Asia & Oceania

18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Venues & Stadiums

South Korea opens new national sports museum in Seoul’s Olympic Park

Sports fans visiting Seoul have a new attraction to explore following the opening of the National Sports Museum of Korea, celebrating the country's sporting heritage, Olympic achievements and memorable moments. Located in Olympic Park in the Songpa district of South Korea's capital, the museum officially opened on 15 October 2026, becoming the country's first national museum dedicated to sport. Established by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, the museum aims to preserve Korea's sporting history through exhibitions, educational programmes and interactive experiences. What can visitors see at the National Sports Museum of Korea? The new museum houses approximately 70,000 sports-related items, including historic medals, equipmen...

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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...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, F1 & Motorsport, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: the return of Formula 1 to Malaysia in 2026

Formula 1 will return to Malaysia’s iconic Sepang International Circuit after nine years following the decision to relocate the Bahrain Grand Prix. Taking place from 2-4 October 2026, the event will become the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Located around 45km south of Kuala Lumpur and close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang International Circuit hosted the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017. It remains one of the sport’s most iconic venues, renowned for its dramatic 5.543km layout, challenging corners and spectacular tropical setting. F1 fans are being encouraged to explore beyond the grid, to combine race weekend excitement with a wider Malaysian getaway. Beyond the circuit, the wider Sepang district offers Bagan Lalang Beach, th...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: padel retreat at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Could this be the perfect pre-Christmas gift for padel lovers? Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is hosting The Maldives Padel Retreat from 13-23 December 2026. Led by former world No.1, Juani Mieres, the retreat invites guests to refine their game with a legend of the sport while embracing the pleasures of island life. The 10-day retreat brings together expert coaching on a state-of-the-art padel court overlooking the turquoise lagoon, island discovery and a curated programme of wellness, recreation and exploration. Widely regarded as one of the sport's most respected figures, Mieres reached world No.1 and won multiple World Championship and World Padel Tour titles. Known as "The Gentleman of Padel" for his elegant playing style and precision, Mieres will open up his playbook, g...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: pedal kayaking at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan

A new water activity, the "pedal kayak", has been introduced at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan, offering guests a fresh way to explore the water.  This innovative kayak allows forward movement simply by pedalling with the feet, removing the need for a traditional paddle. Designed for ease and accessibility, the pedal kayak glides smoothly across the water, making it especially suitable for first-time kayakers, children, and older guests. Its intuitive operation allows participants to focus less on technique and more on the experience of being on the water.  Guests can enjoy the quiet rhythm of pedalling while taking in the surrounding natural scenery, creating a relaxed yet active outdoor experience. A two-hour pedal kayak trip is priced from ¥9,500 / £44 per person.  About Hanz Out...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Events, Football, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences

Steven Gerrard heads to Singapore for Beyond the Pitch event at Resorts World Sentosa

Former Liverpool and England football captain Steven Gerrard will be in Singapore this October for the inaugural Beyond the Pitch event at Resorts World Sentosa. Scheduled for 4-5 October 2026, he will take part in an interactive football clinic, share stories and lessons from his career, and join members of Singapore's football community in a conversation about leadership, football development and the future of the game. Created by World Football Legends, Beyond the Pitch is a new series designed to bring audiences closer to the people behind some of football's most celebrated careers, not only through what they achieved on the field but through the experiences, challenges, leadership lessons and defining moments that shaped them. "Beyond the Pitch is about bringing people closer...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Other sports, Sports Business

NRL Travel: National Rugby League launches new fan travel programme

The National Rugby League (NRL) has launched NRL Travel, a new dedicated travel and experiences offering designed to enhance how fans attend the game’s biggest events.  NRL Travel will provide exclusive access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to make it easier and more exciting than ever for fans to travel to attend marquee rugby league events such as Grand Final, Magic Round, and the State of Origin Series.  This new initiative represents an important step in elevating the overall fan experience while also  supporting increased interstate and international visitation to NRL events, expanding on tourism and economic benefits to cities around Australia and internationally.  To support delivery of the programme, the NRL is partnering wit...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: padel with Martita Ortega at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

