Editor’s Pick

20Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Como 1907: luxury football travel on Italy’s Lake Como

In May, Italian football club Como 1907 officially unveiled SENT Tourism, its in‑house luxury tour operator designed to bring football fans closer to the emotional, cultural, and aesthetic world of Lake Como. The initiative seeks to extend the club’s identity beyond Serie  A by crafting immersive travel experiences that merge matchday excitement with Italian elegance. Rooted in the club’s transformation under Djarum Group/Sent Entertainment Ltd and president Mirwan Suwarso, SENT Tourism represents the next chapter of Como’s ambition to become a premier football tourism destination, leveraging its stunning lakeside stadium and localised brand ecosystem. New stadium plans unveiled  SENT Tourism is not the only big announcement made in recent months by Como 1907 – the redevelopment o...

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19Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports hospitality trends: global market value to reach $74.32 billion by 2036 

The global sports hospitality market is on a sharp growth trajectory, according to a new report published by Credence Research. Valued at US$8.35 billion in 2018, the market expanded to US$15.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$74.32 billion by 2036, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.12%. This explosive growth is being fueled by the rising global appeal of major sporting events and a growing appetite for premium experiences among corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, fine dining, and behind-the-scenes experiences is soaring across flagship events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, NFL’s Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula 1. What’s driving market growth? Premium sports exp...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Sports Travel

‘25 by 75’: is this the ultimate travel bucket list for sport and culture?

Few people turn a casual chat into a life-enriching, global odyssey – but that’s exactly what David M. Carter and his longtime friend George Ross have done with their “25 by 75” sport and culture bucket list.  Carter, a renowned sports business consultant and university professor, has built a career around the intersection of sport, strategy, and storytelling. Now, he’s channeling that same insight into a personal mission with his friend: to attend 25 of the world’s most iconic sporting and cultural events – each in a different country and representing a different sport – before turning 75.  With 13 of the 25 already ticked off the list, Sports Tourism News spoke with Carter about the unique challenge, his favourite events so far, and what’s next on the schedule… Top ima...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Travel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports tourism global value to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032 – World Economic Forum report

A new report published by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney, has positioned sports tourism as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel economy, with a projected value of more than US$1.7 trillion by 2032. According to the report – Travel & Tourism at a Turning Point – sports tourism is one of several segments emerging as “significant growth drivers”, expanding at rates “exceeding sector averages”, and driven by rising global interest in live events, active travel experiences, and the power of digital engagement. Valued at US$609 billion in 2023, the sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, reaching more than US$1.7 trillion in less than a decade. The report defines sports tourism as “where the tourist either obse...

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5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

2025 Global F1 Fan Survey: women, Gen Z and US fans power new era 

Formula 1 fandom is evolving – and it’s younger, more diverse, and more plugged-in than ever. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, released by Formula 1 and Motorsport Network, the sport is in the midst of a generational and cultural shift, with women, Gen Z, and US fans emerging as powerful forces shaping the future of the grid. Conducted every four years, the survey gathered insights from more than 100,000 self-identified F1 fans across 186 countries. The results confirm what has been building over recent seasons: Formula 1 is no longer just a motorsport, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Women are leading the next wave of fandom, with female fans making up three in four of all new fans in the survey. Among Gen Z respondents, nearly half identify as female – highlighting the sport...

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5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends

Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 

The global adventure travel industry has entered a new era – stable, focused, and increasingly connected to the fast-rising world of sports tourism. That’s one of the big takeaways from the 2025 Adventure Travel Trends & Insights Report, the annual benchmark study released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Now in its 18th year, the report reveals how active, immersive travel experiences are not just bouncing back from the pandemic, but helping define a more meaningful future for global tourism. Drawing from multilingual survey responses between February and April 2025, the report reflects the real-world data and insights of hundreds of tour operators worldwide, based on their business activity during 2024. It’s a clear snapshot of what today’s adventure traveller wan...

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3Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, 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

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’

With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest. A court-building boom Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Po...

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22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland

Lost Shore Surf Resort, in the village of Ratho near Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, deserves a spot on any sports traveller’s bucket list. As Europe's biggest inland surf resort, it delivers guaranteed, world‑class surfing for all levels – from first‑timers to seasoned pros – in the heart of Scotland.  The resort features a state‑of‑the‑art Wavegarden-powered surf lagoon, which creates perfect, customisable waves every time, making it a unique experience regardless of weather or tides. Beyond surfing, Lost Shore offers surfskate training, a spa and sauna for recovery, and access to Edinburgh’s rich culture and nearby sights.  Opened in 2024 and costing £60 million, this is Scotland’s largest sports and leisure investment since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's anticipat...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

‘Sports-tripping’: Hyatt survey reveals British sports travel trends  

British travellers love to take part in sporting events so much that one in six (16%) admit they’d be willing to travel thousands of miles to do so, according to a new survey by Hyatt. This growing trend – dubbed “sports-tripping” – sees people combine their love of taking part in sport with ticking off bucket list destinations. The survey of 2,000 Brits, commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2025, also reveals that typically people plan to take part in five sporting events in the next 12 months, with two in five saying this is more than previous years. Football tournaments (48%), cycling races (20%) and swimming competitions (18%) topped the list of favourite events. More than a quarter of people are planning to turn their marathon race calendars into tr...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Luxury sports tourism: a key trend driving luxury travel in 2025

