{"id":14793,"date":"2024-05-22T22:41:19","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T22:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/expedia-travel-the-beautiful-game-report-ranks-fan-loyalty\/"},"modified":"2024-06-20T23:06:51","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T23:06:51","slug":"expedia-travel-the-beautiful-game-report-ranks-fan-loyalty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/expedia-travel-the-beautiful-game-report-ranks-fan-loyalty\/","title":{"rendered":"Expedia \u2018Travel the Beautiful Game\u2019 report* ranks fan loyalty based on UEFA Champions League Game travel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dortmund is the city driving the biggest travel interest around UEFA Champions League matchdays, with every European home game up on average 145%<\/em><\/strong>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain was the most travelled journey with searches up 360%<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paris Saint-Germain fans are the most dedicated away fans, driving biggest spike in travel<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expedia sees 60% spike in searches for Wembley for UEFA Champions League Final<\/em><\/strong>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

London local and football legend Joe Cole partners with Expedia to reveal his most memorable UEFA Champions League journeys and offers London tips for fans<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a London city guide, visit Expedia Live<\/a> \u2014 the destination for fans to book travel and experiences<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Travel expert and UEFA Champions League Official Supplier Expedia\u00ae Live has analysed travel searches on the Expedia website and uncovered that Dortmund is the footballing city driving the highest travel demand, with PSG fans appearing the most dedicated.\u00a0 \u00a0
These findings have been revealed as part of Expedia Live\u2019s \u201cTravel the Beautiful Game\u201d report*, released ahead of this year\u2019s UEFA Champions League Final in London.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report delves into the most dedicated away fans, this season\u2019s most in-demand UEFA Champions League journeys and favourite matchday cities.  

Fixtures Fans Flocked To<\/strong> 
With 125 games making up this season\u2019s UEFA Champions League, Expedia\u2019s Travel the Beautiful Game report reveals the fixtures that are driving the most travel demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top 10 UEFA Champions League Fixtures Driving Travel Demand<\/strong>1<\/sup><\/strong> <\/td><\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
1. FC Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain in Barcelona \u2013 Quarterfinals <\/td>+360% <\/td><\/tr>
2. Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain in Dortmund \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+260% <\/td><\/tr>
3. FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester United in Copenhagen \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+230% <\/td><\/tr>
4. FC Barcelona vs. SSC Napoli in Barcelona \u2013 Round of 16 <\/td>+225% <\/td><\/tr>
5. Borussia Dortmund vs. PSV Eindhoven in Dortmund \u2013 Round of 16  <\/td>+210% <\/td><\/tr>
6. Feyenoord vs. Celtic FC in Rotterdam \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+205% <\/td><\/tr>
7. Real Sociedad de F\u00fatbol vs. Paris Saint-Germain in San Sebastian \u2013 Round of 16 <\/td>+200% <\/td><\/tr>
8. Borussia Dortmund vs. AC Milan in Dortmund \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+185% <\/td><\/tr>
9. BSC Young Boys vs. Manchester City FC in Bern \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+160% <\/td><\/tr>
10. FC Copenhagen vs. FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen in Copenhagen \u2013 Group Stage <\/td>+130% <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

FC Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinal topped the list, driving a 360%1<\/sup><\/strong> increase in travel searches on Expedia\u2019s website. Paris Saint-Germain fans are proving to be the most dedicated, as three of their away fixtures made it into the Top 10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copenhagen came out as one of the most popular destinations to visit to watch a game, claiming two spots in the Top 10, with Manchester United and FC Bayern M\u00fcnchen fans driving the biggest interest in the Danish capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was, however, the draw of Borussia Dortmund\u2019s yellow wall that dominated the list, taking three spots in the Top 10. Borussia Dortmund\u2019s UEFA Champions League games this season drove on average 145%1<\/sup><\/strong> of increased interest in the city, with a high of 260%1<\/sup><\/strong> around the Paris Saint-Germain group stage game and 185%1<\/sup><\/strong> for the opener against AC Milan.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further data from Expedia revealed that Dortmund and Barcelona are the only two cities from this year\u2019s UEFA Champions League season run that have seen travel searches spike for every single home fixture. Unexpectedly, the footballing cities of Munich and Paris are down on average 5%1<\/sup><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footballing City Rivals<\/strong> 
The footballing rivalry intensifies when clubs share a city. In Madrid, it is no surprise that this year\u2019s finalists Real Madrid CF are attracting fans, but the most enthusiastic visitors were unexpectedly from FC Union Berlin in the group stage \u2014 driving a season high 100% increase in travel demand, with the Real Madrid CF vs. Manchester City FC quarterfinal coming second up 85%1<\/sup><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Manchester, the blue side won out, with the game driving the biggest spike in travel searches for the city up 60%1<\/sup><\/strong>. Surprisingly, that game wreaks Manchester City FC against Serbian side FK Crvena zvezda in the group stages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Arguably, the biggest European game in Manchester was Manchester City FC vs Real Madrid CF in the quarterfinals. Yet demand for travel to the city was less than half1<\/sup><\/strong> of what it was for the Manchester United vs. Sevilla FC game, which took place on the same date the year before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pilgrimage to the Final<\/strong> 
Expedia has analysed the journeys fans have made to UEFA Champions League Finals over the past 10 years, uncovering that it is the Spanish fans who are the most journeyed in recent history, as six of the last 10 finals featured a Spanish club, with Real Madrid CF taking part in five finals in the last 10 years.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michele Rousseau from Expedia said: \u201cIf European football fans have taught us anything this season, it\u2019s that Dortmund and Copenhagen need adding to your travel wish list. That yellow wall of Dortmund, along with the well-travelled fans of Real Madrid, will descent on London for this year\u2019s Final, and nothing beats being there to experience matchday in the city. Our Expedia study showed that fans are most looking forward to visiting the iconic Tower of London and Big Ben but also want to check out London\u2019s foodie scene \u2014 the number one activity fans like to experience when travelling to away games.\u201d <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

