Connexus Travel Unlocks FIFA World Cup 26 for Greater China's Elite

SHANGHAI, China – January 16, 2026 – In a landmark move that underscores Hong Kong's growing prominence in the global sports tourism landscape, Connexus Travel has been appointed an official sales agent for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Official Hospitality Programme. The appointment makes the 78-year-old travel management firm the first Hong Kong-headquartered agency to secure this role, creating an exclusive gateway for football fans across Greater China—including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—to access premium experiences at the world's most anticipated sporting event.

This strategic partnership with On Location, FIFA's official hospitality provider, comes ahead of a historic tournament. For the first time, the FIFA World Cup™ will be co-hosted by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and will feature an expanded format of 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 North American cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

A New Gateway for a Massive Market

The significance of this appointment extends far beyond a single company; it signals a pivotal moment for the region's burgeoning sports tourism sector. Connexus Travel now provides a direct, official channel for an estimated 300 million football fans in Greater China, a demographic with significant and growing purchasing power. Research indicates that China's sports tourism market is on an explosive growth trajectory, projected to surge from approximately $28 billion in 2023 to nearly $100 billion by 2030.

Football reigns supreme within this market, and Chinese fans, nearly half of whom hold a university degree and earn above-average incomes, have shown a strong propensity for premium, experience-led travel. By securing this official designation, Connexus Travel is uniquely positioned to cater to this demand, transforming latent fan passion into tangible, high-value tourism. The move also solidifies Hong Kong’s role as a strategic hub, leveraging its international connectivity and sophisticated service industry to serve the mainland's vast and affluent consumer base.

"This appointment is not only a proud moment for Connexus Travel, but also a landmark for Hong Kong's sports travel industry," said Abel Zhao, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of CSTS Enterprises, the parent company of Connexus. "In collaboration with On Location, we are honored to be the first Hong Kong agency to represent FIFA World Cup 26™ hospitality in Greater China. Our team is committed to delivering world-class experiences that go far beyond the stadium—bringing fans closer to the heart of the game, the host cities and the culture surrounding the World Cup."

Redefining the Fan Experience with Bespoke Luxury

Moving beyond simple ticket sales, Connexus Travel is curating a portfolio of end-to-end, ultra-luxury travel solutions designed for discerning individuals and corporate clients. The offerings are built around the official hospitality packages, which provide guaranteed, premium match access combined with exclusive in-stadium perks. These experiences are tiered to cater to different objectives, from C-suite relationship building to once-in-a-lifetime family trips.

Highlights of the hospitality packages include:

• Private Suite Package: The pinnacle of exclusivity, offering a private stadium suite with panoramic pitch views, bespoke culinary creations, and dedicated hosting services.
• Trophy Lounge: This package combines prime sideline seating with an elegant lounge environment, featuring gourmet dining and immersive pre- and post-match entertainment.
• Pitchside Lounges: These sophisticated spaces are located in premium stadium zones, offering exceptional views, refined catering, and elevated service.

What sets the agency's approach apart is the comprehensive service wrapper built around these core offerings. Every package includes round-trip flights on partnered airlines, stays at hand-picked world-renowned hotels, and chauffeured luxury vehicle service. For top-tier clients, a dedicated account manager is complemented by on-site concierge support and personal butler services, ensuring a seamless and frictionless journey from departure to return. The firm also offers fully tailor-made itineraries, allowing clients to craft every detail of their World Cup journey, from match selections to personalized cultural excursions.

A Legacy of Trust in a New Arena

While this venture represents a bold step into the future of sports travel, it is built on a deep foundation of industry experience. Connexus Travel, a subsidiary of the tech and media-focused CSTS Enterprises, boasts a 78-year heritage, having been founded in 1948 as the iconic Swire Travel. This long history has endowed the company with deep regional expertise and a robust global network of airline, hotel, and service partners.

This legacy of trust and operational excellence was undoubtedly a key factor in securing the prestigious FIFA appointment. Managing high-profile international events requires a level of logistical prowess and reliability that few can offer. The company's long-standing reputation in corporate and leisure travel provides a proven track record of coordinating complex, multi-city itineraries, a skill that will be critical for the North American tournament.

By leveraging its established infrastructure, the agency aims to deliver not just luxury, but also competitive pricing and seamless execution. This blend of historic credibility and modern, tech-enabled service positions it to effectively navigate the high-stakes world of global sports hospitality, translating its legacy into a distinct competitive advantage in this new and dynamic arena.

Navigating an Unprecedented Global Tournament

The sheer scale of the FIFA World Cup 26™ presents unprecedented logistical challenges. With 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in three different countries—from Vancouver and Toronto to Mexico City and Miami—the complexity of coordinating travel, accommodation, and ground services is immense. The final match alone, set for the 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, will be a global focal point demanding flawless execution.

For VIP travelers from Greater China, navigating visa requirements, cross-border transit, and varying local cultures across North America adds another layer of complexity. This is precisely the environment where a specialized travel management company provides its greatest value. By handling all logistical facets, from flight schedules across time zones to chauffeured transfers in bustling host cities, Connexus Travel allows its clients to immerse themselves fully in the electric atmosphere of the World Cup without the associated stress.

Given the immense interest from one of the world's largest football fanbases, demand for these official packages is expected to be exceptionally high. The company is strongly recommending that interested fans and corporate clients begin the booking process early to secure access to the most sought-after matches and experiences for what promises to be a truly historic tournament.