Sports Business

13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Man City’s new museum to form part of £300m Etihad Campus expansion

Manchester City has revealed the first details of a major new museum attraction that will form part of the English Premier League football club’s ambitious £300 million Medlock Square development, creating a year-round visitor experience at the Etihad Campus. Scheduled to open later in 2026, the Manchester City Museum Experience has been designed to immerse visitors in the history, culture and defining moments of the club. The attraction will complement the club’s award-winning stadium tour, which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK on TripAdvisor. Located at the heart of the new Medlock Square entertainment district, the museum will span more than 1,700 square metres across ten themed spaces, blending cutting-edge immersive technology with historic m...

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12Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Cape Town Marathon to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the eighth member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) from 2027. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only for the race itself but for African sport and tourism, with Cape Town becoming the first city on the continent to host an Abbott World Marathon Major. The 2027 edition, scheduled for 23 May, will join an elite calendar that includes the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. The decision follows Cape Town’s successful completion of the AbbottWMM candidacy process, including a second evaluation at the 2026 race. The assessment examined every aspect of the event, from athlete ...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Las Vegas’s F1 GP hosting deal extended for another 10 years until 2037

Formula 1 will continue racing in Las Vegas through to 2037, following a new 10-year extension. Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc, Clark County officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), have all committed to the long-term future of one of the standout events on both the US and global sporting calendar. Since debuting on the Formula 1 calendar in 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has delivered $3.2 billion in cumulative economic impact for Southern Nevada, with all three races from 2023 through 2025 selling out and helping position Las Vegas among the sport's marquee destinations worldwide.  In 2025 alone, the race generated $43 million in state and local tax revenue, including $15 million allocated to support local K-12 education. Beyond its economic impact,...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Nashville lands first Super Bowl as NFL awards 2030 showpiece to new Nissan Stadium

Nashville has secured one of the biggest prizes in global sport after the NFL confirmed that Super Bowl LXIV will be played at the new Nissan Stadium in February 2030, marking the first time the city has hosted the league’s championship game.  The announcement comes even before the Tennessee Titans’ new home has opened its doors. The state-of-the-art venue, currently under construction on Nashville’s riverfront, is scheduled to welcome fans for the 2027 NFL season before hosting the Super Bowl at the end of its third year of operation. NFL owners approved Nashville as the host city during the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando, with the city becoming the latest destination to leverage a new stadium to attract one of the world's most watched sporting events. For sports touri...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

FIA and UN Tourism announce inaugural Sustainable Sports Tourism Award winners

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.  Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas in sustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.  Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, said: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism.  “These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development,...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay 

Indoor sports and entertainment company Five Iron Golf has announced the opening of its second Dubai venue – in the city’s Business Bay area.  Located near DIFC, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, the new 6,500sqft venue at Damac Towers by Paramount is designed to serve residents and visitors seeking a high-quality environment for recreation, networking, and events in the heart of the city.  The new venue features five Trackman-powered simulators with multi-angle swing analysis and access to hundreds of world-renowned courses, providing opportunities to practise, play, and compete year-round – regardless of weather conditions. Complementing the golf experience, the venue includes three multisport simulators offering interactive gameplay across sports such as football and disc golf, a...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus unveils its new Racket Club

Aphrodite Hills Resort has strengthened its reputation as one of Europe's leading sports tourism destinations with the opening of its new Racket Club, part of a wider investment programme across the luxury Cyprus resort.  Officially unveiled in May 2026, the fully renovated facility features upgraded tennis and padel courts, contemporary changing rooms, a dedicated retail space and a new Healthy Bar serving wellness-focused food and drinks. The development forms part of a broader enhancement strategy that also includes an upgraded gym, new dining concepts and continued investment in the resort's golf facilities. Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury integrated resort combining world-class sport, wellness, accommodation and leisure exp...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Peru’s Punta Rocas to host the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed that Peru will host the 2026 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG), one of the first qualifiers for surfing for the LA28 Olympic Games. The event will be held from 6-15 November at the iconic Punta Rocas.  ISA president Fernando Aguerre said: “It’s incredible to look back at how challenging was the journey to Olympic inclusion starting almost 30 years ago. Here we are, after an extraordinary showcase in Tahiti, looking ahead with great excitement to what LA28 and Lower Trestles will bring.  “Punta Rocas is a perfect stage for performance surfing, much like Lower Trestles will be at the Olympic Games. A great place to start surfing’s third Olympic cycle. The team qualification slots awarded at the World Surfing Games will mak...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

From Melbourne to Mexico: record nine NFL international games in 2026

The NFL will stage a record nine regular-season games outside the United States in 2026, taking American football to four continents and seven countries in what is set to be the league’s most ambitious international programme to date. The expanded schedule will see games played in Australia, Brazil, the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Mexico, with first-ever regular-season contests in Melbourne, Paris and Rio de Janeiro. The move underlines the NFL’s long-term strategy to grow its global fanbase and follows years of successful international events in London, Germany and Mexico.  For sports tourism destinations, the games represent a major opportunity to attract international visitors, generate hotel demand and showcase host cities to a global television audience.  London ...

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6Jun 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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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Qatar’s Lusail City secures T100 Triathlon World Championship Final return in 2026

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and Visit Qatar have announced the 2026 Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final will take place at Lusail City for the second year running, on 10-12 December 2026. Qatar’s waterfront city is preparing to host the climax to this season’s T100 Race To Qatar on the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour.  The event sees the world’s best professional triathletes race head-to-head in locations around the globe, starting on the Gold Coast in March and taking in iconic venues such as Singapore, San Francisco and London, before finishing with an end-of-season showdown at the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final.  "We’re looking forward to returning to Lusail City later this year,” said Sam Renouf, PTO CEO. “Its waterfront pr...

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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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