Sport travel guides and sports events news

Santorini sports travel guide: Hiking, swimming and wellness on the Greek island

25Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Santorini sports travel guide: Hiking, swimming and wellness on the Greek island

Santorini may be best known for whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and caldera sunsets, but its dramatic volcanic landscape is also helping the popular Greek island develop another side to its tourism offering: active and sports travel. Running trails climb and descend across volcanic terrain, hiking routes trace the rim of the caldera, while the Aegean provides a spectacular setting for open-water swimming, sailing and water sports. The Municipality of Thira’s official tourism site promotes everything from hiking and scuba diving to kayaking, SUP, yoga and horse riding. That combination comes together each autumn at Santorini Experience, the island’s flagship sports tourism event, which in 2026 takes place from 16-18 October. Take on the Santorini Experience Now in its ...

Qatar targets sports travellers with packed 2026-2027 events calendar

24Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Middle East & Gulf

Qatar targets sports travellers with packed 2026-2027 events calendar

Qatar is building on its reputation as a major international sports destination with a packed programme of events during its 2026-2027 season. Formula 1, international football, tennis and padel are among the sports set to attract athletes and travelling fans, forming a key part of Qatar’s wider calendar of more than 560 events. A major highlight in 2027 will then see the FIBA Basketball World Cup take place in August and September. Formula 1 will return to Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, while the FIFA U-17 World Cup will bring international football back to the country. Major tennis and padel tournaments will also feature on the calendar. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, chief executive officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar’s strength as a leading tourism destinat...

F1 2027 calendar: 24-race schedule confirmed as Portugal and Türkiye return

24Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars, F1 & Motorsport

F1 2027 calendar: 24-race schedule confirmed as Portugal and Türkiye return

Formula 1 has confirmed its 2027 race calendar, with 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and a record 10 Sprint events scheduled for the new season. Approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the championship will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix from 12-14 March and conclude at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit from 10-12 December. Pre-season testing will also take place in Bahrain from 24-27 February. Among the major additions for travelling F1 fans will be the return of Portugal and Türkiye. Portimão will stage the Portuguese Grand Prix from 18-20 June, its first F1 race since 2021, while Istanbul Park returns from 1-3 October. Portugal has a two-year agreement covering 2027 and 2028, while Türkiye has secured a five-year deal through 2031. The calendar spans five ...

Turkish Airlines to become Liverpool FC’s main shirt sponsor from 2027-28 season

20Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Football, Sports Business

Turkish Airlines to become Liverpool FC’s main shirt sponsor from 2027-28 season

Turkish Airlines will become Liverpool FC’s main partner from June 2027, with the carrier’s branding set to appear on the front of the club’s match shirts from the start of the 2027-28 season. The agreement will see Turkish Airlines replace Standard Chartered as Liverpool’s front-of-shirt sponsor, marking the first change to the Premier League club’s main partnership in 17 years. The Turkish flag carrier’s branding will feature on the men’s, women’s and academy match shirts. Standard Chartered, which has been Liverpool’s main club partner since 2010, will remain in place throughout the 2026-27 season before becoming a global partner from June 2027. Ahmet Olmuştur, Turkish Airlines CEO, said: “Liverpool Football Club is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football club...

US sporting events projected to generate $537m in visitor spending

20Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, The Americas

US sporting events projected to generate $537m in visitor spending

Major sporting events across the United States were projected to generate more than $537 million in visitor spending this summer, according to new research from Expedia Group and PredictHQ. The study analysed 18 major basketball, baseball, tennis, golf and hockey events, alongside related championship celebrations, which were forecast to attract a combined attendance of more than four million people. Of the projected $537m in visitor spending, around $259m was expected to go towards accommodation and $233m on hospitality, highlighting the wider economic impact of hosting major sports events. New York emerged as the biggest beneficiary. Four events in the city attracted more than 3.1 million attendees and were projected to generate $304m in visitor spending. When the US Open Golf C...

2026 Ranking of Sports Cities: New York takes top spot ahead of Paris and LA

20Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

2026 Ranking of Sports Cities: New York takes top spot ahead of Paris and LA

New York has taken the top spot in Burson’s 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities, ahead of Paris, Los Angeles, London and Madrid. Paris moves to second place after topping the ranking for three consecutive years. The annual ranking identifies the top 100 cities from around the world with the strongest association with sport. Now in its 15th edition, it is based on both perception and in-depth quantitative analysis, including feedback from international sports leaders, sports media representatives and industry experts, as well as social media and media coverage analytics. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive view of how cities build visibility and influence through sport. The 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities identifies four key findings th...

