Thursday, September 10Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Editor’s Pick

Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination
Editor's Pick, Guides

Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination

Nestled along the pristine Pacific coastline, El Salvador’s “Surf City” offers a paradise for surfers and adventure seekers. With consistent waves, warm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, this destination is gaining global recognition and regularly hosts major events on the International Surfing Association (ISA) and World Surf League calendars. Surf City El Salvador is fast becoming one of the top destinations for surfers worldwide, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, it has something for everyone. Best surfing spots Punta Roca: Known as the crown jewel of El Salvador's surf scene, Punta Roca is a world-class right-hand point break. The waves are fast and powerful, making it ideal for experienced surfers. The rocky coastline enhances th...
World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees
Editor's Pick, Sports Business & Industry

World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees

World Travel Awards has announced the 20 nominees shortlisted for the World's Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 award – with voting is now open ahead of November’s gala ceremony.  In 2023, Qatar’s capital city Doha was the winner of the award, ending Abu Dhabi’s winning run from 2013 to 2022. Dubai (2012) and South Africa (2011) have also previously won the title.  Five nominees have also been announced for the World’s Leading Sports Academy 2024 award. The nominees are Aspire Academy in Qatar, Cascade Wellness Resort in Portugal, Forte Village Resort in Italy, Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort in the USA, and La Manga Club in Spain. Voting is now open until 20 October 2024 for both categories, with the winners revealed at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala C...
G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 

Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.  There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland. Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year's Women's Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the ...
Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills

Famous as the destination that produces one of the world’s most popular drinks, Italy’s Prosecco hills are also a Unesco World Heritage Site (awarded in 2019).  Saddle Skedaddle’s gentle, seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the vineyards of Prosecco begins with a ride favoured by the locals in the foothills of the Montello, before climbing to the town of Asolo; designated one of Italy’s most beautiful.  Crossing the Piave River into the heart of the Prosecco region, the route passes vineyard after vineyard, including Conegliano Valdobbiadene which produces Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and the exclusive DOCG Cartizze sparkling wine. After exploring the lakes around Revine, Lago di St Maria, and Lago di Lago, the final few days in the saddle takes riders past some of t...
Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign
Editor's Pick, Sports Business & Industry

Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign

Tennis legend Roger Federer has teamed up with Switzerland Tourism (ST) to promote the beauty of the Swiss autumn season. In a video shot outdoors amid the majestic scenery of the Swiss mountains, Federer stars alongside acclaimed Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.  Inspired by Mikkelsen and the vibrant autumn landscapes, Federer showcases a playful side of himself like never before. The teaming up of Federer and Mikkelsen is part of the largest autumn campaign in the history of the tourism board. Precisely targeting the European markets – France, Germany, Italy, BeNeLux, the UK and the Nordics – the new campaign video shows Federer and Mikkelsen humorously attempting to produce an advertising spot designed to showcase the many facets of the Swiss autumn. "I love autumn and all its co...
Sail Croatia adds new 2025 ‘hike cruise’ luxury and national park options
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Sail Croatia adds new 2025 ‘hike cruise’ luxury and national park options

Sail Croatia has boosted its ‘hike cruise’ programme for 2025 with the introduction of a new 'national park' themed cruise plus a choice of luxury hike cruise options. Guests can hike their way through Croatia's National Parks on a themed itinerary that is perfect for nature lovers looking for a relatively laid-back holiday. Guests will enjoy easy hikes averaging around 1.5 hours per day on relatively flat terrain with highlights including visits to the turquoise-tinted Plitvice Lakes, exploring the many waterfalls, inlets and river systems of Krka National Park, plus taking in the dramatic views along the karst cliffs of Telascica Nature Park. Cruising on one of Sail Croatia's Premier ships ensures they will have all the creature comforts they need to relax in style with en-suite ca...
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: UAE to host October event 
Editor's Pick, Events

