Sports Business

1Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sports tourism and travel industry events and conferences | 2019

STOP THE PRESS! *** We have an updated 2020 sports business calendar on this link. Click to see the latest events, conferences and exhibitions in 2020...*** 

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1Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

2019 sports business calendar: events, conferences and exhibitions

Sports business conferences and events are a huge driver for the tourism and travel industry. Here we look at the sports industry conferences, exhibitions, events and awards for 2019 and 2020. Plus we pick out the top travel and tourism events which feature sporting exhibitors. 2020 sports business and sports tourism calendar: events, conferences, exhibitions December 2019 International Luxury Travel Market (ILTN) Cannes When: 2-5 December 2019 Where: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France Sports exhibitors: outdoor sports, golf, ski, sailing Website: iltm.com/cannes Women in Sport – Next Generation When: 3-4 December 2019 Where: London Stadium, London, UK Website: everythinginsport.com ICSTILO 2019: International Conference on Sport Tourism Industry and Local Organi...

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23Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

Interview: StubHub president Sukhinder Singh Cassidy talks NFL, London, Brexit and ticket trends

Hosting major US sporting fixtures has cemented London’s position as an international sports hub - and the perception of the UK has improved for fans who attended the events.   That’s according to a study published in October by online ticket company StubHub which looked at sales data ahead of the 2019 NFL London Games. This year London hosted the NBA regular-season match between the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks at The O2 in January. And for the first time baseball arrived on UK soil with the Boston Red Sox taking on rivals New York Yankees in two MLB matches at the London Stadium in June. In October and November American football has once again been on the London sporting calendar. Two NFL games were played at Tottenham and two are taking place at Wembley.    The StubHub stu...

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22Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

MLB World Series to generate $6.5m economic impact for Washington DC

Washington Nationals’s qualification to the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series is set to generate a $6.5m economic impact for Washington DC. Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for the US capital city, has announced that the impact will come from two World Series home games against the Houston Astros on Friday 25 October and Saturday 26 October.  Both matches will be played at Nationals Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighbourhood in south-east DC with the potential of a fifth game on Sunday 27 October. “The World Series is an amazing opportunity for the Washington Nationals, their fans and the economic impact for the nation’s capital,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC.  “We’re excited to showcase Washington DC ...

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17Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Runnin’City wins 1st UNWTO Sports Tourism Start-up Competition

Smartphone app Runnin’City has been named the winner of the 1st United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Sports Tourism Start-up Competition. Launched in partnership with the Barca Innovation Hub and supported by the Qatar National Tourism Council, the competition saw hundreds of start-ups enter. Five companies - Runnin’City; Fly-Foot; Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-free Institute; Oevit; and WeFish - were then shortlisted for the final. In October, the five finalists took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, with the first SportsTech edition of the WTO’s Tourism Tech Adventures initiative celebrating the most disruptive ideas and innovators from around the world.  Within the framework of the Forum, the five finalists were invited to Macau for a special masterc...

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17Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Man Utd and Marriott Hotels unveil the ‘Seat of Dreams’ at the Theatre of Dreams 

Manchester United and Marriott Hotels have unveiled the “Seat of Dreams” - a new concept that will be launched at the club’s Old Trafford stadium. United’s Premier League clash against rivals Liverpool on Sunday 20 October will see the Seat of Dreams used for the first time. This unique matchday experience allows supporters to watch the action from a coveted vantage point in the ground while also enjoying special perks such as complimentary food and drinks, early entry to the stadium, and the opportunity to meet Man Utd legends. The new addition at the Theatre of Dreams will be awarded to four fans at random through a complimentary upgrade to their existing match ticket. Official hotel partner The debut of the Seat of Dreams concept also marks the kick-off of a larger relationship be...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Clarity Sports is launched after recruitment of 17 Thomas Cook Sport staff

Clarity has launched a new sports travel division - Clarity Sports - after recruiting the entire Thomas Cook Sports team travel management team. Within 48 hours of the collapse of Thomas Cook on 23 September, Manchester-based business travel firm Clarity stepped in and employed the Thomas Cook Sport staff. The new division was then created.  Pat McDonagh, CEO of Clarity, said: “Players, fans and officials of multiple teams across football, rugby and cricket have all been left in a very difficult situation following the demise of Thomas Cook Sport.  “The logistics of moving sports teams from game to game is a complex operation and because we were already working with many of these clubs, we were able to move quickly to offer jobs to those impacted by the Thomas Cook situation. They quick...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2021 World Athletics Championships: an ‘unparalleled opportunity’ to showcase Oregon

Following the conclusion of the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, the countdown is now on to the next edition of the event which takes place for the first time in the United States.  The 2021 World Athletics Championships will be held from 6-15 August in Eugene, Oregon - better known as “TrackTown USA”. Hayward Field at the University of Oregon will welcome thousands of athletics fans and nearly 2,000 competitors from more than 200 countries for one of the biggest sporting events in 2021. Oregon governor Kate Brown said: “We could not be prouder to bring the World Championships to the United States for the first time ever, and it is only fitting that TrackTown USA serve as the host.  “Oregon is a running mecca, and we are excited to bring the globe’s elite athletes...