‘Eye-catching’ journeys: The world’s top 15 most beautiful cycling routes

20Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Trends

‘Eye-catching’ journeys: The world’s top 15 most beautiful cycling routes

Using eye-tracking technology, new research from adventure travel experts Explore reveals which cycling routes are objectively the most beautiful in the world. The findings come as demand for two-wheeled travel surges. Google searches for “cycling holiday” up 292% in the past 12 months, now attracting more than 42,000 global searches per month. Showing participants images of 52 renowned cycling routes from around the world, the study used eye-tracking software to measure which caught their attention quickest and held it longest. These metrics were combined into a weighted "eye-catching" score out of 100 to produce a definitive ranking. Most beautiful cycling routes and ‘eye-catching’ scores 1 Canada Bow Valley Parkway (Banff–Lake Louise) 97/100 2 Australia Gre...

The most epic bike trips in the world according to Lonely Planet

20Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Trends

The most epic bike trips in the world according to Lonely Planet

From Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to Cornwall’s rugged coastline in England, Lonely Planet has revealed six of the world’s most epic multi-day bike trips, offering adventurous cyclists inspiration for their next two-wheeled escape. The selection is taken from Lonely Planet’s new title, Epic Bike Trips of the World, which brings together 50 unforgettable cycling adventures from around the globe, alongside a further 150 suggestions for cyclists looking for their next great ride. The six routes highlighted by Lonely Planet, spotlighting Cornwall’s West Kernow Way as well as bikepacking through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, tackling Peru’s high-altitude Great Divide, following Vietnam’s Central Highlands to the coast, exploring Italy’s Abruzzo and cycling through the gold-rush land...

Sports travel bucket list: F1 Live Milan fan festival and show

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport

Sports travel bucket list: F1 Live Milan fan festival and show

Formula 1 fans looking for an early addition to the 2027 sports travel bucket list should mark 18-20 February in the calendar, when F1 Live Milan brings a three-day celebration of motorsport to one of Italy’s most famous cities. Taking place just ahead of the start of the 2027 Formula 1 season, the event promises to turn Milan into a destination for F1 fans from around the world, combining appearances from the sport’s biggest names with live entertainment and a three-day fan festival. F1 Live Milan follows the success of F1 75 Live, which was held at The O2 in London in February 2025. That event was broadcast across 37 territories and attracted 7.5 million viewers to its live broadcast. Formula 1 now plans to take the concept further with a bigger and more immersive experience in Ita...

After return to London, tennis’ Laver Cup will head to Los Angeles in 2027

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Tennis & Padel, The Americas

After return to London, tennis’ Laver Cup will head to Los Angeles in 2027

Los Angeles has been confirmed as host city for the 10th edition of the Laver Cup, with the three-day men's team tennis competition set to take place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood from 24-26 September 2027. The tournament will arrive in California a year after the Laver Cup returns to London, where The O2 will host the 2026 edition from 25-27 September. For travelling tennis fans, Los Angeles promises a very different setting for the competition – and another opportunity to combine world-class sport with a city break in one of the world's biggest entertainment destinations. It will also form part of an extraordinary period for sports tourism in Los Angeles. After hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city will also host Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Olympic and Paralympi...

Rise of ‘sportcations’: Trip.com reports double-digit growth in active travel bookings

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Rise of ‘sportcations’: Trip.com reports double-digit growth in active travel bookings

Active travel and “sportcations” are continuing to be one of the biggest trends in tourism, with Trip.com Group seeing a strong double-digit increase in booking GMV (gross merchandise value). From cycling through mountain passes to joining diving camps and wellness retreats, active travel is becoming a defining part of how people experience the world. This shift is gathering pace across the full travel journey, with searches for active sports experiences growing by more than 30% year on year, according to Trip.com, with markets witnessing substantial increases: 80% in Singapore, 65% in Malaysia, and 50% in the United Kingdom, while France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all recorded triple-digit growth. Total travel booking GMV has increased by almost 40%, with markets such as So...

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

The best destinations in Europe for an active “coolcation” have been revealed, with France's Mont Blanc region taking first place. In new research from SportsCover Direct, the sports travel insurance provider analysed 30 of Europe's most popular adventure destinations, ranking each on average summer temperature and humidity, hiking and cycling trail density, and travel time from the UK. Following another summer of record-breaking temperatures across Europe, online searches for coolcations have risen 74% year-on-year, with 65% of holidaymakers now saying they'd rather avoid travelling during the hottest time of year. But, rather than giving up on travel altogether, many are simply choosing to visit somewhere cooler instead, and for a growing number, it’s not just about swappi...

