Friday, December 5Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Events

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to drive €5.3bn economic impact in Italy
Events, Sports Business

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to drive €5.3bn economic impact in Italy

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are set to become one of the most powerful tourism and economic catalysts in Italy’s modern history, with new analysis revealing that the Games will generate €5.3 billion in value for the Italian economy. The findings, published by Banca Ifis, highlight a three-tier economic surge driven by tourism, visitor spending and major infrastructure legacy. The bank forecasts €1.1bn in direct expenditure during the Games period, including hospitality, food and beverage, retail, transport and on-site visitor services. A further €1.2bn is expected to flow into Italy within 12-18 months after the Closing Ceremony as travellers return or extend their trips, signalling long-tail tourism growth well beyond the competition fortnight. Most impactful of all is t...
153rd Open at Royal Portrush: a £280m economic impact for Northern Ireland
Events, Sports Business

153rd Open at Royal Portrush: a £280m economic impact for Northern Ireland

Golf's Open Championship has reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s most powerful drivers of sports tourism, with the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush generating £89.2 million in total economic impact for Northern Ireland, according to a study by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sports Industry Research Centre. Causeway Coast and Glens alone benefited by £43.7 million, underscoring the Championship’s transformative effect on host destinations.  Beyond visitor spending, the global visibility of the golf major delivered a further £191 million in destination marketing value, driven by worldwide broadcast coverage, digital platforms and extensive online media reach, as reported by YouGov.  The Open’s spectacular return to the iconic Causeway Coast drew a record-breaking 278,000 specta...
Sports events in 2025-2026 – global sporting calendar
Calendars, Events

Sports events in 2025-2026 – global sporting calendar

The global sports calendar for 2025 and 2026 is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. From iconic competitions that celebrate long-standing traditions to new tournaments that showcase emerging talent, the calendar features a dynamic array of sports and venues. We will continue to update this page as events are confirmed. Any times stated below are GMT/GST. Main image: NFL at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (Credit: Mike Starling/Sports Tourism News) Other sports calendars Tennis in 2025 Marathons in 2025 Half marathons in 2025 Horse racing in 2025 Formula 1 2025 race calendar Rugby union in 2025 Golf in 2025 Darts in 2025 Snooker in 2025 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter December 2025 sports ev...
2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar
Calendars, Events

2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the upcoming travel and tourism industry events and conferences for 2026. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends.  Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to enhance travel exp...
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035: a potential UK sports tourism blockbuster
Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035: a potential UK sports tourism blockbuster

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have formally launched a joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035, positioning the tournament as the biggest single-sport event ever staged on UK soil – and a potential blockbuster for sports tourism across all four nations.  Under the “All Together” bid banner, the four football associations are proposing 22 stadiums across 16 host cities, with FIFA expected to trim that list to around 14-16 venues should the bid be successful. The tournament – expanded to 48 teams – would feature 104 matches over 39 days, with organisers targeting 4.5 million ticket sales and a global TV audience of 3.5 billion. It would also be the UK’s first World Cup since 1966, giving a new generation of fans the chance to experience a global finals on home tu...
Amdavad in India to host Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030
Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Amdavad in India to host Centenary Commonwealth Games 2030

The Indian city of Amdavad, also known as Ahmedabad, has been formally named as the host city of the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030. The decision confirms that the world’s most populous nation will stage the landmark edition of the Games, after delegates of the 74 Commonwealth member nations and territories ratified India’s bid at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. India presented a compelling vision for the 2030 Games, centred in the Gujarat city of Amdavad, which will build on foundations laid by Glasgow 2026.  Jaismine Lamboria, world champion boxer from India, said: “It truly is a proud moment to see India become the host of the Centenary Commonwealth Games. Amdavad will give athletes and fans a very warm and vibrant welcome, and having the opportunity...
2026 golf events calendar: the majors and biggest tournaments
Calendars, Events