What could be better than a luxury escape to the Maldives? How about spending it on court with one of the world's greatest padel players? This August, guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will have the rare opportunity to train alongside former world No.1 Martita Ortega during an exclusive two-day residency in partnership with LUX Tennis. Taking place from 18-19 August 2026, the limited-availability experience combines elite coaching with one of the world's most spectacular island destinations, giving padel enthusiasts the chance to sharpen their game while learning directly from one of the sport's biggest stars. Ortega made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest player ever to reach the World No.1 ranking on the World Padel Tour, a record she still holds. Known for her...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad

A major new sports enclave is set to transform Ahmedabad into one of Asia’s leading sports tourism destinations, following the unveiling of a landmark masterplan led by a consortium of BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design. Located along the Sabarmati River, the development will create a dynamic, multi-use sports district that blends elite competition venues with public spaces, positioning the city as a year-round hub for both international events and community activity. The timing of the project aligns with Ahmedabad’s growing global sporting ambitions. Also known as Amdavad, the city has been confirmed as host of the Commonwealth Games centenary edition in 2030, while Gujarat will also stage the 2029 World Police & Fire Games. Together, these events are expected to accelerat...

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30Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Events, Sports Business

Amdavad in India to host Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030

The Indian city of Amdavad, also known as Ahmedabad, has been formally named as the host city of the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030. The decision confirms that the world’s most populous nation will stage the landmark edition of the Games, after delegates of the 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories ratified India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. India presented a compelling vision for the 2030 Games, centred in the Gujarat city of Amdavad, which will build on foundations laid by Glasgow 2026.  Jaismine Lamboria, world champion boxer from India, said: “It truly is a proud moment to see India become the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will give athletes and fans a very warm and vibrant welcome, and having the opportunity...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: horse trekking into Mongolia’s untamed wilds

For travellers seeking a truly off-grid adventure, World Expeditions’ newest experience – the Central Mongolia Horse Trek Expedition – is one to add to your sports travel bucket list. Launching in June 2026, this remote expedition blends endurance travel, cultural immersion and wilderness exploration, offering an extraordinary chance to retrace the ancient riding trails of the Mongol Empire.  Spanning sweeping steppe, forested valleys and rugged mountain passes, the journey takes travellers deep into the Khentii Mountains, birthplace of Genghis Khan and heartland of Mongolia’s nomadic civilisation. This is a region where roads fade into rivers, where horizons seem endless, and where the horse remains central to daily life.  Across multiple days of point-to-point riding, guests p...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Tennis & Padel, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   

Padel and wellness, two of the fastest-growing trends in sport and active travel, are the focus of a new experience hosted by Goddess Retreats. The Padel Goddess Retreat in Seminyak, Bali, is the world’s first women-only padel, yoga, and wellness retreat – and one of the most exciting new additions to our global sports travel bucket list. Blending professional padel coaching with yoga, cultural rituals, unlimited spa treatments and boutique villa living, this seven-day, six-night all-inclusive retreat invites guests to play, connect and reset in a vibrant, supportive setting. Whether you're a curious beginner or a committed padel fan, this Bali getaway delivers movement, mindfulness and meaningful community in paradise. Why padel and wellness is the next big trend Padel’s rise isn...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences, Wellness & Fitness

Sports travel bucket list: Fitness Hub at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has unveiled its new Fitness Hub, a dedicated space perched above the Ayung River that unites modern training methods with restorative therapies. It is the only jungle sanctuary in Bali to offer both time-honoured healing traditions and advanced recovery therapies in one seamless experience. Part of the growing global movement towards longevity tourism, the Fitness Hub blends recovery-focused travel and immersive nature experiences to promote vitality, balance, and long-term wellbeing. Here, guests can flow seamlessly from ancient Balinese healing rituals to high-tech recovery in one of the world's most serene river valleys. Set high above the river valley, the new Fitness Hub offers complimentary access to a light-filled gym with panoramic jungl...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Other sports, Trips & Experiences

Okinawa: celebrate Karate Day in the birthplace of karate

Every October, the subtropical islands of Okinawa transform into the world stage for one of the most powerful cultural displays in Japan: Karate Day. Held on 25 October in the prefectural capital of Naha, this annual event gathers thousands of practitioners from across the globe to honour Okinawa’s role as the birthplace of karate – a martial art that is more than just combat; it is a way of life rooted in courtesy, discipline, and respect. Living heritage Karate’s story stretches back more than 700 years, forged in Okinawa’s unique history as a crossroads of East and Southeast Asia. Over time, the art evolved into a disciplined practice known today not only for its power and precision, but also for its guiding philosophy, shurei-no-kokoro – the spirit of courtesy.  In Okinaw...

