Events

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby returns in 2026 as one of the most iconic dates on the global sporting calendar, blending elite thoroughbred racing with a spectacle of Southern culture, fashion and tradition.  Taking place on 2 May 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the race is widely known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and forms the opening leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown alongside the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is expected to attract more than 150,000 spectators, alongside millions of viewers worldwide, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event in the sports tourism landscape. With a purse typically exceeding $3 million, the Derby brings together the top three-year-old thoroughbreds from across the United States and beyond, ea...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

The Killers to headline 2026 Champions League final kick off show in Budapest

The Killers will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.  Pepsi and UC3 will once again mark the final with its eagerly anticipated curtain raiser, with the event set to be an unforgettable experience just minutes ahead of the match. Since arriving on the world stage in 2004, the American rock band have sold more than 35 million albums, including multi-platinum hits like 'Mr. Brightside', 'When You Were Young' and 'Human'.  Eugene Willemsen, CEO, International Beverages at PepsiCo, said: "Pepsi has a proud history of bringing big cultural moments in sports and music to fans around the world, and this year is no different. Through Pepsi Football Nation, our fan platform celebrating the cultur...

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26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Venues & Stadiums

Anglo American Padel Cup heads to South Florida for Ryder Cup-style return

Can Great Britain avenge the inaugural Anglo American Padel Cup defeat by Team USA, in Padel’s version of the Ryder-Cup? To find our fans will have to wait until 4-6 February 2027 for the reigniting of rivalries, which will take place on US soil in Palm Beach County, South Florida. The aptly named "Replay Club" will host the tournament’s second edition after a thrilling London debut in October 2025, when Team USA edged out GB in a down-to-the-wire finish. If you’re a padel fan, there’s a lot to be excited about. Organisers are expanding the Cup significantly: the Open, 40s, 50s and 60s categories will each add an extra pair per nation, pushing the total field to more than 100 players. That means deeper draws, more matches (players can expect to play four times over the weekend) and s...

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26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Tennis 2026 events calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments

In this 2026 tennis events calendar we start by taking a look at the dates of the four grand slams – plus the big ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 tournaments and the team competitions being held around the world. The next tennis grand slam, the second of 2026, is the French Open at Roland-Garros in Paris, from 24 May to 7 June 2026. 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 to the drama, with the United Cup in Australia kicking off the year, followed by the Billie Jean King Cup, Laver Cup and Davis Cup. Top image: PxHere.com Other sports calendars Sports events Sports business events Golf Subscribe...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Qatar Classic: MENA Golf Tour returns to Doha Golf Club with new event

The MENA Golf Tour continues its expansion across the region with the announcement of the Qatar Classic, a new event to be held at the prestigious Doha Golf Club from 23-25 March 2026. The tournament marks the Tour's return to Qatar, where it previously staged an event at Doha Golf Club in 2013. It will serve as the penultimate event on the schedule, offering $100,000 in prize money and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points as players make their final push for Order of Merit positions ahead of the season finale. Doha Golf Club has a rich tournament heritage, having hosted the Qatar Masters on the DP World Tour for many years. The championship course has witnessed victories from some of the game's biggest names and provides a world-class test that will challenge the field. MENA...

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24Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Venues & Stadiums

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia: the stadiums and host cities

Eight world-class stadiums across seven cities in Australia have been selected to host games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, fans can expect venues with cutting-edge facilities, perfectly suited for this expanded edition featuring 24 teams. Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup in Australia, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium. Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while North Queensland Stadium in To...

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10Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

Europe’s event-driven tourism sector grew by 7% in 2025, with sport emerging as a central engine of growth, driving significant economic impact for destinations and local communities across the continent. According to a comprehensive analysis by Mabrian and Data Appeal, both Almawave Group companies, the sports category accounted for the largest share of event-related tourism expenditure, highlighting professional matches and major competitions as major tourism magnets. Across the 12 European markets studied – including Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, the UK, Germany, and France – sports accounted for 41.4% of all event-driven tourism spending, outpacing other event types. Markets such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Greece stand out for their heavy reliance on sports events, where the...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Golf 2026 events calendar: 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...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Rugby union 2026 calendar: international Tests and club finals

The 2026 international rugby union calendar promises a packed year of elite competition, major tournaments, and high-stakes Test matches across both hemispheres. With World Cup cycles resetting and new formats emerging, the global game will showcase rising nations, historic rivalries and expanded international windows designed to grow rugby’s reach. The year begins with the traditional northern hemisphere showpiece, the Six Nations Championship (February-March 2026). England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy will battle across five intense rounds, with France and Ireland expected to continue their rivalry at the top of European rugby. Running parallel in Asia and the Americas are key regional championships and qualification fixtures as unions prepare for the next Rugby World C...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Football 2026 events calendar: major tournaments and finals

