BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR

From Grand Slams to global showdowns, 2025 is about to welcome an epic summer of sport. Data insights from leading online travel agent, Opodo, reveal that fans across Europe are going the distance to support their favourite teams and players, with major events like Wimbledon, the UEFA Women’s EUROs, the British & Irish Lions Tour, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup driving a surge in international travel.

Across the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Australia and beyond, Opodo’s travel insights highlight who’s going where, when, and why—capturing the full scope of Europe’s summer sports obsession.

Game, set, match: Wimbledon (UK): 30th June – 13th July 2025

• Opodo’s data suggests Europeans are the most keen to flock to London to watch their favourite tennis stars compete at Wimbledon. Top nationalities showing up to support their favourite players include: Germans: with 20% of total bookings, followed by Spanish;in (16%), Italians:Italy (11%).
• Which tennis stars are Europeans most excited to support? For the Germans, Alexander Zverev, for Spanishin, Carlos Alcaraz and Paula Badosa. The Italians are getting behind top contenders Jannik Sinner and Jasmine Paolini. French fans are hopeful of a finals place for Arthur Fils or Ugo Umbert , whereas Austrian supporters will be eager to see Julia Grabher climb the tournament ranks this year.
• How long are these nationalities planning a visit to the UK? Opodo reveals a majority are booking 3-4 days stays (46%), 19% are planning just 2 days, while 15% prefer to make the most of their travels with lengthy 7-13 days in London.

Football fandom: UEFA Women’s Euros (Switzerland): 2nd – 27th July 

• With the upcoming UEFA Women’s European Football Championship set to take place in Switzerland this July, Opodo’s insights show a notable rise in international travel to the host cities of Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, with an overall increase in bookings by 13% to the same destinations compared to the previous year. Particular interest has peaked for Zurich (62%), followed by Geneva (29%) and Basel (8%).
• Top countries turning out: The UK is showing massive support with 24% of the total bookings,marking a substantial 237% increase compared to the previous year. Germany is in second place with 15% of total bookings, Spain comes in third (12%).
• Fans are favouring 3-4 day stays, with 32% of travellers opting for shorter stints. 20% of tournament attendees are planning to stay for 7-13 days, followed closely by fans choosing 2 day stays (19%).
• How far are fans planning ahead? 89% are booking 90 days or more in advance, with 11% booking between 61 – 90 days in advance.
• England vs. France: Fans of the Lionesses are showing a keen interest in the 5th July match against France, with 31% of the total bookings, for travel between 2nd – 5th July.
• For travel from 6th – 9th July: England fans make up 26% of the total bookings, showing the nation is keen to watch their team take on the Netherlands 9th July.
• For travel from the 11th – 13th July: Travelling supporters keen to see the Lionesses kick off against Wales make up 29% of total bookings for these dates.

All out for Rugby: Rugby Lions Tour (Australia): 28th June – 2nd August 

• Opodo reveals a significant uptick in bookings from the UK in anticipation for the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia in July 2025, revealing which fans are the most dedicated to support their favourite teams.
• Australians are set to travel around the country by making up 49% of the bookings, followed by the UK, with 12% of total bookings, which is a +80% surge in interest compared to the previous year. Other nationalities showing support include France (8%).
• Opodo also looked into booking insights for Rugby Lions fans’ pre-tour fixture set to take place in Dublin on the 20th June. Data insights revealed keen interest compared to the previous year with bookings up by 51% between 18th – 19th June.

Top countries keen to travel for the kick-off match include: 

• Germany – 28% of total bookings
• United Kingdom – 23% of total bookings, showing a 194% increase year on year
• Switzerland – 11% of total bookings compared to the previous year

Opodo reveals the top UK airports rugby fans are departing from: 

• Birmingham takes the top spot – accounting for 47% of UK-origin bookings to Dublin
• London takes second place with 19% of bookings
• Manchester comes in third with 11% of bookings

Women’s Rugby World Cup (England) – 22nd August – 27th September 

• The upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to take place in the home of the Red Roses from 22nd August to 27th September 2025, is attracting significant travel interest to the UK, particularly from European nations.
• Opodo reveals London dominates bookings to travel for the top tournament destination with 96% of bookings, signalling a 14% year-on-year increase.
• Top nationalities coming to soak up the Rugby atmosphere? Spain leads with 24% of total bookings, (marking a 38% increase from last year). This is followed by Germany (23% of total bookings), Italy and France (8%).
• How long are fans planning to stay for the tournament? 51% of travellers are opting for 3-4 night stints, followed by 2 night stays (25%)  and 5-6 nights, 13%.