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3Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Destination Guides

Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  

Sun-soaked, laid-back, and brimming with sporting pride, Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for sports travel. With a strong calendar of major events, top-tier teams across multiple codes, and a stunning subtropical setting, Brisbane combines elite sport with an outdoorsy lifestyle, scenic river views, and easy access to beaches, islands, and hinterland hikes. And with the 2032 Summer Olympic Games on the horizon, the city is investing billions into sports infrastructure and tourism – making now the perfect time to visit. The Lions head to the Suncorp  One of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events in 2025 will be hosting the 1st Test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from Englan...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Maldives best sports resorts

The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned as a haven for luxury, wellbeing and sport. Its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and overwater villas create an idyllic backdrop for those seeking an opulent escape. Luxury in the Maldives is synonymous with personalised service, private islands, and lavish resorts that cater to every desire, from gourmet dining experiences to bespoke spa treatments. For sports enthusiasts, the Maldives offers a range of water- and land-based activities. The turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving, and paddle boarding, providing access to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Surfing is also popular, with world-class breaks attracting surfers from around the globe. Additionally, many resorts offer tennis courts,...

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12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Football, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: playing football on Kuramathi Maldives’s stunning pitch

We’ve seen some beautiful football venues on our travels, but the pitch at Kuramathi Maldives may just be one of the most stunning of the lot.  Located in the Rasdhoo Atoll, 56 kilometres west from Male’ International Airport, Kuramathi Maldives is a 1.8km-long island resort that’s home to 12 different room categories, 12 restaurants, six bars, a spa, a dive school, and a kids’ club. Kuramathi also has its own sports centre with facilities such as three swimming pools located around the island, a gymnasium, floodlit tennis court, and of course the stunning football pitch. For accommodation at the family-friendly resort, guests can choose from one-bedroom Beach Villas, opt for the two-bedroom Beach House or an iconic over-water villa. Bageecha, Kuramathi’s kids' club, is complime...

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26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Editor's Pick, Venues & Stadiums

Kai Tak Sports Park: Hong Kong’s new $3.8bn sports complex 

The new Kai Tak Sports Park, situated on the site of Hong Kong's former Kai Tak Airport, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex spanning 28 hectares. Aiming to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for international sports and entertainment events, the venue's main stadium will host the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens from 28-30 March. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has invested approximately HK$30 billion (approximately US$3.8 billion) in the development of the new complex. John Sharkey, CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park, said: “With the completion and opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong is now better positioned to actively attract large-scale international events, drawing more visitors and investments, and injecting new vitality int...

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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: cycling adventure holidays in Japan 

Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new 15-day, guided cycling adventure in Shikoku and Kyoto in Japan, as well as announcing the 2025 and 2026 dates for its popular 12-day cycling holiday from Mount Fuji to Kyoto. Guided road cycling holiday in Shikoku, Kyoto Set among the stunning landscapes of Shikoku, Saddle Skedaddle’s new, 15-day guided cycling adventure leaves the standard tourist trail behind to uncover some of the hidden wonders of Japan. After arriving in Fukuyama, the trip begins with three days of riding through the islands of the Seto Inland Sea; the body of water separating three of Japan’s four major islands: Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.  Following a mix of scenic and quiet country lanes, as well as island hopping by ferry and suspens...

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2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Editor's Pick, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

39 Hours to Kohima: a historic trek through India’s Naga Hills

If you want to mix a long-distance walking trip while retracing the footsteps of history, then read on. Organised by Sampan Travel, “39 Hours to Kohima” is a unique 10-day endurance trek through the Naga Hills in north east India which follows the historic route of the Assam soldiers in 1944.  Taking place in 2025 from 27 March to 5 April, the trek will go from the village of Jessami on the India-Myanmar border to Kohima, the capital of the north east Indian state of Nagaland. A maximum of 12 "trailwalkers" will cover more than 100 kilometres through the dramatic landscape of the Naga Hills. The history At midnight on 1-2 April 1944, a band of soldiers raced over the Naga Hills of north east India. Dodging Japanese gunfire, they succeeded in making it back to the small garris...

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