National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration that recognizes the incredible contributions made by this global industry for which Tourism is an economic driver that supports jobs and careers at every level while leading the way in sustainability efforts to support our fragile environment.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, we celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week with our 4th Annual Webinar with a special guest appearance by Michael Stutler, who shared his extensive experience working for the Walt Disney World Resort. His knowledge of hospitality operations, expertise in market research, human resources, and training laid the foundation for his career in education. He also just happens to be one of our very own adjunct professors in the School of Business & IT.

We appreciate all who attended and congratulations to the Trivia winners. If you were unable to attend or did attend and would like to view our recorded session,  here is the link to our webinar-we hope you enjoy watching it.

If you would like more information about our associate’s concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Services or bachelor’s concentration in Hospitality Sustainability, the presentation or upcoming individual Hospitality and Tourism courses, please feel free to use our emails below and send us a message. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Best regards,

TH Course Leads

Mimi Gough mgough@purdueglobal.edu

Julie Dort jdort@purdueglobal.edu

Wimbledon is held annually in London, England, and is the oldest tennis tournament, dating back to 1877. It is part of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the others being the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open (Wimbledon Championships, 2025).

Wimbledon is known for its rich traditions, including its strict dress code for players. Competitors must be dressed in all white with no logos. The event typically features the best tennis players from around the world competing in singles and doubles events, and it's widely regarded for its elegance and history (Wimbledon Championships, 2025).

Tennis events have a significant economic impact on host cities, generating revenue from tourism, hospitality, fan engagement, and local spending. Wimbledon attracts thousands of visitors yearly, who spend money on accommodations, dining, transportation, and entertainment. For example, in 2013, the US Open had generated an estimated $750 million in economic activity for New York City since its inception, supporting local businesses and creating jobs in the hospitality and service industries. In 2022 alone, the tournament attracted 880,000+ fans, generating about $472 million. Tournaments often invest in infrastructure improvements and community development projects, leaving a lasting legacy for host cities (Spio, 2024)

Each year, Wimbledon brings over half a million spectators to southwest London (All England Lawn Tennis Club, 2025). This influx of visitors creates a ripple effect throughout the local hospitality economy. Hotels in areas such as Wimbledon Village, Southfields, and central London experience significantly increased occupancy rates. Luxury hotels often report full bookings months in advance, and short-term rental platforms like Airbnb see substantial growth in listings and prices during the tournament period (VisitBritain, 2023). This high demand benefits large hotel chains, independent bed and breakfasts, and private homeowners renting rooms or properties to tennis fans and tourists.

Dining establishments also see a marked rise in business. From fine dining restaurants to casual pubs, food and beverage outlets experience increased footfall throughout the tournament. Hospitality venues near the All-England Club often create themed menus or special Wimbledon packages featuring traditional British fare like strawberries and cream or Pimm's cocktails, enhancing the visitor experience while boosting sales (London & Partners, 2022).

Transportation services likewise benefit from the tournament's presence. Local taxis, ride-sharing companies, and public transit providers see a sharp increase in ridership. Luxury chauffeur services often serve VIP guests, players, and corporate clients, contributing to the demand for high-end transport solutions. Coordinating between the hospitality and transport sectors ensures smooth access to and from the venue, which is vital to maintaining a high standard of guest satisfaction during the event (Transport for London, 2023).

Beyond short-term gains, Wimbledon contributes to long-term growth in hospitality through increased brand exposure and repeat visitation. Visitors drawn to the tournament often extend their stays to explore London's cultural landmarks, contributing to tourism revenue beyond the scope of the tennis event. Moreover, international guests frequently return in subsequent years, driven by the high quality of service and the lasting prestige associated with Wimbledon (UK Hospitality, 2024).

Wimbledon exerts a powerful and multifaceted influence on the hospitality sector, from accommodation and food service to transportation and event management. By attracting global audiences and driving consumer spending, the tournament enriches the local economy and positions the UK hospitality industry on the world stage. Its combination of tradition, luxury, and international appeal ensures that Wimbledon remains a sporting milestone and a cornerstone of seasonal economic activity in British hospitality.

By Julie Dort & Mimi Gough 

All England Lawn Tennis Club. (2025). The Championships 2025 – Visitor Information.

Wimbledon. https://www.wimbledon.com

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, May 9). Wimbledon Championships. Encyclopædia

Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/sports/Wimbledon-Championships

London & Partners. (2022). Wimbledon: Impact on London's Hospitality Sector.

https://www.londonandpartners.com

Edem Spio, Ms. (2024, April 15). The business of tennis: Tennis Tourism and Event Hospitality.

LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/business-tennis-tourism-event-hospitality-

edem-spio-msc-ublvf/

Transport for London. (2023). Wimbledon 2023 Travel Impact Report. https://tfl.gov.uk

UK Hospitality. (2024). Major Events and Their Economic Impact on the UK Hospitality

Industry. https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk

VisitBritain. (2023). Inbound Tourism Trends and Events. https://www.visitbritain.org