The Rise of the ‘Sportcation’

A new travel phenomenon, dubbed sportcation – a blend of sport and vacation – is gaining significant traction among young, health-conscious Chinese travelers. Instead of seeking traditional relaxation, these tourists are spending upwards of 20,000 yuan (US$2,800) on intensive athletic training programs, transforming destinations like Bali, Indonesia, into grueling sporting hubs.

Bali: A Hotspot for Tennis Boot Camps

Bali, previously renowned for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, is increasingly becoming a destination for military-style tennis camps. Travelers are choosing to sweat it out through high-intensity activities, including scuba diving, skydiving, skiing, and cycling, with tennis emerging as a particularly popular choice.

A Week of Intense Training

Yiqian, an 18-year-old traveler, participated in a seven-day, six-night tennis boot camp in Bali during China’s National Day holiday in 2025. The total cost, including airfare and camp fees, exceeded 20,000 yuan (approximately 76 million VND). For Yiqian, the trip was a combination of vacation and training mission, with a schedule focused on intensive training sessions interspersed with local experiences and sightseeing.

These camps are typically minor-scale, often described as boutique, with specialized training facilities. Yiqian’s group consisted of just eight people – three men and five women – each receiving individual coaching from a different professional coach daily.

A typical day begins at 9 am with three hours of continuous tennis practice, followed by afternoons dedicated to exploring Bali, enjoying local cuisine, or relaxing with a massage. Evenings offer optional friendly matches for those still up to the challenge.

Growth of Sports Tourism in China

According to a report by Chinese media company 36Kr, sports tourism is experiencing strong growth, fueled by the increasing popularity of tennis among young Chinese people. This trend is driving demand for tennis-themed vacations.

By 2025, the number of registered indoor and outdoor standard tennis courts in China was expected to surpass 47,000, a 39.6% increase compared to 2020. The number of tennis players in China was projected to reach approximately 25.19 million by 2024, a 28% increase compared to 2021.

Expanding Reach and Future Outlook

Organizers like Rojas have observed a shift in clientele, with more members of Generation Z joining the ranks of those seeking these athletic getaways. Since early 2024, Rojas has been actively scouting locations in Bali to offer 3 to 5 small tennis-related retreats each month.

Beyond tennis, Bali’s established surfing culture, combined with activities like yoga, meditation, and CrossFit, continues to attract young Chinese tourists seeking a sports holiday.

A Trend with Caveats

The sportcation trend isn’t without its critics. This type of travel requires a very high level of self-discipline and is definitely not suitable for people who want to catch up on sleep and escape the stress of operate, one user commented.

Redefining Relaxation

Despite some reservations, experts predict that sports holidays will remain a significant trend, prompting individuals to redefine relaxation by pushing their physical and mental boundaries.