Football in 2026 is set for a landmark year shaped by the biggest tournament in the sport: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged across Canada, the United States and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Featuring 48 teams for the first time, the expanded format brings more matches, more host cities, and an unprecedented festival of global football. From the opening game in Mexico City to the final in New York/New Jersey, the World Cup will dominate the sporting calendar, driving massive worldwide attention and a surge in sports tourism. At club level, European men's football reaches its usual crescendo in May 2026, when the continent's top competitions crown their champions. The UEFA Champions League final, one of the most-watched annual events on the planet, will headline the month, followed by t...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Formula 1 2026 race calendar: grand prix dates and circuits

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship features an expansive, 24-race calendar that runs from early March through early December, spanning five continents and blending classic venues with fresh additions. The season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (6-8 March), followed closely by China in Shanghai and Japan at Suzuka in March, establishing a thrilling early-season rhythm.  Across the spring and summer, the grid races at traditional European highlights including Monaco, Barcelona-Catalunya, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Zandvoort, with fans also treated to stops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Montreal.  One of the biggest talking points of 2026 is the introduction of a second Spanish round in Madrid, hosted on the new Madring stree...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Snooker 2026 events calendar – biggest UK tournaments

Snooker in 2026 promises another outstanding year, with its major tournaments continuing to anchor the global calendar. At the heart of the season is the 2026 World Snooker Championship, returning once again to the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Since 1977, the Crucible has been synonymous with snooker’s greatest moments, and in 2026 it will again host 17 days of high-pressure drama as the world’s best players battle through its marathon format to be crowned world champion. With its intimate arena, intense atmosphere and history of unforgettable matches, the Crucible remains the sport’s most prestigious stage. The 2026 UK Championship, held at the Barbican Centre in York, will provide another highlight in the Triple Crown Series. As one of snooker’s oldest and most respected tour...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Horse racing 2026 calendar: biggest global races and festivals

The 2026 horse racing calendar promises an exhilarating year of world-class competition, bringing together the sport’s finest thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers across an array of prestigious global events. From historic flat races to demanding steeplechases, fans can look forward to a captivating blend of tradition, athleticism, and high-stakes drama as the season unfolds. In the United Kingdom, the racing calendar remains one of the most celebrated and diverse in the world. The year begins with anticipation around the five English Classics – 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, The Derby, The Oaks, and the St Leger – each steeped in heritage and offering pivotal moments in the season. These cornerstone fixtures are complemented by iconic jump racing events, including the Grand National at...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

Darts in 2026: events calendar and biggest tournaments

Darts has evolved from a traditional pub pastime into a global sporting phenomenon, captivating millions with its combination of precision, drama, and high-energy entertainment. What was once a quiet game played in local bars is now a stadium-filling spectacle, thanks largely to the transformative influence of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The PDC has reshaped the sport with booming walk-on music, electric crowds, and star-driven narratives that rival any major sport. With English teenager Luke Littler leading the way, and winning back-to-back world championships, his victory has not only captivated global audiences but also inspired a new generation of players and significantly boosted international interest in darts. The UK remains the heartland of the sport, hosting ...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

World’s best half marathons in 2026

Running a half marathon, a 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, has become one of the most popular goals for runners seeking a manageable yet highly rewarding challenge. It strikes the perfect balance between shorter distances such as 5km races and the full marathon, offering a substantial test of endurance without requiring the extensive time commitment demanded by marathon training.  For many, the half marathon represents an achievable step into the world of long-distance running, providing both the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of reaching a meaningful milestone. Training for a half marathon typically spans eight to 12 weeks and follows a structured plan designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Weekly schedules usually include a combination of long runs, speed or tempo...

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4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Events

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

Running a marathon is a monumental achievement that demands months of disciplined preparation, strategic training, and unwavering mental resilience. Covering the classic distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres), the marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance events in sport, testing an athlete’s physical capability, mental strength, and capacity to push through fatigue. Preparing for such a demanding race typically follows a structured training plan that gradually increases weekly mileage, incorporates interval and tempo workouts to build speed and stamina, and features regular long runs to develop endurance. Equally important is proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery, all of which play vital roles in optimising performance and reducing the risk of injury...

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3Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Editor's Pick, Events

2026 global sports events calendar

The 2026 global sports calendar is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. The year’s marquee line-up begins with the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano-Cortina, showcasing elite winter sports competition in February. Following the winter sports showcase, the stage is then set for one of the biggest events of the year: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June to July, which will feature an expanded 48-team field and captivate billions worldwide. Seasonal staples also return: the NFL Super Bowl, Uefa Champions League final, golf's Masters, the Wimbledon tennis grand slam, the Tour de France cycling race and more, ensuring continuous elite competition from January through December.  ...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

‘Enormous potential’ for new Triathlon World Tour launching in 2027

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and World Triathlon (TRI) have announced they are to build on their successful T100 partnership with the unveiling of the new Triathlon World Tour. Launching in 2027, the Triathlon World Tour will combine the existing T100 Triathlon World Tour, a rebranded World Triathlon Championship Series and World Triathlon Cups.  The T100 Tour will be rebranded as the T100 World Championship Series. The World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) will be rebranded the T50 World Championship Series and a newly-formed feeder series will be branded a ‘Challenger’ series. Combined across the different distances and two competition levels – World Championship and Challenger – the Triathlon World Tour will grow to approximately 100 events per year from 2027,...

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