Europe

19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Europe, Other sports

Sports travel bucket list: the first ever NFL game in Paris

Having already experienced the brilliant atmosphere of NFL games at both Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, as well as a Jets vs. Giants spectacle in New York/New Jersey, we thought we'd ticked off some of American football's top bucket-list experiences for sports travellers. Then came the 2026 NFL International Games schedule… For the first time ever, the NFL will stage a regular-season game in Paris, instantly making the French capital one of the must-visit sports travel destinations of 2026. As sports travellers constantly searching for the world's most memorable events, the inaugural NFL Paris Game has shot straight to the top of our bucket list. The league's first regular-season game in France is far more than another fixture on the calendar. It represen...

Read More

29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Cycling Scotland’s new Gallovidian Gravel route 

Launched to coincide with the opening of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel long distance cycling route in Dumfries and Galloway, Saddle Skedaddle’s seven-day, guided gravel riding holiday explores Scotland’s newest cycling adventure. Following most of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel route, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided holiday – the Galloway Gravel Escape – breaks up the long-distance way into manageable riding days.  Starting in Dumfries, also known as “Scotland’s Queen of the south”, the riding begins at the start of the new Gallovidian Gravel route. Exploring Mabie Forest and Lochaber Loch, cyclepaths and singletrack take riders through open countryside past Loch Arthur, the hamlets of Beeswing and Corra, and the coastal village of Rockcliffe. Venturing into dense woodla...

Read More

29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Winter Sports

Ski mountaineering confirmed for Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games

Ski mountaineering has been officially included as an additional sport on the programme for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games. The decision was taken by the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne. This decision by the session follows a recommendation from the IOC Executive Board, based on a proposal submitted by the French Alps 2030 Organising Committee (OCOG) and reviewed by the IOC’s Olympic Programme Working Group (OPWG). OPWG Chair Karl Stoss said: "We recognised the sport's potential to add meaningful value to the programme, supported by its strong presence in Alpine regions, and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal, while building on its growing Olympic momentum. “The emphasis for the French Alps [OCOG] is on the individual dis...

Read More

13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Football, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Man City’s new museum to form part of £300m Etihad Campus expansion

Manchester City has revealed the first details of a major new museum attraction that will form part of the English Premier League football club’s ambitious £300 million Medlock Square development, creating a year-round visitor experience at the Etihad Campus. Scheduled to open later in 2026, the Manchester City Museum Experience has been designed to immerse visitors in the history, culture and defining moments of the club. The attraction will complement the club’s award-winning stadium tour, which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK on TripAdvisor. Located at the heart of the new Medlock Square entertainment district, the museum will span more than 1,700 square metres across ten themed spaces, blending cutting-edge immersive technology with historic m...

Read More

9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Running & Athletics, Trends

Tywi Valley Path: new hiking and biking pathway opens in west Wales

The county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales has a new accessible and scenic trail for cyclists, walkers and families – the 13-mile Tywi Valley Path. The fully tarmacked pathway is designed for relaxed explorations and provides a traffic-free route for both the community and visitors alike through a swathe of Carmarthenshire's spectacular scenery. Expect panoramic views across the Tywi Valley peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton's Tower and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic West Wales countryside.  The path's opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for four weeks. Tipped as West Wales's answer to the Camel Trail in Cornwall and following the river and the former railway line which closed in the 1...

Read More

9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Tennis travel: Europe’s best resorts and hotels for tennis holidays

Tennis is no longer just a sport people play when they arrive at a resort. Increasingly, it is the reason they book the trip in the first place.  As sports-focused travel continues to grow, tennis holidays are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the luxury travel market. From dedicated coaching programmes and professional-level academies to tournament experiences and wellness-focused recovery facilities, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the quality of the courts as much as the quality of the hotel.  Industry reports point to a rise in destination-driven travel centred around sport, with tennis joining golf as one of the key activities inspiring holiday decisions. The growing popularity of racket sports has not gone unnoticed by the h...