2026 golf events calendar: the majors and biggest tournaments

Golf fans around the world can look forward to a packed international calendar in 2026. At the heart of the season are the four men’s majors and five women’s majors, each offering its own legacy and challenge. On the men’s major schedule the Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National in April, followed by the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open Championship in July, where golf’s oldest major will again draw massive global attention.  The women’s game takes centre stage across five majors, reflecting its rapid international growth. The Chevron Championship tees off the major season, while the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open continue to elevate the global reach of elite women’s golf, att...
HSBC SVNS 2026 calendar revealed with New York making series debut 
Calendars, Events

HSBC SVNS 2026 calendar revealed with New York making series debut 

World Rugby and USA Rugby, in partnership with TEG Rugby Live, have confirmed New York City as the host for the US leg of the HSBC SVNS Series from 14-15 March 2026 at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Featuring the top eight men’s and women’s rugby sevens nations, the new-look HSBC SVNS will host its season opener in Dubai (29-30 November 2025) before heading to iconic global cities including Cape Town, South Africa (6-7 December 2025); Singapore (31 January-1 February 2026); Perth, Australia (7-8 February 2026); Vancouver, Canada (7-8 March 2026) and New York, USA (14-15 March). The SVNS World Championships will then have three events, in Hong Kong (17-19 April 2026); Valladolid, Spain (29-31 May 2026); and Bordeaux, France (5-7 June 2026). New York’s vibrant culture, renowned skyline, a...
Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years with blockbuster tour
Events

Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years with blockbuster tour

As one of the most recognisable teams on the planet marks its centenary, the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years of sporting showmanship with a blockbuster world tour. The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour begins with a special event on Sunday 14 December at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with the full tour launching with games in Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday 26 December. The tour will continue on to more than 200 domestic markets in the US and more than 125 markets internationally, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia.  “There are very few brands in any business, let alone sports, that cannot just withstand but grow over the course of 100 years, and the Harlem Globetrotters are...
TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries
Events, Sports Business

TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries

Sydney’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination continues to accelerate, with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS attracting unprecedented global interest for its 2026 edition.  The iconic event, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), has become a magnet for travelling runners, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors eager to combine a bucket-list marathon with a trip to one of the world’s most spectacular sports cities. The 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026, will have an increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers.  Record-shattering demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon is cementing the Harbour City’s position as one of the world’s premier sports tourism hotspots. The event’s latest ballot drew more than 123,00...
Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal to host the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards
Events, Sports Business

Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal to host the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards

The luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is ready to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the best in world football as host venue for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards. Taking place on Sunday 28 December 2025, this star-studded event will feature around 15 award categories on the night, including nine categories that are open to a worldwide public vote. The first round of voting is open until 27 November, followed by second round of voting to decide each winner from 3-11 December. Final winners will be determined by a combination of fan votes and the GLOBE SOCCER Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of GLOBE SOCCER, said: “We ...
Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments
Events, Sports Business

Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments

The Globe Soccer Awards has extended its strategic partnership with BEYOND Developments, confirming the Dubai-born real estate brand as title partner for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments Globe Soccer Awards for a second successive year. Marking another milestone in the evolution of the Globe Soccer Awards, the renewed collaboration reinforces Dubai’s growing influence in the global sporting landscape and underscores a shared commitment to excellence.  Tommaso Bendoni, Founder and CEO of Globe Soccer, said: “BEYOND Developments has been an exceptional partner and we are delighted to continue this journey. Their dedication to innovation and high-quality experiences perfectly aligns with the spirit of Globe Soccer. This ongoing collaboration will continue to enhance the BEYON...
All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027
Editor's Pick, Events, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027

With Europe clinching a dramatic Ryder Cup victory over the USA at Bethpage Black, all eyes now turn to Ireland as the countdown begins for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, where golf’s greatest team event will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Team Europe stars Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy played pivotal roles in New York, with Lowry delivering the decisive half point that ensured Europe retained the coveted trophy in front of packed galleries. Ireland’s Ryder Cup roots run strong, with Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke among recent captains, having also provided unforgettable moments such as McGinley holing the winning putt in 2002 and Clarke’s performance at the K Club in 2006, when Ireland last hosted the event. The Island of Ireland is no stranger to hostin...
Tennis events 2025 calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments
Calendars, Events

