Destinations

25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, 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 ...

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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...

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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...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport

Formula 1 comes to Milan: Inside the 2027 F1 fan festival and live 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...

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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...

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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...

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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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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...

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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...

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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,...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Trends, Venues & Stadiums

Trump’s Twelve: New 12-hole par-three golf course opens at Trump Turnberry

Trump’s Twelve, a new 12-hole par-three course at Trump Turnberry, has officially opened at the iconic golf resort on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.Featuring holes ranging from 70 to 206 yards, the course combines undulating greens, imaginative green surrounds, natural wasteland areas and carefully positioned water features to create a dramatic short-course layout for golfers of all ages and abilities. The opening marks another exciting chapter at Trump Turnberry, where Trump’s Twelve joins the legendary Ailsa, consistently ranked among the world’s greatest golf courses, and the highly acclaimed King Robert the Bruce course. The opening of Trump’s Twelve continues an exceptional period of investment across the golf facilities at Trump Turnberry, following the recent enhancements to the A...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Running & Athletics, Trends

Inaugural Greek Odyssey Running Festival to be held in Costa Navarino

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of a brand-new event, the Greek Odyssey Running Festival, taking place in Costa Navarino, Greece on Saturday 14 November 2026, which includes a half-marathon and 10K distance. Hosted the weekend after the Athens Marathon, the Greek Odyssey offers runners the chance to extend their time in Greece, combining two race distances with the country's rich mythology, dramatic coastline and warm late-autumn climate. Costa Navarino, on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese, sits amid landscapes steeped in ancient legend – the same rugged coastline and storied ruins, including nearby Methoni Castle and Voidokilia Beach, that have captured global imaginations again this year following the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, filmed ex...

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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

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

Sports travel bucket list: a ‘SwimHike’ holiday on Marettimo island in Italy

Open-water swimming tour operator SwimTrek has expanded its selection of multi-activity trips with the launch of a “SwimHike” holiday on the Italian island of Marettimo.  Continuing the trend of combining swimming with other activities and experiences – such as YogaSwims, which pair open-water swimming with yoga – SwimTrek created its dedicated SwimHike portfolio with new trips in the mythical island of Ithaca, Greece, and the remote Solund archipelago, Norway's westernmost islands. Following the popularity of these trips, Marettimo is the latest addition, combining daily guided open-water swims and hikes with authentic Sicilian experiences.  “Swimming will always be at the heart of SwimTrek, but we’re excited to give people new ways to experience the places we visit,” s...

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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

Africa, Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2026 to be held at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt

Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt has been named as the official host venue of the 13th annual World Golf Awards, taking place from 5-7 November 2026.  Marking the first World Golf Awards to take place in Africa, the Gala Ceremony will be held on the evening of 7 November, forming the climax of an exclusive golfing itinerary that will include the World Golf Awards Classic to be played on the 18-hole Championship Course (par 71, 6,900 yards), designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course hosted the 2022 Asian Tour International Series.  The weekend will also include a welcome reception at the official accommodation partner The St. Regis New Capital, Cairo.  Owned by TMG Golf and managed by Troon, Madinaty Golf Club is a full-service, premier golf destination set w...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events, Other sports, The Americas

Sports travel bucket list: Olympics hospitality at LA28

On Location, the official hospitality provider of the Los Angeles Olympic Games, has launched a wave of new ticket-inclusive hospitality packages for the summer games in 2028. Hospitality packages for Equestrian and Diving are now available, alongside newly released package types for Athletics (Track & Field), Beach Volleyball, and Golf, expanding the range of options for fans planning to attend LA28. Leisure-level hospitality packages now also include access to dedicated Hospitality Pavilions. Purchase details are outlined below. A brand-new package concept called “Follow My Team” has also launched, giving fans guaranteed hospitality access to their country’s men’s and women’s basketball matches without worrying about schedule announcements, draws, or purchasing individual event...

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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...

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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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