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Europe

Birmingham to host the 2024 SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit
Europe, Events, Sports Business

Birmingham to host the 2024 SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit

The English city of Birmingham, which hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has landed another big event: the 2024 SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit. Taking place at the International Convention Centre from 7-11 April 2024, the 18th edition of the sports business event will welcome more than 1,500 global sports leaders to “Brum”, including sport-related associations and companies, members from the International Olympic Committee, all the International Federations, and organisers of future Olympic and Paralympic Games and major events. The SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit will be held in the UK for the second time in its history after London hosted the summit in 2011. In an announcement, SportAccord said that Birmingham and the West Midlands secured its host ...
Hiking trips: step into history on the Liberation Route Europe
Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Hiking trips: step into history on the Liberation Route Europe

With 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Ramy Salameh follows key parts of the 4,000km Liberation Route Europe hiking trails to explore and combine history, remembrance and wellness ahead of next year’s commemorations. The trails take in the stories and pivotal sites across Hampshire, Normandy and Jersey, all navigational via an interactive smartphone app. We have all heard of the hiking trails that converge on the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, with modern pilgrims following in the footsteps of ancient religious pilgrims. Today, these well-trodden paths attract those seeking personal or group challenge incentives, to improve wellness both mental and physical, and to learn about the landscapes and cultures they pass. While I have not had the chance to meander the Cam...
Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region
Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,900...
‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters
Destination Guides, Europe, Trips & Experiences, Watersports & Surfing

‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters

In her new book – Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Wild Waters – sports adventurer Mollie Hughes picks out her favourite places across Scotland to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf.  Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms National Park, the book shows how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces.  Hughes includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. Here’s her pick of the off-the-beaten track places to visit in Scotland.   North Uist, Outer Hebrides  “The Island of North Uist in the Outer Heb...
Sport in Northern Ireland: events, activities and things to do
Destination Guides, Europe, Events, Trips & Experiences

Sport in Northern Ireland: events, activities and things to do

Northern Ireland's most famous landmark is The Giant's Causeway, but the country is also a giant in the world of golf and the great outdoors. With more than 100 courses, golf is a major attraction for travellers and there’s also plenty of other outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and biking.  For Game of Thrones fans there’s the chance of shooting medieval arrows using ancient bows while experiencing archery at Winterfell Castle. If archery isn’t your thing then why not tour the GoT film locations on a bike?  Top sporting events in Northern Ireland in 2021 Antrim Coast Half Marathon - When: Sunday 29 August - Where: Larne, Northern Ireland - Website: antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com  Lap The Lough - When: Sunday 29 August - Where: Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the Republic of Irela...
Head to BikePark Wales for the UK’s ultimate mountain bike experience
Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Head to BikePark Wales for the UK’s ultimate mountain bike experience

Two major trends which have blossomed over the last few years and certainly risen to greater prominence during the pandemic, is the "staycation" and "biking" in all its forms. Feeding off both of these, BikePark Wales has launched an all-new mountain bike experience for beginner riders at its purpose-built resort in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. The new package is the perfect way to celebrate the easing of lockdown this summer, and it's ideal for families and novice mountain bikers looking for a fun introduction to the sport. As well as a personal guide, the park will provide guests with everything one needs including bikes and all the kit, plus lifts back to the top of the hill.  Located in the beautiful Gethin forest, BikePark Wales is home to the UK's great...
Sport + Travel interview: Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal
Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences, Wellness & Fitness

Sport + Travel interview: Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal

The wellness and activity holiday trend has been evolving rapidly over recent years. Right now there has never been a greater need for vacations which enhance your mental and physical needs, and Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal is at the forefront of facilitating that trend. She has nearly two decades of experience under her belt as an international health, fitness and wellbeing lifestyle professional and consultant, in a range of sports environments. Dinah specialises in yoga practise, personal training, group fitness training, healthy eating, nutritional advice and guidance and natural health using a holistic approach to wellbeing. As for The Campus, Dinah cannot speak highly enough (and without bias) about her place of work. So read on...
Vendée Globe 2020: an epic sailing race with a wave of tourism opportunities
Destination Guides, Europe, Events, Other sports, Outdoor & Adventure

Vendée Globe 2020: an epic sailing race with a wave of tourism opportunities

By Sports Tourism Media co-editor Ramy Salameh At 12.02pm GMT on 8 November 2020, 34 competitors of the Vendée Globe race will sail non-stop, unassisted, around the world via three capes and three oceans in an effort to complete one of the most demanding and prestigious events within the sailing and sporting calendar.  The procession of race boats will pass thousands of fans lining the legendary “Vendée Globe” channel in Les Sables-d’Olonne, western France, initiating the start of a gruelling race that will test the physical and mental endurance of those courageous and talented enough to take part. It is so demanding that over the last 30 years and eight editions of the race, 167 sailors have set off but only 89 have crossed the finish line. To further put this into perspective, ...
Licence to thrill-seek in Austria: extreme sports tourism at AREA 47
Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Licence to thrill-seek in Austria: extreme sports tourism at AREA 47

