Sports Business

3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Calendars, Sports Business

2026 sports business events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2026. The global sports business calendar is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration.  These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and dates ...

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3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Las Vegas announced as host city for the NFL Super Bowl LXIII in 2029

The Super Bowl will touch down in Las Vegas once again, with the National Football League (NFL) confirming that the Nevada city will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium.   The 65,000-capacity, climate-controlled venue will play host to one the world's biggest annual sporting events, promising an incredible night of sporting thrills with that extra injection of classic Vegas showmanship. The announcement marks yet another jewel in Las Vegas’s crown, hot off the heels of hosting another successful Formula 1 Grand Prix and Rugby League game all within the last six months. A press conference in Las Vegas took place after the announcement, featuring remarks from LVCVA Board Member and Chair of the Clark County Commission, Michael Naft, and Las Vegas Raiders Senior...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Seat Unique acquires P1 Travel: ‘Demand for premium experiences has never been stronger’

Seat Unique has acquired P1 Travel, a provider of premium tickets and hospitality packages for sporting events worldwide.  The acquisition creates one of the most comprehensive global platforms for premium live experiences, accelerating international growth, enabling rightsholders to reach wider audiences, while giving fans access to more official packages than ever before. The agreement comes at a time of rapid growth in the premium live events market, fuelled by accelerating demand within the experience economy. Consumer spending on luxury experiences continues to rise, with prices in the ultra-luxury segment increasing by 90% globally since 2019, highlighting a strong shift towards experience-led spending. This trend is further reflected in consumer behaviour, with 78% of mille...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad

A major new sports enclave is set to transform Ahmedabad into one of Asia’s leading sports tourism destinations, following the unveiling of a landmark masterplan led by a consortium of BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design. Located along the Sabarmati River, the development will create a dynamic, multi-use sports district that blends elite competition venues with public spaces, positioning the city as a year-round hub for both international events and community activity. The timing of the project aligns with Ahmedabad’s growing global sporting ambitions. Also known as Amdavad, the city has been confirmed as host of the Commonwealth Games centenary edition in 2030, while Gujarat will also stage the 2029 World Police & Fire Games. Together, these events are expected to accelerat...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup

Development plans have been unveiled for a landmark horse racing venue in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City. A part of the long-term plans, the venue will become the new permanent home of the US$20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.  Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences." Featuring a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, the venue is designed to support a broad range of intern...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Simone Biles named Mandarin Oriental’s first global wellness ambassador

Mandarin Oriental has made a golden appointment in its wellness team. The hospitality giant has announced Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, as its first-ever global wellness ambassador.  Regarded as one of the defining athletes of her generation, in her new role Biles will collaborate with Mandarin Oriental's wellness board, sharing her insights and perspectives with the group's recognised specialists in lifestyle performance, meditation, movement, nutrition and sleep to help shape future programmes and experiences.  She will support and participate in global storytelling, campaign activations and the development of innovative wellness initiatives aligned with Mandarin Oriental's evolved wellness strategy, integrating mental, emotional, and physical bala...

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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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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya secures Formula 1 future through to 2032

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has confirmed its continuity on the Formula 1 calendar. The renewal, signed between Circuits de Catalunya and Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), will see a grand prix hosted in Barcelona in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. The races in Barcelona will be in rotation with the grand prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. A significant evolution for the event is its rebranding. Starting with the race held from 12-14 June 2026, the event will be officially known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This change marks a new era under the management of Fira Circuit, a partnership designed to diversify the track's usage and transform the infrastructure into a multi-purpose venue for large-scal...

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16Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Milano Cortina 2026: the power of the Olympic House

Ramy James Salameh feels the emotions and understands the many benefits of Austria's Olympic House in Cortina d'Ampezzo. A place of celebration, promotion and dialogue during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Imagine having representatives of your embassy, departments of culture, media and sport, as well as national sporting federations, Olympic committee members, key corporate stakeholders, VIPs and athletes all under one roof, during one of the world’s great sporting festivals. Welcome to the Austrian Olympic House at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. These venues are hubs for dialogue between business and industry, tourism and sports, politics and media. They are also platforms to showcase national pride, culture and promotion in-between the thrilling spectacl...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

