Tuesday, December 16Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Holidays & Trips

15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

15 very cool places to stay in the UK – for beach, outdoors and adventure

The Coolstays.com website has a collection of unique and unusual places to stay across the UK, Europe and worldwide. We pick out 15 very cool UK properties which have an active theme – options include by the sea, outdoors, wild swimming and more… Nagden House (Image credit: Coolstays.com) Nagden House Where: Faversham, Kent, EnglandAbout the property: “With stunning panoramic views across Graveney Marshes, Nagden House is a stylish and secluded rural retreat in Kent”Ideal for: groups, dog friendly, wild swimming, families, boating Details: sleeps 10, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroomsPrice: from £1,969-£4,245 per weekHow to book: coolstays.com The Lodge in the Loch (Image credit: Coolstays.com) The Lodge in the Loch  Where: Portree, Isle of Skye, ScotlandAbout the property: “Lu...
2022 cycling and marathon event travel with Destination Sport Experiences
Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

2022 cycling and marathon event travel with Destination Sport Experiences

Destination Sport Experiences has released details for some of its cycling and marathon trips in 2022. The sports travel company specialises in travel packages, accommodation, and guaranteed entry to marathons, cycling sportives, and international long-distance triathlons. Here we take a look at what’s on offer…  Related articles 20 of the world’s best marathons in 202210 of the world’s best half marathons in 2022Cycling events in 2022 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Sports travel trips for cyclists Gran Fondo Strade Bianche (Image: sportograf.com via Destination Sport Experiences) Italy: Gran Fondo Strade Bianche When: 6 March 2022 About the trip: ride Le Strade Bianche (white gravel roads) around Siena, just one day after the pros have completed the route. Undula...
Cycling holidays in 2022: Tour de France in Morzine, French Alps
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling holidays in 2022: Tour de France in Morzine, French Alps

The 109th edition of the Tour de France is set to include the French village of Morzine in the Portes du Soleil in summer 2022. It is the first time in six years since the cycling competition has been hosted in the Alpine resort, and the 21st occasion that it has been staged in Morzine since 1975.  After a stage finish in nearby Châtel on Sunday 10 July, competitors, spectators and the media will have the opportunity to enjoy a rest day in Morzine on Monday 11 July. Riders will then set off on a gruelling yet spectacular stage through the mountains on Tuesday 12 July, concluding in the resort of Megève.  The leg will comprise a 148km route that will form the first of three Alpine stages taking place during the second week of the competition. A once in a lifetime experience for a...
Founding the esports ecosystem in Iceland
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

Founding the esports ecosystem in Iceland

Sports Tourism Media jumped at the opportunity to interview Ólafur Steinarsson, founder of the Icelandic Esports Association. He has built the country’s esports industry from scratch in a sustainable and progressive way and Iceland has now become a global stage for world renowned esports events. This has been instrumental to Meet in Reykjavik’s growth strategy of attracting large scale global events to Iceland’s capital city. How do you aim to build esports sustainably, when your goal is for Iceland to be a top-five esports nation by 2025?When we talk about building a sustainable esports ecosystem in Iceland, we mean that it is self-sustained from a revenue standpoint and is able to generate talent and populate the local ecosystem with players willing and able to compete at the top...
Saddle Skedaddle launch new UK, Europe and international cycling holidays
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Saddle Skedaddle launch new UK, Europe and international cycling holidays

Independent cycling holiday and tour specialist Saddle Skedaddle has expanded its UK offering, and created new trips in Europe and in international destinations such as Chile and Morocco. Guided road cycling holiday in Wales  Carmarthenshire and the Brecon BeaconsIn response to the huge demand for new UK cycling holidays, Saddle Skedaddle launched its eight-day guided road cycling holiday in Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons in 2021. Beginning in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the first day’s riding is characterised by a succession of climbs and descents across the wild and open landscape of the Brecon hills. The ride to the Rhondda Valley introduces more significant climbs, the biggest being Rhigos Mountain, which features broad, sweeping hairpins. Af...
2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival guide: Super Saturday and World Cup dates confirmed
Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival guide: Super Saturday and World Cup dates confirmed

