Editor’s Pick

22Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure a record-extending fifth victory when he returns to Emirates Golf Club for the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 21-24 January. The world No.2 and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time major champion after defending his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. It capped a remarkable 12 months for McIlroy, who was also part of the European team which won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros. McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 20...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Editor's Pick, F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business

F1 returns to Africa: Rwanda to host African Grand Prix under landmark 10-year deal 

Rwanda is set to become a major destination for Formula 1 fans and international sports tourists after a landmark agreement was announced to bring Grand Prix racing back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. Formula 1 has confirmed a 10-year partnership for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, which is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s. The agreement will see F1 return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was held at the Kyalami Circuit. The project forms part of Rwanda's wider ambition to establish itself as an international hub for sport, tourism, business and major events. Where will the F1 African Grand Prix take place? A new purpose-built circuit w...

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11Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends

From racecations to bucket-list adventures: the sports travel trends shaping 2027

From gym-cations and wellness retreats to sailing adventures and off-grid escapes, the latest travel industry reports reveal the trends set to shape sports tourism and active travel in 2027. Whether it’s travelling for an outdoor adventure or booking a fitness-focused holiday, active experiences are becoming an increasingly important part of the way we travel. With travel brands, hotel groups and tourism organisations publishing their predictions for the year ahead, we look at some of the key trends for sports tourism, outdoor adventures, and active travel in 2027. Main image: Gym-cations and fitness retreats are big sports travel trends for 2027 (Credit: Victor Freitas/Unsplash) ‘Best in Travel’: Adventures and active experiences Hiking, sailing, diving and wildlife adventu...

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10Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Watersports & Surfing

From surfing to coastal hikes: England’s seaside adventures take centre stage

England's coastline offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, whether that's hiking along dramatic clifftop trails, taking to the water for surfing and paddleboarding, or exploring nature reserves and wildlife-rich landscapes. Now, the VisitEngland tourism organisation is encouraging more people to discover these experiences with the launch of its new “All on England's Coast” campaign, showcasing the variety of activities and attractions available across the country's coastal destinations. The £1.2 million advertising campaign, which launched at the end of September, aims to boost domestic coastal breaks and visitor spending through autumn and into 2027. A particular focus is on active holidays and outdoor exploration, with the campaign highlighting everything from wa...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars

Major sports events 2026-2027: the biggest dates for your sporting calendar

The global sports calendar is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. We will continue to update this page as events are confirmed. Any times stated below are GMT/GST. Details are subject to change. Main image: NFL at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (Credit: Mike Starling/Sports Tourism News) Other sports calendars Sports business events Tennis Golf Subscribe to our monthly newsletter October 2026 sports events Darts: BoyleSports World Grand Prix  When: 28 September-4 October 2026 Where: Mattioli Arena, Leicester, England Women's tennis: China Open What: WTA1000  When: 30 September to 11 October 2026 Where: Beijing, China Website: wtatennis.com DP World Tour golf: Alfred Dunhill Links Championship&n...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars, Tennis & Padel

Tennis 2027 events calendar: Grand Slams and top ATP and WTA tournaments

The 2027 tennis season will once again take the world’s best players and their fans around the globe, with four Grand Slams, major ATP and WTA tournaments and international team competitions on the calendar. The four Grand Slams will be staged in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York, starting with the Australian Open in January and finishing with the US Open in September. Away from the majors, the ATP Tour will feature 59 tournaments across 28 countries, including nine ATP Masters 1000 events, while the WTA Tour will feature 55 events across 26 countries and territories. Major stops on the combined tours include Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Rome and Cincinnati, while the WTA 1000 calendar also features Doha, Dubai, Beijing and Wuhan. The season will conclude with the ATP Finals i...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars, Other sports

PDC darts 2027 events calendar: key dates and biggest tournaments

If you love a bit of bully, then a darts trip should definitely be on your sports travel agenda for 2027. The 2027 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) calendar will feature major tournaments, Premier League nights and European Tour events across the UK and Europe, as the sport continues its rapid international growth. Among the biggest darts events in 2027 are the PDC World Darts Championship, Premier League Darts, UK Open, World Cup of Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals. There are also some major additions to the schedule. The PDC European Tour will visit France for the first time, with Liévin hosting the inaugural Darts Grand Prix de France in March, while Salzburg in Austria will stage the new E...