Following an in-depth customer survey, ultra-luxe experiential travel company, Ultimate Driving Tours, has unveiled some exclusive insights into what is shaping the luxury travel industry in 2025.  Here are five of the key luxury travel trends that have emerged from the survey… Luxury sports tourism Ultimate Driving Tours has seen a surge in demand for its F1 hospitality packages and tours – immersive destination experiences that combine supercar exploration with exclusive access to Grand Prix weekends across Europe. This appetite reflects a broader trend: sporting-inspired travel continues to be a driving force in the luxury market, with 60% of travellers planning to take at least one trip for a sporting event in 2025, according to the AMEX 2025 Global Travel Trends Report. ...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 

Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has launched a new cycling tour in Sicily to meet the growing demand for immersive exploration. This small-group adventure invites travellers to pedal through Sicily’s rugged landscapes, charming villages, and coastal paths, blending physical challenges away from the typical hotspots. The Sicily tour takes riders along the coastline, where they can take a dip in the cool waters of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and relax on the beaches of Portapalon and Avola. Cyclists will explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto, and descend the Cavagrande canyon with panoramic views, while savouring traditional Sicilian cuisine.  “More travellers are turning to self-powered adventures that tread lightly and offer deeper connectio...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

NFL 2025 International Games: teams confirmed for São Paulo, Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid

The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule and teams for the 2025 International Games that will be played in São Paulo, Brazil, and across Europe in Dublin, Ireland; London, England; Berlin, Germany; and Madrid, Spain.  On Sunday 28 September, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, in Ireland’s first-ever regular season NFL game. The Vikings will then travel to London to play the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the US – on Sunday 5 October, which sees the team play two consecutive international games. The New York Jets will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday 12 October, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The third and final game in London will feature the Jacksonv...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

JA Sports & Shooting Club: Dubai’s newest sports hub 

An exciting new chapter in Dubai’s sports landscape is unfolding with the upcoming launch of JA Sports & Shooting Club – a world-class sporting destination currently under development through an investment exceeding AED300 million (approximately US$81.67 million).  Scheduled to open in phases starting in late summer 2025, the expansive multi-sport complex will feature top-tier facilities designed to cater to athletes and enthusiasts alike. Highlights include international-standard football and cricket fields, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, and integrated cycling and jogging tracks that connect seamlessly with the nearby JA The Resort, a five-star all-inclusive destination comprising three distinct properties: JA Lake View Hotel, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Palm Tree Court...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury resort boasting world-class golf and a range of sport and leisure activities. Named after the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, the destination offers an escape for travellers seeking a comprehensive experience that combines relaxation, recreation, and cultural richness.  Accommodation options range from luxurious hotel rooms to spacious suites and private villas. The resort is also home to a wide selection of restaurants and bars.  Sporting facilities Aphrodite Hills is renowned for its world-class sporting amenities, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts and active travellers. At its heart lies the award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed b...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Ireland: major winners and world-class courses

After a dramatic final play-off, Rory McIlroy became the first golfer from the island of Ireland to win The Masters – and only the sixth ever in the history of the game to win the Grand Slam of all four men’s majors (The Masters, US PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship). For a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland is a powerhouse when it comes to golf, with McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry all recent major winners.  With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, it’s not surprising that Northern Ireland is where McIlroy first honed his skills. McIlroy first joined Holywood Golf Club at the age of seven, becoming the club’s youngest ever member. Set high in the Holywood Hills of County...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours

With the first of cycling’s Grand Tours starting in May this year – the Giro d'Italia – and the news Great Britain will host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, there’s never been a better time to sample some of greatest road cycling destinations in Britain and Europe.  Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a range of road cycling holidays in the UK and Europe inspired by the Grand Tours and other iconic routes, including:  A guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish Highlands  An epic coast-to-coast adventure riding the entire length of the Pyrenees  A Tour de France-inspired road cycling holiday across the Southern Alps – from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez  Tour d’Ecosse guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish H...

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13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Expedia Group study: women’s sport the ‘real growth story’ of sports tourism

New research released by Expedia Group has revealed how sports tourism is transforming how people are travelling and the sector is creating massive opportunities for the travel industry. In a blog post titled "how to win big with sports tourism", Expedia Group’s chief commercial officer Greg Schulze said that sports tourism presents “significant economic opportunity” for travel providers and is creating “high-demand periods” for transportation and lodging companies and “boosts host cities' economies”.  According to UN Tourism, sports travel now accounts for 10% of global tourism spending, while Skift reported that the sports tourism sector is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.  Expedia Group’s data suggests sports trips are about "more than just the event" – they're a chan...

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12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Paris 2024 Olympics legacy: an ‘exceptional’ year for French tourism 

The Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency has revealed how the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games contributed to one of the most memorable years for France’s travel industry. The games provided a unique opportunity to showcase France's rich heritage and strengthened its image as a must-visit destination. In total, 12 million tickets were sold for the games while nearly five billion viewers worldwide tuned in. Overall in 2024, France welcomed more than 100 million international tourists, generating €71 billion in revenue.  Nathalie Delattre, France's minister of tourism, said: "2024 will remain engraved in history as an exceptional year for France. The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the reopening of N...

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