Sports Business

20Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

WSL Sydney Surf Pro in Manly to generate AUD$3.7m and 25,000 visitor nights

Manly beach in Sydney, Australia, will host the World Surf League’s newest event – the Sydney Surf Pro – for the next three years. The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, has secured the event exclusively for Sydney as part of the new global WSL Challenger Series. The WSL Sydney Surf Pro will include men’s and women’s events and is locked in for Manly from 2020 to 2022, with the first event to take place between 8-14 March next year.  James Griffin, member for Manly, said: “Manly staged the first-ever world championships in May 1964, and in March this year our iconic four-kilometre beach attracted 11-time world champion Kelly Slater to compete. “Where better to kick off the WSL Challenger Series than in the hub of surf culture that is Manly?”  ...

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19Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

IOC and Airbnb agree Olympic partnership: all the details about the deal

International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Airbnb have announced a major partnership agreement to support the Olympic Movement through to 2028.  The nine-year, five-Games deal includes accommodation provisions that will reduce costs for Olympic Games organisers and stakeholders, minimise the need for construction of new accommodation infrastructure for the Olympic Games period, and generate direct revenue for local hosts and communities. Working together with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Airbnb will also promote accommodation that supports accessibility for people with disabilities or other accessibility needs. Reactions to the partnership IOC president Thomas Bach “This innovative partnership underpins our strategy to ensure that the efficient staging of the Olympic Gam...

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15Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Event focus: Extreme Sports Expo | January 2020 | Dubai

The Extreme Sports Expo returns from 9-11 January 2020 for its fifth edition at the Dubai World Trade Center in Dubai, UAE. Showcasing products from big brands in the world of action sports the Extreme Sports Expo, organised by Never Before Events in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council, consists of three specialised events:  Dubai International Bicycle Exhibition Dubai Motorbike Festival Middle East Dive & Fish Expo More than 10,000 visitors are expected to visit the event over the three-day period, where they will be able to find out about special offers, product trials, raffle prizes, competitions and seminars. Zarir Saifuddin, of organisers Never Before Events, said: “The growth of the exhibition is in line with the popularity of action sports in the UAE as w...

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3Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Golfbreaks by PGA Tour’ brand created after golf organisations join forces

PGA Tour has invested in Golfbreaks and the two organisations have created a new golf travel brand - Golfbreaks by PGA Tour. The partnership will give golfers the opportunity to book golf holidays to more than 2,500 destinations throughout Europe and North America.  Founded in 1998 in the United Kingdom, Golfbreaks has become one of the market leaders in golf travel. Following 21 consecutive years of revenue growth, Golfbreaks now looks to accelerate the expansion of its North American business.  Andrew Stanley, Golfbreaks CEO, said: “We opened our US office in 2016 to help the 30 million-plus golfers with a one-stop travel service offering of high-quality, good-value golf vacations.  “Having achieved three years of double-digit growth, the time was right for us to find ...

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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

Europe, Sports Business

Charlotte Hornets star Willy Hernangomez urges NBA to host a game in Spain

Charlotte Hornets centre Willy Hernangomez has urged the NBA to expand its international series by hosting a future match in his homeland Spain.  Madrid-born Hernangomez and his French team-mate Nicolas Batum will line up for the Hornets against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Paris Game 2020 on 24 January.  The 25-year-old is looking forward to the game in France, but is pleading with the NBA to start planning for further events. He said: “Personally, I think it’s great for me and Nico Batum, the European players to have the opportunity to play an NBA game in Europe. “Hope it will be in Spain soon, but it will be great to see my family and friends, they want to fly there for sure. But for the NBA, I think it’s great to show the world how the NBA works and the game.  “I ...

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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

Football, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

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

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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