Sports Business

15Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Snomad Ski Resort Awards 2024: Lech Zürs named best overall ski resort

Lech Zürs, located in Austria's Arlberg region, has been named the best overall ski resort in the inaugural Snomad Ski Resort Awards. Launched during the 2023-2024 winter season, ski resort comparison website Snomad currently has 1,204 ski resorts listed on its website, with more than 78,800 community-led ratings built up over one winter season. Using data from its website, Snomad created 20 award categories with the top three ski resorts in each, then awarded gold to the resort with the highest rating. This meant the awards were “truly impartial”, according to the company.  One of the primary aims of Snomad is to create an engaged community of skiers and snowboarders supporting each other to find resorts and hidden gems, based on the factors that are important to them, with data acr...

Read More

14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign

Tennis legend Roger Federer has teamed up with Switzerland Tourism (ST) to promote the beauty of the Swiss autumn season. In a video shot outdoors amid the majestic scenery of the Swiss mountains, Federer stars alongside acclaimed Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.  Inspired by Mikkelsen and the vibrant autumn landscapes, Federer showcases a playful side of himself like never before. The teaming up of Federer and Mikkelsen is part of the largest autumn campaign in the history of the tourism board. Precisely targeting the European markets – France, Germany, Italy, BeNeLux, the UK and the Nordics – the new campaign video shows Federer and Mikkelsen humorously attempting to produce an advertising spot designed to showcase the many facets of the Swiss autumn. "I love autumn and all its co...

Read More

14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Enjoy Illinois becomes destination partner of Crystal Palace FC

The Illinois Office of Tourism has signed a partnership with Crystal Palace, which sees Enjoy Illinois become the official destination partner of the English Premier League club.  Enjoy Illinois will be displayed on the LED boards at the club’s Selhurst Park stadium in London, as well as interview backdrops and in-stadia televisions. Enjoy Illinois will also sponsor the halftime challenge at Selhurst Park and will run competitions throughout the season where fans can win prizes. The Eagles visited Chicago, Illinois, in 2023 during their pre-season tour and returned to the United States earlier this summer for the second successive year, playing in the Stateside Cup. Crystal Palace will also be returning to Illinois for the next Premier League Mornings Live, taking place in Chica...

Read More

1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Japan Airlines Lounge opens at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Liverpool Football Club held the grand opening of the Japan Airlines Lounge at Anfield Stadium on 25 August. The new hospitality venue marks a key milestone in the multi-year partnership announced in June, which saw JAL become the Premier League club’s official airline partner.  Located in the Main Stand at Anfield, and accessible through purchased hospitality packages, the Japan Airlines Lounge offers a vibrant space with a three-course menu and exceptional matchday service. Occupying the former 1892 hospitality space, the lounge will be open during Liverpool’s home matches.  Unveiled ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brentford, which the Reds won 2-0, the new lounge design offers a fresh and unique experience that blends Japanese hospit...

Read More

10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

London Marathon Events has announced that Marathon Tours & Travel will be the official participant hotel provider of the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which next takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. The one-year partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel offer a variety of hotel accommodation options for UK or international runners who have already secured their entry into next year’s TCS London Marathon – the 45th edition.  Marathon Tours & Travel’s expert support teams, based in England, will help participants, along with their friends, family and supporters, find the right place to stay ahead of marathon day, with accommodation that allows for easy access to the start and finish of the TCS London Marathon.  Stays of one, two or more nights can be booked in carefully...

Read More

3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Qatar Airways partners with British & Irish Lions for Australia 2025 tour

Qatar Airways has been announced as the official title partner and official airline partner of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2025. The tour will see the Lions – a combined team of the best rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – take on the Wallabies in three Test matches as well as a number of games against Australian teams. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first of three Tests on Saturday 19 July 2025. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July 2025 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the final Test will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August 2025. In preparation for the first Test, the Lions will face a combined Australian and New Zealand team at the Adelaide Oval, whi...

Read More

21Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

On Location appointed FIFA World Cup 26 official hospitality provider

Football's world governing body FIFA has appointed On Location as the official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™. Taking place across Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the global spectacle will be held in 16 host cities and feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Chosen following a thorough selection process, premium experiences, hospitality and travel provider On Location will help FIFA deliver its biggest-ever and most dynamic hospitality programme for the FIFA World Cup 26, offering ticket-inclusive fan experience packages for the world’s biggest single-sport event. From die-hard football fans to friends and families, and to companies hosting guests or employees, FIFA and On Location will provide options to suit all types of fans. The stadiums hosting...

