Sports Business

17Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Val Thorens named world’s best ski resort in 2025 World Ski Awards

The 13th annual World Ski Awards have been revealed and it’s Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, which was named the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ in recognition of setting the global standard for lift infrastructure, resort facilities and slopeside accommodation.  Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley in Utah was voted ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’, and Chalet Zermatt Peak claimed the stellar title of ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’. Hôtel Le Pashmina took the title for ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’ thanks to its exquisite facilities and ski-to-door access to Les Trois Vallées. In the newcomer categories, Japan’s Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO, the first lifestyle brand of the historic Okura Nikko Hotel Group, fought off entrants from Val-d’Isère and the Austrian Tyrol to claim the title for ‘Wo...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh 

Indoor adventure and sports-lifestyle destination company URWLD (‘Your World’) has confirmed that its first Middle East venue will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit held in Saudi’s capital city from 11-13 November 2025. Boasting more than a dozen adventure sports and experiences in one indoor facility, URWLD combines elevated hospitality with lifestyle-inspired food and drink experiences, appealing to both adventure-seeking participants and non-participants alike. For the past two years URWLD has been working closely with key government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, including, among others, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Set to open ahead of 2030, Riyadh marks the first step in URWLD...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Maison Sport backs GB Snowsport stars ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

Ski lesson booking platform Maison Sport has announced a new partnership as an official sponsor of GB Snowsport. This collaboration will support Britain's Alpine Men’s World Cup team – Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor – as they prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Founded by former members of the British ski team, Maison Sport has a deep-rooted passion for British Snowsports. This partnership marks a significant step for the company to further its commitment to supporting the UK Snowsports community, from grassroots talent to the highest levels of international competition. Nick Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Maison Sport, said: “As a former member of the British Ski Team, I understand all too well the dedication and hard work required to compete at th...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments

The Globe Soccer Awards has extended its strategic partnership with BEYOND Developments, confirming the Dubai-born real estate brand as title partner for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments Globe Soccer Awards for a second successive year. Marking another milestone in the evolution of the Globe Soccer Awards, the renewed collaboration reinforces Dubai’s growing influence in the global sporting landscape and underscores a shared commitment to excellence.  Tommaso Bendoni, Founder and CEO of Globe Soccer, said: “BEYOND Developments has been an exceptional partner and we are delighted to continue this journey. Their dedication to innovation and high-quality experiences perfectly aligns with the spirit of Globe Soccer. This ongoing collaboration will continue to enhance the BEYON...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Apply for ‘The Coolest Job on Earth’ at the Antarctica Marathon

Forget the sports travel bucket list (for a minute), this is one for the life and career bucket lists. Marathon Tours & Travel is calling on runners, adventurers, storytellers, and content creators from across the world to apply for its most exciting campaign yet – “The Coolest Job on Earth”. This unique competition offers one lucky winner the chance to travel with the company to Antarctica in March 2026 and work behind the scenes at the world-famous Antarctica Marathon. The winner will travel to King George Island in March 2026, joining the Marathon Tours & Travel team in delivery of the Antarctica Marathon, which is held on 19 March 2026. They’ll be given the unique opportunity to experience one of the planet’s most extraordinary running events, and to connect with runners fr...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Trends

GCC sports tourism to surge as PwC highlights growth opportunities

Forecast to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, the sports tourism sector is being propelled by mega-events, high-spending fans, active lifestyle movements and the rise of immersive, experience-led travel. But nowhere is this transformation more visible – or more strategically leveraged – than in the countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). According to “Game on for the GCC: Turning sporting ambition into lasting tourism impact”, a new report by PwC Middle East, the region has shifted beyond merely hosting world-class sporting events. It is now developing an integrated sports tourism economy – one that spans infrastructure investment, destination branding, digital innovation and year-round community engagement.  From Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking Esports World Cup, Qatar’...

