Holidays & Trips

5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Video: Rafa Nadal visits his tennis centre at Sani Resort in Greece 

Spanish tennis icon Rafa Nadal, who holds the joint-record of 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, has been in Greece to visit the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Sani Resort in Halkidiki.  A collaboration between the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca and the Sani/Ikos Group, the tennis centre features eight clay courts and since 2018 has held tennis training programs for players of all ages and all levels. During his visit to the five-star Sani Resort, Nadal revealed that he has been impressed by the “spectacular” facilities.  “The truth is that I was really looking forward to finally come to Greece, but my schedule and Covid had had made it impossible,” he said. “Toni [Nadal], Carlos Moya, Carlos Costa and the whole team had told me wonderful things about the c...

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23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Untamed Borders: ski tourism returns to Afghanistan

Ski tourists have returned to Afghanistan for the first time under the new Taliban government. According to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, which was the first company to lead ski excursions to Afghanistan back in 2011, skiing in the country is at the sharp end of a growing trend that sees people taking to the slopes in destinations not famous for ski tourism. Iraq, Lebanon, Iran, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan are other destinations which Untamed Borders also operates in.  Over the spring the annual Afghan Peaks Ski Race took place, a backcountry ski race in the country’s Bamian Province. It was the first opportunity for visitors to take to the Afghan slopes since the nation returned to Taliban rule. An international group flew out to the area for the competition wi...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports hotel in focus: Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa – the first Grand Hyatt hotel to open in Spain and the fourth operating under the luxury brand in Europe.  To capitalise on the hotel’s prime position within the prestigious La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, the property has undergone extensive refurbishment. As well as golf and a spa, the hotel’s extensive world-class sports facilities offer a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. “Every Grand Hyatt hotel is carefully designed as a destination within a destination and the newly opened Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa sets the bar high when it comes to delivering a luxury travel experience with an abundance of options for our discerning guests,” said...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Best Served Scandinavia’s summer holidays: adventures, lakes, forests and glaciers

With stunning landscapes offering the perfect setting for a host of outdoor activities and adventures, a summer holiday in Scandinavia is a refreshing alternative to the traditional Mediterranean beach break.  Specialist tour operator Best Served Scandinavia has a selection of holidays for those looking to make the most of this fabulous region in the summer months. Adventures include lake swimming in the beauty of Finnish Lakeland, immersive nature hikes in Sweden’s cultural heartland Dalarna, Iceland’s natural glaciers and volcanoes, and off-the-beaten-track adventures beneath the glow of the Midnight Sun in Svalbard. Explore Dalarna: the essence of Sweden  Dalarna is pure Sweden – rich in nature and culture. Best Served Scandinavia is opening up the destination to UK custom...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Portes du Soleil: a summer sports travel guide

Portes du Soleil is a ski and biking region of the Alps that covers the neighbouring French Chablais and Swiss Valais. The region features 12 resorts – including Avoriaz, Champéry, Les Gets and Morzine – and offers a range of summer activities such as mountain biking, cycling, hiking, trail running and yoga. Portes du Soleil is a popular destination for a sporty summer holiday, we take a look at the highlights.  Portes du Soleil’s 12 resorts The 12 French and Swiss resorts in the Portes du Soleil region are located between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva:  France: Morzine, Avoriaz, Châtel, Les Gets, Montriond, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, Abondance, Saint-Jean-d'Aulps Switzerland: Champéry, Val-d’Illiez-Les Crosets-Champoussin, Torgon, Morgins Mountain biking An intern...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

ZenBoat: Greece wellness sailing holidays on a vintage gulet yacht 

Launching in September 2023, ZenBoat will offer wellness sailing holidays aboard a vintage Greek gulet yacht. Featuring activities, tours and healthy meals, itineraries will take in spectacular Greek islands, from the mystical Ionian islands to the magical Peloponnese coastline, and the delightful and little-known Saronic Islands en route to Athens. Founded by Swiss chef Louis Papadopoulos and his wife Lisa, who together run The Maya Boutique Hotel in Nax, Switzerland, the idea of ZenBoat was born during the pandemic. While they were holidaying in Greece, they realised they could transfer their experience and skill set from the hotel and create a similar holistic concept, but on a vintage gulet. “Life isn't about the destination – it’s about the journey; ZenBoat is about both,” they ...