Read More

21Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Almaty Marathon generated $1.8m economic impact in 2023

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, will host the 13th edition of the Almaty Marathon on 29 September 2024 – the largest running event in Central Asia, which has become a catalyst for change in the region. The marathon has instilled a love of running in the people of Kazakhstan and has also had a tangible impact on the economy and the wider social sphere in Almaty and the entire region. In 2012, Kazakhstani entrepreneur Galimzhan Yessenov founded the "Courage to be First" corporate foundation. The foundation has now held more than 100 events attended by more than 200,000 people from all over the world. The flagship project of the foundation – the Almaty Marathon – has become an important driver of Almaty's economic development, attracting tourists to the city and stimulating the growth o...

Read More

30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

UK’s ‘experience economy’ contributes £134bn, report reveals

Modelling by Barclays and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has revealed that the UK’s ‘Experience Economy’ – encompassing all businesses that provide consumers with unique and memorable experiences, such as sporting events, holidays and live entertainment – contributes an estimated £134bn to the broader UK economy, a figure greater than the GDP of Morocco. Between now and 2027, CEBR projects that the UK’s experience economy, which employs an estimated three million people, will grow by an average of 2.6%, surpassing the equivalent figure for the UK economy as a whole (1.6%), to reach an estimated contribution of £146bn. Much of this growth is fuelled by rising consumer appetite for experiences. Nine in 10 (90%) of the hospitality, leisure and retail businesses wh...

Read More

30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2023 generated €871m economic impact for France

South Africa were not the only winners of Rugby World Cup hosted in France in 2023. The 10th edition of the men’s flagship event generated €1.8 billion of spend and a net input of €871 million for the host country, according to an impact study commissioned by the French Ministry of Sport and produced by EY. Assessing the three main type of impacts (economic, social, environmental) with comparable methodology to other major international sporting events, the comprehensive report gives an in-depth analysis of Rugby World Cup’s clear hosting benefits to boost the host nation’s economy, drive positive social change and reduce the global carbon footprint inherent to international competitions. Report highlights: Rugby World Cup 2023 delivered a net input of €871 million for France’s e...

Read More

8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Explora Journeys named global partner of the 37th America’s Cup

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has been announced as a new global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The pinnacle of global yacht racing, the America’s Cup is the oldest competition in international sports, and will this year take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 August to 27 October.  The 37th America’s Cup will see teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and France race in the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series before the ultimate showdown as the triumphant challenger earns the right to face off against defending champion, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the illustrious Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match. Since its inception in 1851, the America's Cup has symbolised sailing's pioneering spirit, f...

Read More

23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

KE Adventure Travel acquires Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays

KE Adventure Travel, the specialist walking and cycling tour operator based in England’s Lake District, has acquired leisure cycling brands Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays from Manchester-based international running and cycling tour operator, Sports Tours International. The addition of these two established brands will greatly enhance KE's current cycle offering, with their focus on easier European cycling routes. Ashley Toft, CEO of KE Adventure Travel, said: “We are delighted to welcome Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays to KE and to the wider Voyageurs du Monde group. They are two brands with a loyal customer base and a strong online presence, and we look forward to developing both brands, and accelerating our growth in this buoyant leisure cycling market.” KE...

Read More

23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Worcestershire’s cricket ground renamed ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road’

The Visit Worcestershire tourism board has signed a naming rights deal for Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s New Road home ground. Now officially called “Visit Worcestershire New Road”, the partnership will showcase the very best of Worcestershire around the world and encourage more visitors to the English county. The renaming of the ground marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to promote Worcestershire as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and sporting excellence. By aligning with Visit Worcestershire, the club is combining its rich heritage with the vibrant attractions and natural beauty that Worcestershire has to offer.  Ashley Giles, CEO of Worcestershire CCC, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Visit Worcestershire in renaming our historic g...