2026 Kangaroo Island Run Festival attracts hundreds of international visitors

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Running & Athletics, Sports Business

2026 Kangaroo Island Run Festival attracts hundreds of international visitors

Held on Sunday 23 August, the 2026 Kangaroo Island Marathon, Half Marathon and Sealink 10K attracted runners from around the world to Flinders Chase National Park for one of Australia’s most remote and unique marathon events. A total of 279 runners took part in the Kangaroo Island Run Festival, out of 299 registered, and together they brought more than 500 additional guests to the island – more than 800 visitors in all, a strong boost for the local economy. Runners represented 20 different nationalities, reflecting the event's growing international appeal, up significantly from 221 registered runners and 187 participants in 2025. Alongside a strong Australian contingent, the USA (39), Great Britain (11) and Canada (five) made up some of the largest overseas cohorts, with run...

London Aquatics Centre to host International Swimming League 2026 All-Star Match

6Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

London Aquatics Centre to host International Swimming League 2026 All-Star Match

The 2026 International Swimming League (ISL) All-Star Match will be held at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 19 December 2026. A one-night team competition featuring some of the world’s best swimmers, the All-Star Match marks the start of the ISL’s next chapter as it plans for its full return. The match will bring the sport’s biggest names back to the pool for a single unmissable evening, staged in front of a live London crowd and a global broadcast audience. Also, the total prize pool for the All-Star Match will be the largest ever offered for a single night of competitive swimming. London was chosen as the host city for its world-class venue and its standing as one of the great international swimming cities. The London Aquatics Centre, built fo...

4Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

2026 global sports events calendar

The 2026 global sports calendar is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. The year’s marquee line-up begins with the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano-Cortina, showcasing elite winter sports competition in February. Following the winter sports showcase, the stage is then set for one of the biggest events of the year: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June to July, which will feature an expanded 48-team field and captivate billions worldwide. Seasonal staples also return: the NFL Super Bowl, Uefa Champions League final, golf's Masters, the Wimbledon tennis grand slam, the Tour de France cycling race and more, ensuring continuous elite competition from January through December. ...

2026 sports business events and conferences calendar

4Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

2026 sports business events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2026. The global sports business calendar is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration. These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and dates ...

2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar

4Sep

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the upcoming travel and tourism industry events and conferences for 2026. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends. Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to enhance travel exp...

Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026

24Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

F1 & Motorsport, Middle East & Gulf, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Qatar Airways Holidays launches stopover packages for F1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026

Qatar Airways Holidays has expanded its Qatar stopover experience with the launch of exclusive packages for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026. For the first time, three-day F1 race tickets have been integrated into Qatar Stopover packages along with flights and hotel accommodation, allowing passengers transiting through Doha's Hamad International Airport to create a grand prix getaway. The new offering complements Qatar Airways Holidays' existing F1 fan packages, providing travellers with another way to experience the excitement of the race at Lusail International Circuit while discovering Qatar's entertainment, cultural and hospitality offerings. A three-day T16 Grandstand ticket to the F1 Qatar GP 2026 will be included as part of the package, offering fans spect...

Tennis travel kit: I play with Jack Draper’s racket – the Dunlop FX 500 Tour (2026)

24Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel kit: I play with Jack Draper’s racket – the Dunlop FX 500 Tour (2026)

For sports travellers, few things beat the chance to test the same equipment used at the highest level of the game. Ramy James Salameh gets his hands on Dunlop's FX 500 Tour Series racket and a set of AO Balls to put them both through their paces... Famous sporting brand ambassadors are hard to ignore, we see them delivering at the elite level and want to emulate them. Certainly, this is no more prevalent than in tennis. A game where technique and footwork must be on-point, alongside, balance, dexterity and artistry with the racket. Dunlop have British tennis sensation Jack Draper on their books, a strapping 6’4” player who already has three-career titles under his belt and been ranked as high as number 4 in the world. And maybe like Matteo Berrettini and Gregor Dimitrov has those fi...

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro to host EIHL Ice Hockey for first time with Scottish festive double header

22Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro to host EIHL Ice Hockey for first time with Scottish festive double header

The OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, will host professional ice hockey for the first time in December 2026, as Glasgow Clan, Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers bring the Motorpoint Elite League to the arena for a special double header of matches. The event will see all three of Scotland’s professional ice hockey teams feature at the OVO Hydro, giving fans the opportunity to watch the fast-growing sport at the country’s largest purpose-built events arena. The games will form part of a two-day festival of EIHL action at the OVO Hydro. First on Wednesday 30 December, Dundee Stars will take on Fife Flyers at 3pm, before Glasgow Clan face reigning Motorpoint Elite League champions Belfast Giants at 7.30pm on 30 December. Then, the following day – on Hogmanay, Thursday 31 December – at 3pm,...