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9May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

South Africa: best adventure activities in the Rainbow Nation 

South Africa may be known for its stunning safaris, world-class golf and outstanding wine regions, but for many it’s one of the world’s ultimate adventure travel destinations. Home to national parks, sweeping savannahs and picture perfect beaches, the Rainbow Nation also boasts a great climate and offers value for money for visitors. In this guide we look at the top adventure activities to enjoy in South Africa.   Graskop Gorge Lift Company https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2r1t6Yj9Xw Visitors looking for a leisurely experience should head to Graskop Gorge Lift Company, whose viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest of western South Africa. More adventurous guests can also experience the suspension bridge, zipline and the big...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,900...

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21Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Action Outdoors launches adventure-activity holidays for summer 2023

Action Outdoors – the official UK partner of UCPA, a French not-for-profit adventure travel and sport organisation – has launched its 2023 summer programme which includes a variety of adventure and activity holidays. The breaks are all-inclusive, with accommodation, three meals a day, instruction, equipment and necessary passes included. Most of the Action Outdoors holidays are based in the UCPA-run centres across the French Alps and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal areas of France, but UCPA Planete offers holidays further afield in partner hotels and resorts. There are hundreds of holidays on the programme – here’s what’s on offer for summer 2023... E-mountain biking Spend a week riding through the Chamonix Valley on an electric mountain bike. Suitable for cyclists with som...

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18Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Grenada wellness holidays: hiking, diving, water sports and hotels

The picturesque Caribbean island nation of Grenada is making waves as a popular destination for wellbeing holidays. With its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture, Grenada provides a serene backdrop that is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with oneself. The island offers a range of wellness activities, from yoga and meditation retreats to hiking adventures and spa treatments.  Hiking in Grand Etang National Park Grand Etang National Park is the ultimate destination for those seeking to disconnect from the stress and distractions of modern life and reconnect with nature. The reserve’s rainforest offers a range of hiking options, from easy walks to more challenging treks, which allow visitors to experience the beauty of Grenada’s natural en...

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18Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling in Catalonia: from the Mediterranean coast to the Pyrenees

From the high Pyrenees mountains to the wetlands of Terres de l’Ebre along the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia offers cycling fans everything they need for a memorable journey on two wheels. In addition to the pleasant temperatures all year round, quiet roads and specialised accommodation offer all guarantees and services for this sport. Catalonia’s rich terrain has also led to the creation of 18 mountain biking centres and trails, comprising more than 6,400km of marked itineraries taking you to every corner of the destination. Mile upon mile of well-maintained road routes, as well as bespoke services and accommodation, Catalonia is a land where everything is within reach. Catalonia accounts with more than 60 accommodation facilities with the Cycling in Catalonia label, recognised as bik...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Star Clippers: go on a yoga-themed or French Open cruise in summer 2023

Tall-ship cruise line Star Clippers will continue its popular yoga sailings programme with the addition of qualified instructors on board selected sailings in summer 2023. Guests can take part in complimentary, daily classes throughout eight sailings on board Star Clipper from April to October, visiting ports of call in the Western Mediterranean. Confirmed yoga-themed departures are 28 April, 6 May, 13 May, 27 May, 8 July, 15 July, 29 July and 7 October 2023. Fay McCormack, general manager of the UK GSA, said: “We are delighted to welcome back yoga instructors for our summer 2023 departures. Whilst we have been offering this on board our ships for many years, today’s ever-increasing awareness of the positive effects of yoga on mental wellbeing reaffirms why we choose to offer this se...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Greek Running Tours by Dean Karnazes: the ‘ultimate runcation’ in Greece 

Greek-American ultramarathoner Constantine “Dean” Karnazes has partnered with sports tourism and wellness agency ActiveMedia Group to launch Greek Running Tours. Greece, the birthplace of the marathon, is a land where history has been created, legends made and where magic and mythology come together. As tribute to his Greek heritage and his desire to promote Greek tourism to a global audience, Karnazes gives runners the opportunity to explore Greece on foot, immersing in the history and beauty, eating the food and experiencing this legendary land in a way that few tourists ever will.  Dean Karnazes (Image: Angelos Zymaras) Along with the running (and a walking option for non-runners) each day will include cultural experiences – from bread making in the mountains of Crete, to olive...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports holidays: adventure cycling in South Korea with Saddle Skedaddle

Cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new guided adventure in South Korea that takes riders from Seoul to Busan. The 14-day cycling trip explores the history, culture and cuisine of this often overlooked part of Asia.  Beginning in the capital Seoul, the route follows the newly-developed Cheonggyecheon Stream Bike Path, cutting through the heart of the city all the way to the Han River Bikeway.  Joining the South Han River Bike Path in Yangpyeong, it’s a fairly flat ride to the county of Angsung where the area’s famous hot springs are ready to treat weary legs after a long day in the saddle. More hot springs await in the town of Suanbo, North Chungcheong, where the healing waters have been part of Korean culture for centuries.  The changing scenery leaving S...