Tennis events 2025 calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments

In this 2025 tennis events calendar we start by taking a look at the dates of the four grand slams – plus the big ATP and WTA tournaments and team competitions being held around the world. The next tennis grand slam, the first of 2026, is the Australian Open from 12 January to 1 February 2026 in Melbourne. The ATP and WTA tours span the globe with key stops like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome, along with thrilling year-end championships: the ATP Finals in Turin and the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Team competitions will add drama, with the United Cup kicking off the year, followed by the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, showcasing national pride. From grand slams to fast-paced team events, the 2025 season promises intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. Top image: PxHere.com ...
DP World Tour 2026 calendar: 42 tournaments across five ‘global swings’ 
Calendars, Events

DP World Tour 2026 calendar: 42 tournaments across five ‘global swings’ 

The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship and a new venue for the Amgen Irish Open headline the 2026 DP World Tour global schedule.  Featuring a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in 25 different countries, the schedule will once again comprise three distinct phases, beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ in November 2026. Members will compete for a record total prize fund of $157.5 million (outside the Major Championships) on golf’s global Tour next season. The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, the first tournament on the European Swing, will take place from 7-10 May 2026 at Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona. It is a new event on the 2026 schedule following the agreement annou...
2025 international rugby union events calendar
Calendars, Events

2025 international rugby union events calendar

The 2025 international rugby union calendar is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, headlined by the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and the now concluded British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Taking place in August and September, the Women's World Cup will showcase the very best of the women’s game, with record crowds and global audiences expected as teams battle for the ultimate prize. With women’s rugby growing at unprecedented pace, the World Cup will not only crown champions but also mark a defining moment in the sport’s expansion. Earlier in the year, the traditional Six Nations Championship kicks off in February and March, bringing fierce rivalries and European bragging rights to the fore. Mid-year, attention shifts south as northern hemisphere sides emba...
2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar: 14 rounds confirmed 
Calendars, Events

2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar: 14 rounds confirmed 

The FIA and WRC Promoter have unveiled the calendar for the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), confirming 14 rounds across four continents. The season begins at Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22-25 January 2026, with crews tackling France’s icy alpine roads in one of rallying’s most iconic settings. A spectacular street stage in downtown Monte Carlo on Saturday evening adds extra drama and glamour to an already demanding weekend. It’s the start of a calendar that blends snow, gravel and asphalt events – including returning rounds in the Canary Islands and Paraguay following their introductions in 2025 – before culminating in the desert terrain of Saudi Arabia from 11-14 November 2026. Notably, the opening half of the year brings a welcome mix of surfaces. Asphalt rallies in Croatia, t...
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 England: fan zone locations confirmed 
Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 England: fan zone locations confirmed 

England is set to host a nationwide celebration for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, with fan zones unveiled in official host locations across the country. Running from 22 August to 27 September, and with more than 330,000 tickets already sold, the tournament will take place across eight venues throughout England, making it the biggest celebration of women’s rugby ever staged.    The fan zones, which will be free to enter, will be open on match-days and at various times throughout the six-week tournament, offering fans, residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the atmosphere and take part in the biggest celebration of women’s rugby.  At the heart of the action will be Battersea Power Station, which has been unveiled as the official tournament fan zone in London, in partnership with ...
Strangest sporting events: the weird and wonderful world of sport
Events, Sports Travel

Strangest sporting events: the weird and wonderful world of sport

When we think of sport, traditional activities like football, basketball, and tennis often come to mind. However, the world is full of unique, bizarre, and downright strange sporting events that challenge our perception of competition and athleticism.  These weird and wonderful sports highlight the diverse and imaginative ways to find entertainment – whether it’s racing down a hill after cheese, balancing on unicycles while playing polo, or enduring ferrets in your trousers. Here we take a look at some of the weirdest sports and the strangest sporting events that take place around the world. Main image: Dave Farrance, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons World Gravy Wrestling Championships (England) Location: Rose & Bowl Pub, Stacksteads, Lancashire, England The Wor...
The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams
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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