2026 sports travel trends: predictions, experiences and destinations 

Sports travel in 2026 is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever. As global sporting calendars accelerate and a new wave of fan culture rises, travellers are no longer content with simply attending events – they’re seeking experiences that blend sport, wellness, culture, and community.  The result is a fast-evolving landscape where elite tournaments collide with bucket-list destinations, grassroots movements sit alongside global mega-events, and technology is transforming the way fans engage on the road. In this round-up, we look at the biggest trends and predictions for sports travel and adventure travel in 2026.   Main image: Premier League football club Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium in London (Picture credit: Arne Müseler / arne-mueseler...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has unveiled plans for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex. Initial enhancements will debut at the 2026 edition in February, with the full transformation completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. Designed to elevate the player experience and enhance fan engagement, the expansion marks the most significant upgrade to the Al Garhoud venue in its 30-year history. The redesign, which is being led by specialist stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern and with Turner & Townsend as project managers, positions the Championships as a tournament reflective of Dubai’s global reputation as a world-class host city for international sporting events.  ...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

London tops 2026 sports-tripping index ahead of Dubai and Tokyo

London has been crowned the world’s best city for sports-tripping in 2026, according to a global study by luggage storage network Stasher. The research found that nearly 30% of people have travelled – or would consider travelling – abroad for a major sporting event, reflecting the continued rise of sports tourism as a mainstream travel driver.  According to UN Tourism, sports tourism now accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending, with projections suggesting the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. Scoring 7.6 out of 10, London’s appeal lies in the sheer density of elite teams and global events across the so-called ‘big five’ sports – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket. The city is home to 20 world-class teams, including football heavyweights Arsenal...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

Priority Pass report: sports and wellness drive experience-led journeys

A fundamental shift is reshaping global travel, as travellers increasingly prioritise purpose, passion and personal wellbeing over traditional sightseeing. According to Priority Pass’ latest global research report – From Stadiums to Spas: Unlocking the Explosive Growth of Sports and Wellness Travel – sports and wellness are no longer niche motivations but central pillars of how people plan and experience trips. The report, based on a survey of more than 12,000 travellers across 20 international markets, highlights a clear move towards experience-led itineraries, where travel is shaped around activities that align with lifestyle, identity and self-improvement rather than destinations alone. Two of the fastest-growing forces behind this shift are sports tourism and wellness travel. Spo...

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25Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World of Hyatt named hospitality partner of new Audi Revolut F1 Team

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed World of Hyatt as the official hospitality partner of the newly launched Audi Revolut F1 Team. The partnership will see the global loyalty brand connect luxury travellers with the world of elite motorsport through a curated programme of premium hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime Formula 1 experiences. World of Hyatt members can enjoy access to the sport’s most iconic moments. From behind-the-scenes paddock tours and driver meet-and-greets to private hospitality lounges and luxury weekend itineraries, members will have the opportunity to experience the world of Formula 1 like never before. In addition, members will be able to earn and redeem points for bespoke travel experiences surrounding key Grand Prix events, blending high performance with high ...

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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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10Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Marriott Bonvoy and International Cricket Council sign global partnership

Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed a strategic partnership which will see Marriott International’s travel platform appointed as the ICC's official accommodation partner through to 2029. The deal gives Marriott Bonvoy’s 260 million members the opportunity to embrace the excitement of the game across continents and showcases Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive offerings to cricket’s passionate global fan base. Peggy Roe, EVP and chief customer officer, Marriott International, said: “Cricket continues to grow as a global sport, with rising fan engagement worldwide and momentum. With more than two billion fans globally, we are proud to serve as the ICC’s official accommodation partner and look forward to delivering exclusive access and once-in-a-lifetime expe...

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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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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Doha and Forte Village win sports tourism categories at World Travel Awards 2025

Qatar’s capital city Doha and Italy’s renowned Forte Village Resort emerged as major sports tourism category winners at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025, held in Bahrain. For the third year in a row, Doha was crowned the World’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination, reaffirming Qatar’s position as a powerhouse for world-class events, state-of-the-art venues and year-round sports programming. From hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 to becoming a hub for athletics, tennis, golf, and motorsport, Qatar has successfully leveraged sport as a cornerstone of its visitor strategy. The win highlights Doha’s continued investment in next-generation infrastructure and its commitment to positioning the Gulf state as the premier global home for major international competitions, traini...

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4Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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...

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3Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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...

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