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29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Event focus: FIBO Southeast Asia 2020 | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, will be the next destination for the FIBO global fitness event series. With exhibitions already in Cologne (Germany), China, Mexico, Africa and the United States, FIBO Southeast Asia (FIBO SEA) is the new addition to the portfolio. Organised by Reed Exhibitions Singapore in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, FIBO SEA will take place in Singapore from 24-26 September 2020 at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. FIBO SEA will bring together brands, manufacturers, distributors, licensors, intermediaries, buyers and trainers from the Southeast Asia and international fitness industry. Highlights from the event will include:  Business matchmaking Trade show Keynote speakers FIBO academy Innovation The trade show w...

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25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sport and adventure tourism a major focus at TTG Travel Experience in Italy

This year's TTG Travel Experience in Italy will have a new major addition - the Be Active exhibition focusing on adventure, sport and wellness. Taking place from 9-11 October at the Rimini Exhibition Centre, and organised by the Italian Exhibition Group, the 56th edition of the B2B expo runs simultaneously with the SIA Hospitality Design and Sun Beach & Outdoor Style events. Be Active According to figures released by CST, in 2016 18.6% of foreign tourists stated that sport was the motivation for travelling to Italy.  The Be Active section will be dedicated wholly to active tourism and designed to promote and develop active holidays. Exhibitors will include specialist tour operators, major sports events, Italian and international destinations, accommodation facilities and serv...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Event focus: 2019 African Sports Tourism Week Ghana

Ghana’s capital city Accra will host the 2019 edition of African Sports Tourism Week.  Taking place from 19-20 September the event will feature the African Sports Tourism Summit & Olympic Roundtable, African Sports Destination Awards, African Sports Holiday Exhibition and pre-event tours. Deji Ajomale-McWord, president of African Sports Tourism Week, said: “Our goal is to increase the gross domestic products of African nations, through better delivered sporting events and sports holidays.  “Sports can only be best commodified through experiences that only hospitality and tourism can tailor. We will be moving to different African nations, year in year out, conduct the marriage of sports and tourism, and watch over their romance to ensure it produces offspring of socioeconom...

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29Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Houston named host city of TEAMS ’20 Conference & Expo

The TEAMS ’20 Conference & Expo will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from 19-22 October 2020. It is the second time that the Texan city has hosted the major sports business event. Houston first hosted TEAMS in 2004. Timothy Schneider, founder of the TEAMS Conference, said Houston was the “perfect” choice. “Houston’s outstanding facilities and world-class reputation for hosting sporting events make it a natural choice for event organisers,” he said. Janis Burke, chief executive officer of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), added: “Houston has become a major player on the national sports scene having hosted two Super Bowls, two Final Fours and three NCAA Men’s Basketball Regionals since the TEAMS Conference was last held here in 2004. ...

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29Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Tottenham stadium to host International Sports Convention 2020

[2020 ISC is postponed and will now be held in 2021] Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s £1bn stadium opened in early April to much fanfare with the north London club playing their first domestic and European matches at their new home. Following a season-and-a-half of being tenants at Wembley Stadium – and after many delays – Premier League side Spurs finally got the go-ahead to return home to N17. Opening its doors on 3 April with an EPL clash against Crystal Palace, the 62,062-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is now the largest club ground in London. It will also host NFL fixtures and become a major hub for events and entertainment. With the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now fully open it’s a welcome addition to London’s sports business venue list. Along with other major grounds such ...

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28Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Rwanda tourism industry gets boost from Arsenal FC shirt sponsorship 

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has revealed that the Visit Rwanda shirt sponsorship of Arsenal Football Club has been worth £36m in brand value in its first year.  A three-year partnership reportedly worth £30m was agreed in May 2018 for Visit Rwanda to become the Premier League club’s shirt sleeve sponsor and official tourism partner.  SportsProMedia.com reports that the deal has given Rwanda a 5% tourism boost in visitors from the UK and has already recouped the initial £30m investment, according to analytics from Nielsen, Blinkfire Analytics and Hall and Partners.  RDB chief tourism officer Belise Kariza said: “Before the signing of the partnership, 71% of the millions of Arsenal fans globally did not think of Rwanda as a tourist destination, at the end of the first year of the p...