Dates for the 2022 Dubai World Cup Carnival, Super Saturday and Dubai World Cup night have been confirmed.  Dubai Racing Club has announced an enhanced racing calendar for the 2021-2022 season, which will now include a four-race “Jumeirah Series” on turf launched for the Classic generation, plus an exciting new race for Super Saturday, the WAM Emirates News Agency reported.  The Carnival, which begins at Meydan Racecourse on 13 January, will have several new races for 2022. The Super Saturday card, sponsored by Emirates Airline, is scheduled for 5 March 2022 and will welcome the addition of a new race - the $300,000 Ras Al Khor over 1,400m on turf. Prize money for Dubai World Cup night, which boasts six Group 1 races and three Group 2s, has been increased to $30.5m. Due ...
Active holidays in Spain’s Murcia region: golf, cycling, hiking and more
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Active holidays in Spain’s Murcia region: golf, cycling, hiking and more

Visitors to the region of Murcia in Spain can enjoy a range of active and sporting holidays. Activities of offer include golf, horse riding, cycling, hiking and diving. Golf at La Manga Club Located in a charming corner of Spain's Murcia region, La Manga Club is one of Europe's premier sport and leisure destinations, especially for golf. Home to three 18-hole courses, La Manga Club's meticulously landscaped terrain ensures golfers holidaying abroad the finest facilities. Carefully designed by famed architects Arnold Palmer, Robert Putman and Dave Thomas, each golf course features elements set to elevate and challenge players. The North Course, South Course and West Course are all apt for players of different levels from mid to high handicappers. The resort is blessed with year-round ...
Ambassador Cruise Line adds Cricketing Legends cruise for 2022
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Ambassador Cruise Line adds Cricketing Legends cruise for 2022

If you like cruises, cricket and Christmas markets then you’re in luck - Ambassador Cruise Line has added a five-night cricket-themed cruise to next year’s schedule.  Departing on Sunday 11 December 2022, Ambassador’s Ambience ship will sail from London Tilbury and call into Hamburg, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium.  Hosted by BBC broadcaster Garry Richardson, Ambassador’s Cricketing Legends cruise will bring you up close and personal with some of the finest players ever to play the game. Legends joining guests on board the Ambience include David Gower, Graham Gooch, Mike Gatting, Devon Malcolm, Ray East and John (JK) Lever.  A number of events will be held during the five days. The legends will discuss their cricketing experiences as well as take part in quizzes such as A Ques...
Ireland’s best outdoor activities: hiking, surfing and more
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Ireland’s best outdoor activities: hiking, surfing and more

From walking the Mourne Mountains to surfing in Donegal, Ireland is home to a wealth of unmissable experiences to add to the top of your bucket list. Here the team from Tourism Ireland round up some of the must-do activities across the island.  Mourne Mountains walking and hiking – County Down The Mourne Mountains are famous for their challenging peaks and gentle slopes that offer rewarding and unparalleled views. Join an expert guided walking tour and hear incredible stories about the landscape that inspired C.S Lewis’ magical world of Narnia from Peter Rafferty who views the mountains as his playground. Today, the Mourne Mountains offer an idyllic place to pause and reflect, but if the stones could speak they would tell wild tales of soldiers and smugglers from years gone by. Follo...
New senior leadership team announced at Sports Tours International
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business, Sports Travel

New senior leadership team announced at Sports Tours International

UK-based Sports Tours International has announced a new senior leadership team, bringing a range of new skills and experience to the specialist sports travel business. As well as a series of internal promotions chief executive Chris Bird has welcomed a number of new additions to the team based in Walkden, Greater Manchester, England.   The new executive team includes Claire Dyson as deputy CEO. Dyson is the longest serving member of the team with 26 years in the business. Still maintaining her role as head of sales and customer services for Club La Santa UK & Ireland, Dyson will support Bird in the day to day running of the business, enabling him to focus on future strategy and development.   New to the executive board are three new appointments and three internal promo...
Chasing the sun to Porto Montenegro: ‘The world’s first platinum status marina’
Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Chasing the sun to Porto Montenegro: ‘The world’s first platinum status marina’