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26Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Event Calendars, Golf

DP World Tour 2027 schedule: tournaments, Rolex Series and men’s golf majors

The men's golf DP World Tour has announced its 2027 global tournament schedule, featuring 42 events across 24 countries as part of the Race to Dubai. Three historic tournaments will return to the calendar, with the Deutsche Bank Singapore Open, Open de Portugal | Cascais-Lisboa, and Hong Kong Open all featuring during the season.  The Deutsche Bank Singapore Open will be held at Sentosa Golf Club from 15-18 April as part of the Asian Swing, while the Open de Portugal returns for the first time since 2020, taking place at Oitavos Dunes Links Golf in Cascais from 13-16 May.  The Hong Kong Open, established in 1959, returns to the DP World Tour schedule for the first time since 2019. It will be staged at Hong Kong Golf Club from 21-24 October. Both the Hong Kong and Singapo...

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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...

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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

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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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Global sports tourism market to reach $957.91 billion by 2031 – report

Valued at $680.23 billion in 2025, the global sports tourism market is projected to increase from $721.60 billion in 2026 to $957.91 billion by 2031, according to a new report issued by Research and Markets.  The market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.09% during the 2026-2031 forecast period, supported by international sporting events, premium hospitality packages, active participation travel and expanding sports infrastructure. International sporting events strengthen travel demand A growing pipeline of international tournaments is creating sustained demand across the global sports tourism market. After co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the United States is preparing to host major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the LA28 Olympic 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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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, 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

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Andermatt unveils new sports centre facilities as part of long-term masterplan

Swiss mountain destination Andermatt has unveiled plans for a major new sports centre that will significantly expand its year-round sport and leisure offering for residents, second-home owners and visitors. Developed by Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, the project forms part of the destination's long-term masterplan and represents a major enhancement of the sports facilities originally proposed in 2008. The new complex will feature a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation facilities, including climbing walls, a fitness centre, yoga studios, padel courts, a 25-metre swimming pool, a family leisure pool with outdoor pool, spa and wellness facilities, an outdoor ice rink, bowling, a kids' club and an events space. A restaurant will also be incorporated into the development. T...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events, Running & Athletics

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Run for the Rainforest’ 2026 Odzala Marathon

On 3 October 2026, Kamba Africa will offer a bucket list challenge for endurance runners and adventure seekers: the annual “Run for the Rainforest”.  Situated in the Republic of the Congo (ROC), the Run for the Rainforest event raises vital funds for African Parks to continue their protection of the world’s second largest rainforest, by allowing participants to fundraise among their network, while experiencing one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kamba Africa is the only private operator granted concessions in the ROC's Odzala-Kokoua National Park, offering guests intimate luxury lodges and adventurous rainforest expeditions.  The races and packages The day features three distinct race categories to...

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3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events

Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027

Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the “world’s most remote marathon”, taking place for the first time in St Helena on 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth. Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations. About the event Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the island’s G...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends, Trips & Experiences

How ‘darecations’ are set to become a defining sports travel trend

The era of the “fly and flop” holiday may be losing ground as a new breed of experience-led travel takes off.  According to data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct, so-called “darecations” – trips centred around adrenaline, challenge and personal achievement – are rapidly reshaping the global sports tourism landscape.  The company reports a 182% increase in travellers purchasing sports travel insurance policies over the past two years, signalling a sharp rise in demand for active, risk-involving holidays. The trend is being mirrored across the wider travel sector, with Pinterest naming “darecations” as one of its top trends for 2026, alongside a 75% surge in searches for adventure tourism.  This shift aligns with the continued expansion of spor...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Surfing, cycling, climbing: Much Better Adventures sees 200% surge in ‘skillcation’ bookings

Upskilling holidays – or ‘skillcations’ – are set to become one of 2026’s biggest travel trends with people using their annual leave to develop new skills. Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has reported a 200% increase in bookings for certain skills-based trips over the past year, including winter mountaineering, surf schools and off-road cycling adventures, highlighting a growing appetite for more purposeful travel. A ‘skillcation’ is an emerging travel trend where holidays are centred around learning something new, from cooking and foraging to mastering hands-on outdoor skills. Blending travel with personal growth, curiosity and shared experiences, these trips offer a deeper and more rewarding alternative to traditional holidays. Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Bette...

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