiatives.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — KNEX Technology, a leading Oracle Cloud solutions provider, is proud to announce that its Chief Technology Officer, Gustavo Gonzalez, has been elected as the 2025 President-Elect of the Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG). This esteemed appointment highlights Gonzalez’s longstanding commitment to advancing innovation and collaboration within the Oracle community.

OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career. As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.

In his new role, Gonzalez will work closely with the OATUG leadership team throughout 2025, preparing to serve as OATUG President in 2026. He will focus on empowering Oracle professionals worldwide by fostering knowledge-sharing, community engagement, and professional development. OATUG, a globally recognized organization, supports its members in overcoming challenges, enhancing the value of Oracle solutions, and driving organizational success.

“OATUG has played a pivotal role in my professional growth, and it is a privilege to contribute to this community which has enriched my career,” said Gustavo Gonzalez. “As President-Elect, I look forward to collaborating with my peers to strengthen the Oracle user community and further its impact on businesses worldwide.”

Gonzalez’s election underscores his dedication to giving back to the Oracle ecosystem. A key focus of his role will include shaping OATUG’s strategic initiatives, such as the annual Ascend Conference, which unites Oracle users, thought leaders, and technology innovators for unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

The upcoming Ascend 2025 Conference, scheduled for June 8–11 in Orlando, Florida, promises to build on the success of the 2024 event, which attracted more than 1,800 attendees. With early bird registration now open, Gonzalez aims to ensure the conference continues to deliver transformative insights and experiences for the Oracle community.

About OATUG

The Oracle Applications & Technology Users Group (OATUG) is the premier global organization for Oracle users, providing year-round education, networking, and advocacy. OATUG empowers its members to unlock the full potential of Oracle solutions, fostering innovation and collaboration across industries.

About KNEX Technology

KNEX Technology is a trusted leader in Oracle Cloud solutions, delivering cutting-edge products and services to help businesses achieve their objectives. Through its innovative approach and customer-focused strategies, KNEX enables organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s technology landscape. For more information, visit www.knextech.com.

Media Contact

Husna Gyasi, KNEX Technology, 1 (949) 232-0786, husna.ghayaisi@knextech.com, https://knextech.com/

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/knex-technology-cto-gustavo-gonzalez-elected-2025-president-elect-of-oatug-302347693.html

SOURCE KNEX Technology

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Dr. Gerard van Belle Appointed Director of Science at Lowell Observatory, Charting a Bold Future for Research

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January 11, 2025

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Dr. van Belle to guide scientific exploration and foster innovation in the next era of astronomical research

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lowell Observatory is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gerard van Belle as the new Director of Science. Van Belle, who has been an astronomer at the observatory since 2011, has been serving as the interim Director of Science.

In his new role, van Belle will lead a diverse team of astronomers and planetary scientists. He will spearhead the observatory’s new Science Vision, which focuses on advancing research capabilities and implementing cutting-edge technological improvements supporting Lowell’s leadership in astronomical research.

Under his leadership, the science department will continue to advance Lowell Observatory’s mission to pursue the study of astronomy, including the study of our solar system and its evolution, and to conduct pure research in astrophysical phenomena.

Van Belle’s own research focuses on fundamental stellar parameters, including the sizes, shapes, masses, distances, and temperatures of various types of stars. He is also renowned for his expertise in optical and near-infrared astronomical interferometry.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Whitman College in 1990, followed by a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1993, and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wyoming in 1996.

Throughout his career, van Belle has been instrumental in the development and commissioning of major optical interferometers worldwide, including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, the Keck Interferometer, and the Very Large Telescope Interferometer. His pioneering work in stellar surface imaging earned him the inaugural Edward Stone Award for Outstanding Research Publication at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2002.

In 2011, van Belle joined Lowell Observatory’s science staff, where he applied high-resolution astronomical techniques to detect nearby exoplanets and map stellar surfaces. He served as the Director of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI) in Flagstaff, Arizona, from 2017 to 2018, and subsequently as its Chief Scientist until 2022.

Notably, van Belle was among the astronomers who voted against the definition of ‘planet’ advanced during the 2006 International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference in Prague, which relegated Pluto to being a ‘dwarf planet’ (which according to the IAU resolution is not a planet).

His extensive experience and dedication to advancing astronomical research make him a valuable leader for Lowell Observatory’s scientific endeavors.

“I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Lowell Observatory,” said van Belle. “Our Science Vision will guide us in exploring new frontiers in astronomy while strengthening our commitment to public engagement and education.”

Executive Director Dr. Amanda Bosh expressed her confidence in van Belle’s leadership: “Gerard’s extensive experience and dedication to our mission make him the ideal person to lead our scientific endeavors. I look forward to working closely with him as we embark on this exciting new chapter for Lowell Observatory.”

For more information about Lowell Observatory’s research and public programs, visit lowell.edu.

About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-gerard-van-belle-appointed-director-of-science-at-lowell-observatory-charting-a-bold-future-for-research-302348440.html

SOURCE Lowell Observatory

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ALTICE USA IS ABANDONING LOCAL SPORTS FANS AND IS KEEPING MSG NETWORKS AND ITS KNICKS, RANGERS, ISLANDERS AND DEVILS COVERAGE OFF THE AIR

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2 hours ago

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January 10, 2025

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NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MSG Networks released the following statement about their dispute with Altice USA:

“Altice USA has pulled their last proposal and walked away from negotiations to bring MSG Networks back to its Optimum subscribers. They also just dropped WPIX Channel 11 in New York and other local stations around the country. If you have been waiting, like we have, for them to do right by their customers – don’t wait any longer. Now is the time to switch to Verizon Fios who has a special offer for Optimum subscribers. Meanwhile, Optimum has been charging their over 1 million customers for local sports programming they have not been receiving and EVERY subscriber should be credited at least $10 a month.

Verizon Fios is ready to take your business. If you are not in Verizon Fios area, you can get games through these other providers DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and The Gotham Sports App. For more options on how to switch providers, visit www.keepMSG.com.”

About MSG Networks

MSG Networks, a pioneer in sports media, owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks (MSG and MSG Sportsnet) and MSG+, a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming offering (included in the Gotham Sports App), that serve the nation’s number one media market, the New York DMA, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse array of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG Networks as the gold standard in regional sports. MSG Networks is part of the Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR).

Contact:

Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)

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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.

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