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1Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Event focus: China Sports Culture Expo & China Sports Tourism Expo

The Chinese city of Guangzhou will host two major sports business exhibitions concurrently in November this year. China Sports Culture Expo and the China Sports Tourism Expo (CSCTE 2019) will take place at the Poly World Trade Center from 28-30 November and cover a total exhibition space of 46,000 sqm. More than 160,000 delegates are expected to attend the two expos over the three days as well as 400 brands and 600 media outlets. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, so the theme for the expos will be a “new start for sports development” in the country. CSCTE 2019 will also promote the integrated development of sports culture and sports tourism in China. The China Sports Culture Expo will be hosted by the General Administra...

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1Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Active London 2019: innovation on the agenda for London Sport event

The 2019 Active London event organised by London Sport will explore innovation in physical activity and sport in the UK capital. Taking place at 30 Euston Square on 10 September, Active London’s morning schedule will see keynote speeches focused on international innovation and national innovation followed by a panel discussion on local innovation. In the afternoon there will be breakout sessions focused on: city-based innovation, community-based innovation, innovation driven by technology, and insight-led innovation. In a media release London Sport said: “Bringing together expertise from across the country and around the world, Active London will offer a comprehensive starting point for delegates to explore both inspirational and practical approaches.  “As well as plentiful networking ...

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26Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2019 Leaders Week London: agenda revealed for sport business summit

This year’s Leaders Week London will be held from 7-10 October and will feature specialist sports forums, an awards night and after dark events. The highlight of Leaders Week in the UK capital will be the two-day Sport Business Summit on 8-9 October at Twickenham Stadium, the home of English rugby union. The agenda and speaker list for the summit has been revealed and the industry experts for 2019 include: John Skipper, executive chairman, DAZN Denise Barrett-Baxendale, CEO, Everton Rick Welts, president, Golden State Warriors Meredith Starkey, chief marketing officer, Carolina Panthers Yousef Al-Obaidly, CEO, beIN Media Group The summit will have three stages - headline, tech and innovation, and marketing - and there will also be masterclasses, an esports forum and a tech s...

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17Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

The Open 2019: 237,750 attend golf major at Royal Portrush

The 148th Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland will see a crowd of 237,750 attend the golf major in July - a record for a championship held outside of St Andrews in Scotland.  Organisers of the British golf major have announced that this year’s attendance will beat the 237,000 who went to St Andrews in 2015 and the 235,000 at Royal Birkdale in 2017.  The attendance at St Andrews in 2000 - 239,000 - remains the highest with Royal Portrush now in second place. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “This is a huge week not just for The Open but for golf as well. We are making history with a record attendance for a Championship staged outside of St Andrews and the levels of excitement among fans this week have been phenomenal. “I said last year that big time sport ne...

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17Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race partners with ATPI Sports Events

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has announced a sports travel partnership with ATPI Sports Events.  ATPI will arrange travel for the Clipper Race staff between each stopover and also provide a dedicated travel desk for Clipper Race crew and supporters throughout the event, which starts in London in September.  The biennial Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will see more than 700 international crew from 45 nations take part in one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges.  The 2019-20 circumnavigation is made up of eight legs and has stopovers in 16 destinations around the world. Starting from London on 1 September 2019, the route will take the fleet of 11 stripped-out racing yachts to host ports including Punta del Este, Cape Town, Fremantle, the Whitsundays, ...

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16Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

The Sports Tourism Blog: Lewis Hamilton was right – the 2019 F1 British GP scheduling was bad

Sunday 14 July 2019 will go down as one of the greatest days in British sporting history. England won the Cricket World Cup in memorable fashion against New Zealand at Lord’s, Novak Djokovic came through a five-set epic against Roger Federer at Wimbledon and the European Tour’s Scottish Open title was secured by Austrian golfer Bernd Wiesberger.   Also on the agenda was the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone - a major UK sporting event that arguably took a back seat to the dramatic cricket and Wimbledon finals.  More than 140,000 fans attended the 2019 British GP but for world champion Lewis Hamilton he felt that this year’s scheduling of the race denied sports fans the chance to embrace F1’s biggest race because of the TV competition with the cricket and tennis.  Speaking ahe...

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