Read More

12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Chalet specialist OVO Network partners with bike rental company Bcyclet 

With demand for cycling in France up 31% according to the latest figures from France Vélo Tourisme, chalet rental specialist OVO Network has teamed up with bike rental company Bcyclet to offer guests a 5% discount on bike hire and accessories from big brands such as Scott and Apidura.  Bcyclet offers delivery of the rental bikes directly to more than 200 OVO Network chalets across the French and Swiss Alps as well as providing a range of services including private cycle guides, van support and airport transfers.  Chris Thompson, director of OVO Network, said: “Every year our owners welcome more guests who want to spend at least part of their holiday cycling. Some bring their own bikes, but for most bike rental is the easiest, most convenient option and Bcyclet delivers this...

Read More

11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Marathon Tours & Travel named co-title sponsor of AbbottWMM Age Group programme

Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) has announced Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) as the new co-title sponsor of its Age Group World Rankings and Championship programme.  The new sponsorship will see the programme renamed the Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel Age Group World Rankings for the 2024 season that began on 1 January. MTT will also assume sponsorship of the forthcoming 2024 Age Group World Championship event. The fourth annual championship race will take place within the 2024 Sydney Marathon and feature more than 1,800 of the world’s best age group competitors, who qualified from more than 350 races worldwide during the previous 2023 season. MTT will offer special VIP Packages specifically for Age Group World Championship athletes to inclu...

Read More

14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

Amex Travel report: sports tourism is one of 2024’s top global travel trends

Sports tourism has been picked out as one of the top global travel trends for 2024, in a new report published by American Express Travel. Under the headline “for the love of the game”, the report reveals how sports fans, both internationally and domestically in the US, are “logging serious miles to witness their favourite sporting events first-hand”. The 2024 Global Travel Trends Report uncovers the “driving forces behind why people are travelling right now”, and “one thing remains clear”, they “intend to make the most of their trips this year”. In regards to the sports travel trend, it’s not just about “rooting for the home team”, the report said. A poll conducted by American Express Travel found that nearly three-quarters of global respondents are into sports, with 71% considering ...

Read More

14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Croatian tourist boards become destination partners of EHF Champions League

The Croatian National Tourist Board and Istria Tourist Board have signed an agreement to become the official destination partners of the Machineseeker EHF Champions League – Europe’s premium club handball competition. The deal, brokered by the European Handball Federation’s marketing arm, EHF Marketing GmbH, starts with immediate effect and also includes the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons.  The tourist boards will benefit from a range of visible rights in the Machineseeker EHF Champions League, ensuring significant exposure at all matches as well as digital presence on eurohandball.com and EHFTV, the European Handball Federation’s OTT platform. David Szlezak, EHF marketing managing director, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Croatian National and Istrian Tourist Board to our fla...

Read More

11Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

SEICon 2024: Las Vegas to host new sports, entertainment and innovation conference

The inaugural edition of SEICon – a first-of-its-kind sports, entertainment and innovation conference – will be held at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas from 15-17 July 2024. Organised by UNLV Sports Innovation and Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, in collaboration with the Las Vegas-based guest experience agency Circle, the event will include exhibitor pods, innovation labs, daily keynotes, seminars/sessions, roundtables, and daily wrap parties with music entertainment.  “There has been momentum building in the area of professional sports throughout Southern Nevada in recent years, and the economic growth that comes along with it is undeniable,” Keith E. Whitfield, president of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “Through business and workforce...

Read More

6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2024 Olympics to boost tourism spending in Paris by up to €4bn

An extra three million people are expected in Paris for the Olympic Games in 2024 increasing tourism spending by up to €4bn, according to Euromonitor International.  The successful Rugby World Cup, which has just played out in Paris and across France, served as a dress rehearsal for next summer’s games which will bring many opportunities, but also challenges for the French tourism industry. With a forecasted four billion global television audience, the country will be front and centre in the worldwide spotlight.  A well-executed Paris 2024 could skyrocket the profile of France, already at the top of Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index for 2022, as a destination from 2025.  Alexander Göransson, senior consultant at Euromonitor International, said in his repo...

Read More

6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2023: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

The World Golf Awards has announced the big winners for 2023 at its tenth annual gala ceremony, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Portugal enjoyed a strong showing and was named the world’s best golf destination, and The Algarve’s Quinta do Lago – South Course (pictured) claimed the best golf course in Europe award. Dunas Golf Course, Terras da Comporta collected two best newcomer categories: Europe’s best new golf course and world’s best new golf course.  Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of world’s best golf course and Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.  Apes Hills Barbados, with its lush tropical setting and stunning coastal views, was voted the world’s best eco-...

Read More