If summer has passed all too quickly, then Porto Montenegro is the perfect destination to escape to this winter. With its idyllic Adriatic location in the UNESCO protected Bay of Kotor, proximity to three international airports, 450 marina berths and 295km of coastline, it is a true haven for the yachting community and other travellers looking to chase the sun. With average high temperatures of 21° in October – which only drops to an average of 13° in December – and more than 280 days of sunshine each year, it is the ideal place to enjoy Europe’s most impressive natural areas of outstanding beauty all year round. Porto Montenegro sailing opportunities As the world’s first platinum-status marina, Porto Montenegro welcomes and caters to the needs of the yachting community, offering ...
Sports holidays: Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports holidays: Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways

Sports and fitness fanatics who are seeking some winter wellness can train like an Olympian by signing up for Active Living Week with Amy Williams at Four Seasons Fairways in Portugal.  Williams, a gold medal winner in the skeleton for Team GB at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, will be hosting Active Living Week from 21-28 November 2021. She will lead stretch and mobility classes in the grounds of the luxury Algarve resort and hold HIIT, full body burn, core and abs sessions. Guests will also have the opportunity for a meet and greet with Williams, join her for a bike tour along the Ria Formosa and take to the water for a kayak safari. Activities can be tailored to suit all ages, levels and fitness abilities. “I am so thrilled to be heading out to Four Seasons Fairways later...
Estonia sporting events: a marathon challenge in Tallinn and Tartu
Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Estonia sporting events: a marathon challenge in Tallinn and Tartu

Estonia offers a variety of marathon events to participate in. From a month-long virtual marathon to a night run or one of the largest mountain bike marathons in the world, Estonia has a variety of sporting events for visitors to enjoy.  Tallinn Marathon (Image: Jarek Jõepera via Visit Estonia) Tallinn Marathon: 10-12 September 2021 Located in Estonia's capital, the Tallinn Marathon takes place from 10-12 September. It is the largest international running event in Estonia and offers the option to run 5k, 10k or a half-marathon as well as the full distance, making it a great choice for runners of all abilities. The Tallinn Marathon gives the opportunity to complete the race in the beautiful surroundings of the Unesco-declared Old Town, considered one of the best-preserved medieval ...
HF Holidays unveils ‘wonders of Japan’ guided walking holiday for 2022
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

HF Holidays unveils ‘wonders of Japan’ guided walking holiday for 2022

Japan is firmly front and centre in people’s minds this summer. It's a land where the ultra-modern rubs shoulders with ancient traditions, where a peaceful temple can sit in the midst of a frantic city and office-suited residents pass kimono-wearing geisha in the blink of an eye. There is so much to see and do in Japan and HF Holidays has put together a trip which will give guests an insight to some of the country's most captivating places. HF Holidays' itinerary has many exciting experiences to enjoy. Here are a few of the highlights of the Japan guided walking holiday. Uncover Tokyo’s many sides This trip will show the ultramodern city and how it sits cheek-by-jowl with its more tranquil, spiritual side. Guests can enjoy a bird's-eye view across the city from the top of the...
Sport in Northern Ireland: events, activities and things to do
Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sport in Northern Ireland: events, activities and things to do

Northern Ireland's most famous landmark is The Giant's Causeway, but the country is also a giant in the world of golf and the great outdoors. With more than 100 courses, golf is a major attraction for travellers and there’s also plenty of other outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and biking.  For Game of Thrones fans there’s the chance of shooting medieval arrows using ancient bows while experiencing archery at Winterfell Castle. If archery isn’t your thing then why not tour the GoT film locations on a bike?  Top sporting events in Northern Ireland in 2021 Antrim Coast Half Marathon - When: Sunday 29 August - Where: Larne, Northern Ireland - Website: antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com  Lap The Lough - When: Sunday 29 August - Where: Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the Republic of Irela...
Five of the best surfing spots on The Islands of Tahiti
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Five of the best surfing spots on The Islands of Tahiti

Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti consist of 118 islands and atolls, made up of the well-known Society Islands including Tahiti and Bora Bora, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands and Marquesas Islands. Here the team from The Islands of Tahiti tourism board pick out the five best spots for surfing.  Teahupo’o surf spot © Steve Dickinson Teahupo’o  Home to the best waves, Tahiti is a surfer’s paradise due to its position facing the full uninterrupted force of the South Pacific. The mythical wave of Teahupo’o, located on the Peninsula of the island of Tahiti, presents athletic and ideal surf conditions. The legendary surf spot of Teahupo’o is already part of the various surf spots which The Islands of Tahiti has to offer to both expert and novice ...
Viktor Troicki to serve up tennis masterclass at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Viktor Troicki to serve up tennis masterclass at Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences

Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences will welcome Serbian former tennis pro Viktor Troicki for an exclusive two-week tennis residency on the island. The Davis Cup winner, who achieved a career high world ranking of No.12, will offer Amilla guests top-class tailored coaching, practice workshops and pro tips from 26 October to 6 November 2021. Troicki became the first tennis player in the Open era to win all three major team competitions, with the World Team Cup in 2009, Davis Cup in 2010 and partnering with Novak Djokovic to win the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020. The 35-year-old announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of June. Amilla Maldives has a long tradition of serving up some of the biggest names in tennis for one-off exhibitions, residencies and clinics, givin...
‘Water wellness’ in Scotland: wild swimming, paddle boarding, walking and more
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

‘Water wellness’ in Scotland: wild swimming, paddle boarding, walking and more

It has sculpted Scotland's world-famous landscape, sustained its stunning scenery and borne myths and legends like the Kelpies and Loch Ness Monster, and now the country’s pure waters are riding the wave of a growing wellness trend.  “Water wellness”, also known as Blue Mind (a term coined by marine biologist Wallace J Nichols), is linked to the positive influence water can have on our physical and mental health, that feeling of calm or peacefulness that is sparked when we are in or near water.   Thanks to its many lochs, rivers, canals and coastlines, Scotland is emerging as one of the hottest destinations in the UK to embrace the water wellness movement, with activities such as wild swimming and paddle-boarding quickly becoming lockdown hobbies.  YouGov resea...
Olympic fever points the way to Paris 2024
Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

Olympic fever points the way to Paris 2024

Team GB secured 65 medals in Tokyo, an amazing haul during any normal Olympic Games, but truly historic when considering this achievement against the backdrop of COVID. Tokyo sits in the history books as Team GB's second-best overseas Olympics and may well be the springboard to greater things in three years time for Paris 2024! France officially becomes the proud host nation of the next Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games of the 33rd Olympiad), receiving the flag from Tokyo at its glittering Closing Ceremony yesterday. Set to take place exactly 100 years after France's last summer Games, Paris 2024 will be the largest event ever organised in the country, running from Friday 26 July until Sunday 11 August 2024. It promises to be an inclusive, interactive and sustainable celebr...
Sports travel an active ingredient in ‘Wayward Wanderings’
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports travel an active ingredient in ‘Wayward Wanderings’

Anna Maria Espsäter is a London-based, multilingual writer whose career and travels have taken her to 96 countries to date. She has worked on 25+ books for a variety of publishers (Footprint, Berlitz, Michelin and others) and her 450+ features have been published in the UK, US, Australian, Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish press. Her most recent book, Wayward Wanderings - A Travel Memoir compiled during lockdown, includes adventure tales of hiking in Eswatini, Morocco, Oman, the Azores and Chile, cycling in South Korea and winter adventures in Finland. Sports Tourism Media is delighted she agreed to give us a snapshot of just some of her experiences..... I grew up in a very sporty Swedish household – my dad represented Sweden at international gymnastics’ competitions and excelled at every sp...

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