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3Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Emilia Romagna, Italy, sports guide: events and activities in 2023

Emilia Romagna’s “Motor Valley” comes alive when it hosts three major motorsport events: Motor Valley Fest and Formula 1 in May and MotoGP in September. The northern Italian region has been long regarded as the Motor Valley due to its significant contribution to Italy's motor industry. In addition to being home of celebrated brands – including Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, Pagani, Dallara, Energica and Lamborghini – Emilia Romagna has a wealth of events and attractions making it a must-visit destination for motoring fans, from international motor tracks and circuits, to a number of private collections of vintage cars and motorcycles. Emilia Romagna has an action-packed sports events calendar in 2023. As well as motorsport, the Italian region will also host Giro d’Italia cycling and IRONMAN...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Ski Club of Great Britain announces 2022-2023 Freshtracks holiday schedule

The Ski Club of Great Britain’s Freshtracks holiday programme has fully re-launched for the 2022-2023 season with more than 150 different weeks throughout the winter, starting on 25 November 2022 and running until 1 May 2023. All Freshtracks holidays are designed to bring like-minded skiers together of similar ability levels and many trips are led by qualified mountain guides and ski instructors. Holidays are popular with solo travellers with many trips sold on a single occupancy basis. There’s a programme dedicated to those skiers over the age of 60 – Peak Experience – that attracts enthusiasts well into their 70s and sometimes beyond, plus one of the largest choices of off-piste and ski touring holidays on the UK market. But there’s also opportunities for skiers to improve their techn...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Skiing in Austria: 11 reasons to hit the slopes this winter 

From snow-sure slopes to the world-famous Kaiserschmarren, Austria is one of the best places to ski. Here the team from the Austrian National Tourist Office pick out 11 reasons why you should visit Austria for skiing this winter. 1. Plenty of snow-sure pistes  Snow-guarantee is a crucial factor when choosing a winter destination. And, luckily, the Austrian Alps are blessed with it. Widely recognized as one of the world's most reliable skiing destinations, Austria's top resorts ensure perfectly groomed pistes throughout the classic winter season – and way beyond. Tirol alone has five glaciers, including Zillertal's Hintertux, where you can ski 365 days a year. In Zell am See-Kaprun skiing is on from October to June thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. And if everything goes wrong, Aus...

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28Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes: a sports adventurer’s guide to Scotland’s wild waters

In her new book – Blue Scotland: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Scotland’s Wild Waters – sports adventurer Mollie Hughes picks out her favourite places across Scotland to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf.  Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms National Park, the book shows how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces.  Hughes includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild water sports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer. Here’s her pick of the off-the-beaten track places to visit in Scotland.   North Uist, Outer Hebrides  “The Island of North Uist in the Outer Heb...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Everest Base Camp 70th anniversary trek with Mountain Kingdoms

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay famously stepped foot on the summit of Everest on 29 May 1953 receiving worldwide acclaim and a lifetime of mountaineering superstardom. To mark their historic achievement, British tour operator Mountain Kingdoms has arranged a special Everest Base Camp Trek to arrive at Base Camp exactly 70 years later. This platinum anniversary trek will be led by Pertemba Sherpa – a celebrated three-time Everest summiteer who made his first ascent alongside mountaineering legend Chris Bonington. Pertemba's exceptional experience, Himalayan knowledge and years spent accumulating a treasure trove of mountaineering tales will add an extra dimension to the trek and give a unique insight into life on Everest. During the day at base camp there will be the chance to ...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Italy: eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna

With more than 20 courses, the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is an ideal destination for both beginner and professional golfers alike. It also provides a rich cultural background to enjoy in-between rounds, meaning golfers can combine spa holidays, food and wine, and art on their trip. Here we take a look at eight of the best golf courses in Emilia Romagna, Italy.  Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Ravenna This charming 27-hole golf club (top picture) is located amongst pine forests and salt lakes, a setting of natural beauty just a short distance from the sea. Enjoy water obstacles and innovative design that guarantees enjoyment for golfer across all levels. Previously, the Italian PGA Championships have been held here on several occasions, the latest being held in 2019. The co...

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