Read More

7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Europe’s most affordable adventure travel destinations for 2026

Europe has never been short of adventure, from alpine ridges to the Adriatic sea, volcanic islands and forested mountain ranges. And, as internal data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct shows a 182% increase in adventure travel and Pinterest predicts “darecations” as the travel trend of 2026, it’s shaping up to be the summer of adventure.  But, as rising fuel costs and wider geopolitical uncertainty push up the cost of travel, affordability is becoming just as important as adrenaline. To help budget conscious thrill seekers plan their summer trips, SportsCover Direct has analysed popular European adventure destinations, ranking them on the cost of flights, accommodation, food and leisure to reveal the best value spots for affordable thrills this summer.  ...

Read More

6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: 22-day UK e-bike cycling trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats

With its dramatic coast-to-coast landscapes and status as one of Britain's most iconic cycling adventures, the journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats has long been a bucket-list challenge for riders.  Now, thanks to Saddle Skedaddle’s dedicated e-bike trip, this legendary route is more accessible than ever.  Drawing on more than 20 years of experience guiding cyclists across the length of the UK, Saddle Skedaddle has carefully refined its itinerary to showcase the very best of the journey. By hand-selecting quiet roads, spectacular scenery and rewarding riding experiences, the company has created an unforgettable way to tackle this classic challenge.  The introduction of a dedicated e-bike departure allows even more cyclists to experience the achievement of riding...

Read More

6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus unveils its new Racket Club

Aphrodite Hills Resort has strengthened its reputation as one of Europe's leading sports tourism destinations with the opening of its new Racket Club, part of a wider investment programme across the luxury Cyprus resort.  Officially unveiled in May 2026, the fully renovated facility features upgraded tennis and padel courts, contemporary changing rooms, a dedicated retail space and a new Healthy Bar serving wellness-focused food and drinks. The development forms part of a broader enhancement strategy that also includes an upgraded gym, new dining concepts and continued investment in the resort's golf facilities. Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury integrated resort combining world-class sport, wellness, accommodation and leisure exp...

Read More

5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel: Mouratoglou Tennis Center opens at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has unveiled the opening of the Mouratoglou Tennis Center at the resort. The inauguration was attended by Patrick Mouratoglou, founder of the globally renowned Mouratoglou brand and one of the most influential figures in professional tennis.  Following an opening ceremony, a full programme of high-energy tennis and padel matches created a vibrant atmosphere. Turkish tennis icon İpek Soylu was among the guests, with figures such as Zeynep Tuğçe Bayat, Anıl Altan, Ece Sükan and Cansel Elçin, all coming together to share in the excitement of this event. And as the sun set over the Aegean Sea, the celebrations culminated in an exclusive gala dinner.  The Mouratoglou Tennis Center selected Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum to be its sole and long-term location ...

Read More

4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Austria’s Ötztal Valley is filled with surprises to peak your interest

The Ötztal Valley connects Hannibal, James Bond and high-altitude ski challenges, peaking the interest of Ramy James Salameh who returned back to a landscape that also covets around 250 peaks over 3,000m. At the entrance to the Ötztal Valley you will find a sign pointing towards ‘AREA47’, an eye-catching name and one that could easily be mistaken for a military training base for secret agents! It is, in fact, Austria’s largest outdoor adventure park; a thrill-seekers haven maybe even heaven, most definitely a training ground for adventurists and the odd professional 'cliff diver' courtesy of a 27m high dive-board, the centre-piece of a 20,000sqm swimming lake within Austria’s. Area47 is the introduction to one of Austria’s most exhilarating valleys. One that is surrounded by about 25...

Read More

3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour

Here’s one for the golfers… hospitality group Rocco Forte Hotels has introduced “The Grand European Golf Tour”, a curated collection of golf experiences across its European destinations, created in partnership with Golf Travel Centre.  Guests can combine stays at Rocco Forte's celebrated hotels with play at Europe's most prestigious courses, all within easy reach of the properties. From historic championship layouts in Scotland to the award-winning fairways of Verdura Resort in Sicily, each experience is designed for discerning golfers seeking world-class sport complemented by culture, cuisine, and renowned hospitality. The hotels and destinations The Balmoral, Edinburgh: Standing at the east end of Princes Street, The Balmoral combines Scottish heritage with contemporary fiv...