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18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027

With Europe clinching a dramatic Ryder Cup victory over the USA at Bethpage Black, all eyes now turn to Ireland as the countdown begins for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, where golf’s greatest team event will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Team Europe stars Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy played pivotal roles in New York, with Lowry delivering the decisive half point that ensured Europe retained the coveted trophy in front of packed galleries. Ireland’s Ryder Cup roots run strong, with Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke among recent captains, having also provided unforgettable moments such as McGinley holing the winning putt in 2002 and Clarke’s performance at the K Club in 2006, when Ireland last hosted the event. The Island of Ireland is no stranger to hostin...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Seat Unique completes acquisition of Circuit Hospitality

Premium ticketing platform Seat Unique has completed the acquisition of Bristol-based business Circuit Hospitality in a move that reflects the rapid growth of the UK’s premium experience economy and rising demand for live experiences. By bringing Seat Unique and Circuit Hospitality together, fans will now have greater access to premium experiences across some of the UK’s most iconic events and venues, including Manchester United Football Club, Wembley Stadium, and Everton Football Club. The acquisition significantly expands Seat Unique’s network of rights holder partnerships, creating more choice, more availability and more ways for fans to enjoy unforgettable live moments. It also enables rights holders to reach new audiences, unlock additional revenue, and deliver an enhanced premium ...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates to open in Dubai in 2030

Hotel group Mandarin Oriental has announced that its first dedicated golf resort – Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates – will be located in Dubai, UAE. Opening in 2030 and featuring branded residences, the luxury golf and wellness resort will be the group’s third property in the city and uniquely positioned within Jumeirah Golf Estates’s next phase of development.  When it opens its doors, the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai will comprise 121 spacious rooms and suites. In addition, there will be 97 branded residences ranging from three- to six-bedroom villas, each with its own amenities and private access to a lounge, meeting space, pool and fitness areas. A highlight of the resort will be The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, presenting an extensive range of the group’s...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Sustainable Sports Tourism Awards launched by UN Tourism and FIA

UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have launched the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism powered by FIA. Featuring four categories, the awards are designed to recognise initiatives that drive sustainability, innovation, social impact, and successful examples of public-private partnership within the sports tourism sector, while promoting and encouraging responsible practices that align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Most Sustainable Sport Event Community Impact in Sports Tourism Innovation in Sports Tourism Development Outstanding Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Tourism The launch of these Awards builds on the strategic partnership established between the two Organizations in Septem...

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2Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Five Iron Golf UAE to open new venues in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Five Iron Golf’s UAE franchisee, which already operates the flagship indoor golf and entertainment venue at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, has confirmed two new venue openings as part of its regional expansion. A lease has been signed for a location at Yas Bay Waterfront on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, along with a third site at DAMAC Towers by Paramount Hotels & Resorts in Business Bay, Dubai. Both venues are scheduled to open in Q1 2026, with further plans to expand into key markets across Asia, Europe and Africa. To support this growth, the group has closed a new financing round led by Powerhouse Capital, with participation from NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald Jr., recent PGA Tour winner Kurt Kitayama, LPGA star Alison Lee and Managing Partner of Sharp Alpha Lloyd Danzig. The UAE fran...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Paris ranked world’s top sport city of 2025 ahead of LA and NYC

Paris has once again been named as the world’s top sports city, according to Burson’s 2025 Ranking of Sport Cities. The French capital topped the ranking for the third consecutive year with Los Angeles maintaining second place and New York City securing third. London remains in fourth position, while Madrid completes the top five.  The annual ranking identifies the top 100 cities from around the world with the strongest association with sport. It is based on both perception and in-depth quantitative analysis, including feedback from international sports leaders, sports media representatives and industry experts, as well as social media and media coverage analytics. For the first time, this year's edition also includes PR metrics derived from comprehensive media tracking. The 202...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Mallorca pledges to leverage sport in responsible tourism push  

The Spanish island of Mallorca has established itself as a leading international sports tourism destination thanks to its year-round calendar of events and activities which attract both amateurs and professionals from across the globe, driving the local economy and enriching its tourism offering.  High-profile events such as the Mallorca Championships not only put the island firmly on the global sporting map, but also serve as a key platform to promote the Pledge – the Manifesto for Responsible Tourism adopted by Mallorca as a guide toward a more conscious, fair, and sustainable model of tourism. The Pledge lays out a roadmap to transform the way Mallorca manages its tourism. It calls for a model rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the protection of the island’s...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Destination Sport Group named official local partner of Man City FC