London Locals<\/strong> 
With London bracing for an influx of football fans for the UEFA Champions League Final on June 1, Expedia has enlisted the help of two London locals to offer visiting fans inspiration on where to go and what to do when they visit the Capital for the final. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ex-footballer and London local Joe Cole gives his advice on how to make the most of the footballing weekend: \u201cI played over 50 games in the UEFA Champions League and the European away journeys were some of my favourite trips. The focus was always on the football but occasionally we got to experience a destination like fans. Rome was a personal favourite, I traveled there with Chelsea and visited the Vatican City, the Colosseum and the food was simply incredible.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a born and bred Londoner, I really think my city offers one of the best matchday experiences anywhere in Europe, so it\u2019s great to be partnering with travel experts Expedia to offer top tips about my hometown. <\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLondon has some of the most beautiful parks for a kick about, Regent\u2019s Park is my favourite, I play padel there. I grew up in Camden, so Camden market is also a must visit. I love cycling around the city, there is so much to take in. Fans need to see the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace as they are so iconic, but don\u2019t miss the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Joe Cole\u2019s Top 10 London Attractions:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
    \n
  1. Wembley stadium\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Hyde Park\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Regent\u2019s Park<\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. The O2\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Camden Market\u202f\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Borough Market<\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Natural History Museum<\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Science Museum\u202f<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  1. Tower of London\u202f<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    1. Buckingham Palace<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

                      London artist Kelly Anna is also collaborating with Expedia and has curated a special artwork and limited-edition jersey that brings to life travelling the beautiful game across Europe, all the way to London. The artwork will be unveiled at Expedia Live\u2019s activation at the UEFA Champions Festival in Trafalgar Square, taking place from 30 May to 2 June, with the limited-edition jerseys up for grabs during the weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"Kelly<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                      Kelly explains: \u201cWe\u2019ve been on an amazing journey across Europe to the greatest footballing cities on earth, and finally arrived here in London. From the food to the culture, to the parties, this is more than just a game, it\u2019s moments you remember forever. <\/em>I wanted my artwork to depict all of that, and as someone who\u2019s lived in London more than half my life, it was important to me to <\/em>capture the real essence of our Capital. Key features of the design include powerful, exaggerated figures adorned with flags, and fans watching and cheering from the side lines. Footballers striking out from famous football stadiums and scoring goals into the sky represent the joy that the UEFA Champions League brings to us all.\u201d <\/em> 
                       <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      For more inspiration on where to visit in London, head to Expedia Live <\/em>HERE<\/em><\/a>.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n\n\n\n


                      References:<\/strong> 
                      *<\/strong>Report is a combination of internal travel searches made on Expedia and consumer research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1<\/sup> Data based on travel searches on Expedia. Group stage searches from August 31, 2023 (the date the draw was made), up to the corresponding matchday for each game. Round of 16 searches from January 1, 2024, to March 13, 2024, quarterfinal searches from January 1, 2024, to April 17, 2024, semifinal searches from January 1, 2024, to April 25, 2024. All check-in dates are the same day as corresponding matchday. All searches are compared to the same dates from the year before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      2<\/sup> Data based on lodging searches made between April 9, 2024, and May 9, 2024, for Wembley for check-in on June 1, 2024, compared to the same dates the previous year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      3<\/sup> Based on the total number of miles travelled to play the eight away games in each season\u2019s UEFA Champions League. Based on return miles travelled and calculated using Distance.co.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      4<\/sup> Survey of football fans who have travelled to a game, commissioned by OnePoll on behalf of Expedia. 
                       <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Expedia Live’s activation during the UEFA Champions Festival, Trafalgar Square<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":14790,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[],"companies":[94],"locations":[88],"class_list":["post-14793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","companies-expedia","locations-london","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14793"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14793\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14796,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14793\/revisions\/14796"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14793"},{"taxonomy":"companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/companies?post=14793"},{"taxonomy":"locations","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations?post=14793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}