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: UAE to host October event 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. The event, scheduled to take place from 3-20 October, will now be staged in Dubai and Sharjah. Geoff Allardice, ICC chief executive, said: “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event. I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn’t feasible. However, they will retain hosting rights. “We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the n...
Road to LA28: Los Angeles is ready to welcome the world of sport
Editor's Pick, Events

Road to LA28: Los Angeles is ready to welcome the world of sport

The Californian city, one of the world’s leading sports capitals, is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, NFL Super Bowl LXI 2027 and the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028. In a spectacular closing ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, featuring Tom Cruise jumping from the roof of the Stade de France and musical performances on LA's iconic sandy beaches, Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass received the official Olympic flag from Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, marking the countdown to the LA28 Games. “We’re honoured to join mayor Karen Bass to commemorate the historic handover of the Olympic flag from Paris to Los Angeles,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “We can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for the 2028 Olympic and Paralymp...
Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations

Dig your bike out of the shed and head for the open road on a British cycling adventure. From demanding climbs to sedate converted railway line routes, the team from Epic Road Rides pick out five of the best destinations for cycling in the United Kingdom. Outer Hebrides, Scotland  The magical Western Isles of Scotland are home to the 185-mile Hebridean Cycle Route, an iconic cycling journey taking in 10 islands, including Barra, North Uist, Harris and Lewis. The manageable gradients and fact you can break the route up into whatever chunks you like, makes it ideally suited for a range of cyclists. Abundant wildlife, fun ferry crossings, ancient stone circles, countless white beaches and turquoise waters await those willing to brave the (sometimes ferocious) Scottish wind. This is UK c...
Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside
Editor's Pick, Venues & Stadiums

Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside

UK mountain bike venue BikePark Wales, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced plans to transform 400 acres of Welsh mountainside. NRW, which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since its first breaking trail in 2013, but a new lease has now been signed to rewild the mountain, add trails and accommodation.  As part of the new 33-year lease, revenue from visiting mountain bikers will be invested in a “Future Forest Vision” that will see the vast majority of BikePark Wales’s mountain return to its natural state. The rewilding plan will see the site change in the coming decades from classic commercial forestry management to a regime that promotes biodiversity gains, improves the resilience...
Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide 
Editor's Pick, Guides

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide 

Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the French Alps, is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, encompassing seven resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, and Brides-les-Bains. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ski terrains, and luxurious accommodations, Les 3 Vallées is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Main image: Courchevel (credit: Les 3 Vallées/Alexis Brot)  Top resorts in Les 3 Vallées Courchevel Overview: Courchevel is the most prestigious resort in Les 3 Vallées, known for its upscale hotels, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping. It’s composed of four villages, each at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 being the most glamorous. Sports appeal: The resort offers access to 1...
Vienna, Chamonix and Reykjavik ranked the world’s best cities for running holidays
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Vienna, Chamonix and Reykjavik ranked the world’s best cities for running holidays

Research by Iceland’s flagship airline, Icelandair, has revealed the world's best cities for running holidays, with Vienna coming out on top. The comprehensive study analysed the number of running routes, their average ratings and elevation, alongside nightly accommodation costs and safety of 20 popular running destinations, to reveal the best for your next adventure abroad. Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, ranks as the best destination for a running holiday this year with an index score of 74/100. The city offers an abundance of running routes, with more than 1,008 tracks available within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. The average route review stands at an impressive 4.6, reflecting the well-maintained and scenic paths that meander through its historic streets and parks. V...
New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe
Editor's Pick, Venues & Stadiums

New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

Situated on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the vibrant resort town of Vilamoura has announced the development of the new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, cementing the destination as a leading location for horse riding, showjumping, and activity-focused holidays. Benefiting from year-round sunshine and located in the heart of a stunning environmental park, the centre is set to become the largest and best-equipped equestrian facilities in Europe. The new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre will feature in the Winter Tour series organized by GRANDPRIX, a 20-week schedule from October to April of CSI3* and CSI4* and even 5* competitions, joining the likes of the Longines Deauville Classic, Chantilly Classic, Le Touquet Classic and Cabourg Classic, which attract some of the world’s leading showjumping perfo...
Qatar Airways partners with British & Irish Lions for Australia 2025 tour
Editor's Pick, Sports Business & Industry