Premier League football club Manchester City have announced an official local partnership with sports travel specialists, Destination Sport Group. For a number of years, Destination Sport Group has provided the club with expert team travel support, youth development tours, fan travel packages and curated travel experiences through its subsidiary brands – Destination Sport Travel, Inspiresport, SportsBreaks and Sportsworld.  The new local partnership agreement will see Destination Sport Group continue providing team travel services to Man City, whilst also creating experiences for fans and groups as part of an integrated local partnership. This includes trips for schools and youth clubs involving world-class coaching at the City Football Academy via inspiresport, ticket and hotel breaks ...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Property+Padel: redefining corporate networking through sport

What happens when you mix the world’s fastest-growing sport with the dynamic energy of global business? The answer is Property+Padel, a fresh, high-energy corporate networking platform that’s bringing together professionals from real estate, finance, private equity, fintech, insurance, legal, media and sport. At its core, the concept is simple yet effective. Corporate teams step onto the padel court to battle it out for the ‘Corporate Padel Cup’. But the real game extends far beyond the glass walls. Off court, competitors and cross-industry leaders gather to connect, collaborate and spark new business opportunities in a uniquely social setting. Behind this fast-rising platform are co-founders Rohit Grewal and Ben Nichols, who fused their backgrounds in real estate and international s...

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7Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Cristiano Ronaldo stars in Saudi tourism’s new events campaign

“Saudi, Welcome to Arabia”, the consumer-facing brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), has unveiled its latest campaign starring football icon Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). Launching across key markets in Europe, India and China, the “I Came for Football, I Stayed For More” campaign heralds the start of Saudi’s extended season of sport, entertainment, as well as film, fashion and cultural events.  Launched across TV, social, digital, and OTA, the film starring CR7 highlights Saudi’s diverse, year-round sports and entertainment events held across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla. Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Esports Olympics Games 2027 and Asian Winter Games 2029, while its regular calendar includes large-scale international events such as ...

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25Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Explora Journeys names Jannik Sinner as brand ambassador 

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a partnership with four-time tennis grand slam champion Jannik Sinner, who becomes the brand's new ambassador. At the heart of this collaboration is The Ocean State of Mind, Explora Journeys' guiding ethos – a philosophy inspired by the sea and its ability to create calm, clarity, and connection. For Italian star Sinner, 24, these values are essential to his performance: balance to navigate high-pressure moments, resilience to recover, and the ability to remain grounded in the constant pursuit of improvement. This alignment reflects a shared understanding that excellence is not only about results, but also about process, authenticity, and wellbeing.  "I'm honoured to join Explora Journeys as the...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Swim England and SwimTrek partner to promote open water swimming experiences 

Swim England, the national governing body for swimming in England, has partnered with SwimTrek to help more people discover swimming through the growing appeal of open water experiences.  This new collaboration with the adventure swimming holiday company is part of Swim England's broader mission to get more people swimming more often – by making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and connected to real-life experiences. With outdoor swimming continuing to grow in popularity, teaming up with SwimTrek enables Swim England to reach new audiences and inspire people who may not have engaged with traditional swimming environments.  Andy Salmon, CEO of Swim England, said: “We want to show that swimming isn't limited to pools. By working with SwimTrek, we can open up exciting new path...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

The Chedi Niseko: new hotel in Japan’s alpine ski region set for 2029 opening

Chedi Hospitality has announced its long-anticipated entry into the Japanese market with The Chedi Niseko – an exclusive alpine development of a boutique hotel in the heart of Hirafu, Niseko. Set for completion in June 2029, this milestone marks the brand's re-entry into Asia and cements its growing authority in the world's most exceptional alpine destinations.  Positioned within one of Japan's most celebrated ski and nature regions, The Chedi Niseko will offer seamless access to world-class slopes, vibrant culinary offerings, and year-round outdoor pursuits. The development responds to increasing international demand for elevated, experience-led stays in Japan and reflects Chedi Hospitality's signature approach to crafting design-led, culturally attuned destinations.  Step...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Quint launch exclusive travel programme

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has launched a new travel package programme for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, in partnership with Quint Australia, a provider of official travel, hospitality and experience programmes. Known as Australian Grand Prix Corporation Travel, the exclusive travel programme will provide fans of Formula 1® and MotoGP™ with access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to enhance event attendance and create long lasting memories.  Launching for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix from 5-8 March 2026, the travel programme will aim to increase interstate and international travel to AGPC events, expanding on the tourism and economic benefits to Victoria.  Operating und...

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