Read More

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella

With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.  In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.  At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_-Sb5VAjA Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spa...

Read More

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway

With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.  This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice. To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs. Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal r...

Read More

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences, Wellness & Fitness

Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete

As the peak summer crowds begin to fade and temperatures soften across the Mediterranean, early autumn is emerging as the ideal window for fitness-focused travellers seeking a more restorative escape. One for the sports travel bucket list is an exclusive fitness and wellness retreat held at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete – part of the Elounda Collection – in partnership with Common Bond from 13-20 September 2026.  Guests will take part in a fitness and rejuvenation retreat led by Common Bond’s team of expert trainers across Barrecore, KOBOX, Triyoga and Reformcore, offering participants a premium and well-rounded fitness and wellness experience. New for this year’s retreat will be the incorporation of Reformer Pilates, combining high energy with low impact to deliv...

Read More

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures

Walking tour operator Ramble Worldwide has expanded its portfolio of “Weekend Adventures” – a range of UK and European short breaks for experienced walkers which were launched in 2025.  A further four high-impact escapes in spectacular mountain settings across Mont Blanc and the Alps have been released. A choice of 17 Weekend Adventures are now available.  Here we take a look at the new weekend options…  Matterhorn Weekend: Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Grade 7)  Set amongst the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, this unforgettable trip is designed for walkers seeking breathtaking scenery and exhilarating mountain trails. With expert Ramble leaders guiding the way, travellers follow rugged paths through glacier-polished valleys dotted with wildflowers and panoramic...

Read More

18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya secures Formula 1 future through to 2032

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has confirmed its continuity on the Formula 1 calendar. The renewal, signed between Circuits de Catalunya and Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), will see a grand prix hosted in Barcelona in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. The races in Barcelona will be in rotation with the grand prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. A significant evolution for the event is its rebranding. Starting with the race held from 12-14 June 2026, the event will be officially known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This change marks a new era under the management of Fira Circuit, a partnership designed to diversify the track's usage and transform the infrastructure into a multi-purpose venue for large-scal...

Read More

14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts

Limassol Greens: Cyprus’ newest golf travel destination

Limassol has strengthened its position as a rising Mediterranean sports tourism hub with the official opening of the 18-hole championship golf course at Limassol Greens – a landmark development that blends urban accessibility, winter sun appeal and five-star hospitality. Set within one of Cyprus’ most ambitious lifestyle-led real estate projects, the par-71 course has been designed by renowned architect Cabell B. Robinson, whose portfolio includes some of Europe’s most respected layouts.  Spanning 6,304 metres of carefully contoured terrain, the course combines flowing fairways, immaculate greens and strategically placed bunkers to deliver both challenge and playability. Course design: strategy shaped by the elements Limassol Greens has been carefully crafted to offer chan...

Read More

25Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

Adding to Saddle Skedaddle’s growing list of iconic cycling journeys, the new 22-day guided road cycling holiday from Barcelona in Spain to Porto in Portugal takes riders on an epic 935-mile adventure along the Iberian Peninsula.  Starting in Barcelona, the route leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the wide-open skies of southern Catalonia. After weaving through endless vineyards in the Penedès wine region (homeland of Cava), the scenery transforms into oak and pine forests in the foothills of the Prades Mountains. Crossing the River Ebro for the first time, the quiet village of Bot marks the gateway to the rugged Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains as the scenery changes again, with jagged limestone cliffs rising against the open sky.  Passing through an...

Read More

10Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Sports Business

Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

Europe’s event-driven tourism sector grew by 7% in 2025, with sport emerging as a central engine of growth, driving significant economic impact for destinations and local communities across the continent. According to a comprehensive analysis by Mabrian and Data Appeal, both Almawave Group companies, the sports category accounted for the largest share of event-related tourism expenditure, highlighting professional matches and major competitions as major tourism magnets. Across the 12 European markets studied – including Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, the UK, Germany, and France – sports accounted for 41.4% of all event-driven tourism spending, outpacing other event types. Markets such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Greece stand out for their heavy reliance on sports events, where the...

Read More