By Sports Tourism Media co-editor Ramy Salameh A study has calculated how far James Bond 007 has travelled to save the world - an enormous 276,745.2 miles across 24 movies, with Austria having been the location on three separate films.  It is a country known for its epic Alpine surroundings and tailor-made for adventure sport junkies.  In 2015, the world’s most famous film franchise used the Gaislachkogl Mountain to shoot key action scenes of Spectre. This Bond movie granted the town of Soelden, located in the Alpine valley of Oetztal-Tirol, a unique and lasting legacy.  Key action scenes from the film have now been honoured through the creation of 007 Elements a stunning cinematic installation at more than 3,000m which opened in 2018. Inside, a series of bunker-like concre...
The Sports Tourism Blog: a tour of The Olympic Museum in Lausanne
Europe, Trips & Experiences, Venues & Stadiums

The Sports Tourism Blog: a tour of The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Lausanne is truly an Olympic city. Not only is it home to Olympic House, the International Olympic Committee's HQ which opened in June 2019, but also The Olympic Museum.  Referred to as TOM for short - there's no doubt that this is one of the best sports museums anywhere in the world. The permanent and temporary exhibitions provide a lasting sporting narrative and legacy for all citizens and creeds. It also provides for a unique events venue that has mass appeal across many industry sectors.  Sports Tourism News co-editor Ramy Salameh paid a visit to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne and here he picks out some of the best things to see. An Olympic journey  Even before you step through the entrance of the museum, your personal Olympic journey starts within the “Olympic Park” that sits eith...
2020: the year of sports tourism in Catalonia 
Europe

2020: the year of sports tourism in Catalonia 

As a region that boasts world-class football clubs, beaches, mountains and an action-packed events calendar, it’s no surprise that Catalonia is positioning itself as a major sports travel destination.  At the end of 2019 the Catalan Tourism Board declared 2020 to be “the year of sports tourism”. With Tokyo hosting the Olympics Games in 2020, the Catalonia sports tourism year has an aim to promote the Pyrenees-Barcelona candidature to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2030.  On its website the Catalan Tourism Board says of the sports tourism push in 2020: “This thematic year is regarded as an opportunity to position Catalonia as a leading destination for sports tourism around the world.  “The quality of the tourist attractions and its excellent sports facilities, coupled with its climate ...
Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more
Destination Guides, Europe, Events

Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more

As a travel destination Italy is one of the most popular in the world. It may be famous for its culture, architecture, fast cars and food, but Italy is also a big favourite for sports fans.   The European nation has a thriving sports industry with major events held throughout the year. Events to look forward to in Italy in 2020 include the Rome Marathon, Giro D’Italia cycling race and of course the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.  Also this year, football’s European Championship kicks off with the opening match between Italy and Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Here we look at the top sporting events in Italy in 2020... Newsletter: sign up for the latest updates from Sports Tourism Media Italy sports events in 2020 Rome Marathon When: 29 March 2020 Website: maratonadiroma.it Abou...
Charlotte Hornets star Willy Hernangomez urges NBA to host a game in Spain
Europe, Sports Business

Charlotte Hornets star Willy Hernangomez urges NBA to host a game in Spain

Charlotte Hornets centre Willy Hernangomez has urged the NBA to expand its international series by hosting a future match in his homeland Spain.  Madrid-born Hernangomez and his French team-mate Nicolas Batum will line up for the Hornets against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Paris Game 2020 on 24 January.  The 25-year-old is looking forward to the game in France, but is pleading with the NBA to start planning for further events. He said: “Personally, I think it’s great for me and Nico Batum, the European players to have the opportunity to play an NBA game in Europe. “Hope it will be in Spain soon, but it will be great to see my family and friends, they want to fly there for sure. But for the NBA, I think it’s great to show the world how the NBA works and the game.  “I ...
Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’
Europe, Events, Trips & Experiences

Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’

Greek basketball stars Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are excited about returning to Europe to play in the NBA’s first ever regular-season match in France in January 2020.  The brothers will feature for the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural NBA Paris Game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday 24 January at the AccorHotels Arena.  When asked about playing in the French capital city Thanasis Antetokounmpo said: “It’s amazing for the sport. We’re European, so we understand how huge this is, having a game in a place like Paris.  “It’s going to be really exciting for fans all over the world to come watch. I know people are travelling from all around Europe, from Africa, to come see the game in Paris, so it’s an exciting thing. It’s amazing.”  Giannis Antetokounmpo added: “It’s going to...
Man Utd vs. AC Milan tickets still available | International Champions Cup, Cardiff
Europe, Events, Football

Man Utd vs. AC Milan tickets still available | International Champions Cup, Cardiff

International Champions Cup (ICC) football heads to Cardiff on Saturday 3 August when Manchester United face AC Milan at the Principality Stadium. It’s the third and final ICC fixture for the two European giants as they prepare for the new Premier League and Serie A seasons.  United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he will pick a full-strength team for the clash in Cardiff. Welsh international Daniel James, the club’s new summer signing, could make an appearance in front of his country’s fans.  In an interview with the ICC, Solskjaer said: “We’re getting close to the league then and playing against AC Milan in Cardiff is a great chance for us to put the full team out to test ourselves just before the league starts. “We’re going to have to play our top team because we wan...