Qatar Airways partners with British & Irish Lions for Australia 2025 tour

Qatar Airways has been announced as the official title partner and official airline partner of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2025. The tour will see the Lions – a combined team of the best rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – take on the Wallabies in three Test matches as well as a number of games against Australian teams. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first of three Tests on Saturday 19 July 2025. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July 2025 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the final Test will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August 2025. In preparation for the first Test, the Lions will face a combined Australian and New Zealand team at the Adelaide Oval, whi...
Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location
Editor's Pick, Events

Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location

Surfing returns to the Olympic Games, as a part of Paris 2024, for its second appearance on sport’s largest platform. While the majority of the Olympic sporting action will be held in the French capital, the surfing competition will actually take place in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. Why Tahiti?  When the Paris 2024 Olympic organisers first considered the options for surfing, they looked at all possibilities, including their overseas territories. For the International Surfing Association (ISA), from a surfing performance point of view, there was no question about which location would provide the most exciting, most dramatic and most challenging playing field for the world’s best surfers: Teahupo’o. Olympic surfing in Tahiti will be a truly authentic experience enjoyed by local fans and interna...
On Location appointed FIFA World Cup 26 official hospitality provider
Editor's Pick, Sports Business & Industry

On Location appointed FIFA World Cup 26 official hospitality provider

Football's world governing body FIFA has appointed On Location as the official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™. Taking place across Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the global spectacle will be held in 16 host cities and feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Chosen following a thorough selection process, premium experiences, hospitality and travel provider On Location will help FIFA deliver its biggest-ever and most dynamic hospitality programme for the FIFA World Cup 26, offering ticket-inclusive fan experience packages for the world’s biggest single-sport event. From die-hard football fans to friends and families, and to companies hosting guests or employees, FIFA and On Location will provide options to suit all types of fans. The stadiums hosting...
Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try 
Editor's Pick, Guides, Trips & Experiences

Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try 

With its moderate summer temperatures and close-to-nature lifestyle, Sweden has become a destination of choice for lovers of refreshing holidays. In southern Sweden, summer temperatures average around 20C to 25C, with occasional peaks of 30C. Rainfall is lowest on the islands in the Baltic Sea – such as Gotland, Öland and the archipelagos along the east coast of Sweden – and in valleys surrounded by mountains.  Due to its high latitude, Sweden enjoys significantly longer summer days than those in more southern countries. Dense forests, lush greenery, fields of vibrant wildflowers, thousands of miles of coastline and no less than 100,000 lakes provide a huge playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Sweden promises a summer away from crowds and traffic, a place of tranquillity, and far-re...
Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol
Editor's Pick, Guides

Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich sporting heritage. While the town is famously known for skiing, Kitzbühel also offers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, the combination of challenging courses, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious amenities makes Kitzbühel a premier golfing destination. The area also boasts 12 exclusive golf hotels, ensuring a luxurious stay with pure enjoyment.  Golf courses in Kitzbühel Kitzbühel is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering four diverse golf courses and 54 varied holes on site, two of them in the town centre, and 12 more in the immediate vicinity. As each course is unique and different in its own way, it is well worth playing all ...
Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a chal...
Surfing in the Canary Islands: best waves and beaches 
Editor's Pick, Guides

Surfing in the Canary Islands: best waves and beaches 

The Canary Islands have become a popular destination for surfers searching out perfect lefts and rights, spectacular peaks, powerful, hollow tubes or long, gentle waves. Due to their unique geographical location, the islands have an ideal beach for every style of surf and receive frequent waves measuring between two and four metres in height. The excellent wind conditions also makes the Canaries a great spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.  Although conditions in all of the Canary Islands are perfect for these sports, thanks to the climate, the winds and the quality of the waves, which have turned them into a frequent destination on international competition circuits, Lanzarote is regarded as one of the best surfing locations. Famara Beach, ideal for beginners, has hosted many Wor...