Sports Travel

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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22Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Strangest sporting events: the weird and wonderful world of sport

When we think of sport, traditional activities like football, basketball, and tennis often come to mind. However, the world is full of unique, bizarre, and downright strange sporting events that challenge our perception of competition and athleticism.  These weird and wonderful sports highlight the diverse and imaginative ways to find entertainment – whether it’s racing down a hill after cheese, balancing on unicycles while playing polo, or enduring ferrets in your trousers. Here we take a look at some of the weirdest sports and the strangest sporting events that take place around the world. Main image: Dave Farrance, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons World Gravy Wrestling Championships (England) Location: Rose & Bowl Pub, Stacksteads, Lancashire, England The Wor...

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20Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Como 1907: luxury football travel on Italy’s Lake Como

In May, Italian football club Como 1907 officially unveiled SENT Tourism, its in‑house luxury tour operator designed to bring football fans closer to the emotional, cultural, and aesthetic world of Lake Como. The initiative seeks to extend the club’s identity beyond Serie  A by crafting immersive travel experiences that merge matchday excitement with Italian elegance. Rooted in the club’s transformation under Djarum Group/Sent Entertainment Ltd and president Mirwan Suwarso, SENT Tourism represents the next chapter of Como’s ambition to become a premier football tourism destination, leveraging its stunning lakeside stadium and localised brand ecosystem. New stadium plans unveiled  SENT Tourism is not the only big announcement made in recent months by Como 1907 – the redevelopment o...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Sports Travel

‘25 by 75’: is this the ultimate travel bucket list for sport and culture?

Few people turn a casual chat into a life-enriching, global odyssey – but that’s exactly what David M. Carter and his longtime friend George Ross have done with their “25 by 75” sport and culture bucket list.  Carter, a renowned sports business consultant and university professor, has built a career around the intersection of sport, strategy, and storytelling. Now, he’s channeling that same insight into a personal mission with his friend: to attend 25 of the world’s most iconic sporting and cultural events – each in a different country and representing a different sport – before turning 75.  With 13 of the 25 already ticked off the list, Sports Tourism News spoke with Carter about the unique challenge, his favourite events so far, and what’s next on the schedule… Top ima...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Travel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

CR7 Life Museum: Cristiano Ronaldo attraction opens in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has strengthened its position as a global sports tourism destination with the launch of the CR7 Life Museum, the first of its kind in Asia dedicated to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.  Located within the K11 Art & Cultural Centre, this immersive, state-of-the-art attraction offers visitors a unique window into the career and life of one of the greatest players in football history. Elevating Hong Kong’s sports tourism portfolio, the museum features Ronaldo’s most iconic memorabilia, from match-worn kits and golden boots to his impressive trophy collection, alongside immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits. Visitors can trace Ronaldo’s journey from his early days in Madeira to his global superstardom – a powerful narrative that appeals to both sports enthusia...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Ireland: major winners and world-class courses

After a dramatic final play-off, Rory McIlroy became the first golfer from the island of Ireland to win The Masters – and only the sixth ever in the history of the game to win the Grand Slam of all four men’s majors (The Masters, US PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship). For a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland is a powerhouse when it comes to golf, with McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry all recent major winners.  With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, it’s not surprising that Northern Ireland is where McIlroy first honed his skills. McIlroy first joined Holywood Golf Club at the age of seven, becoming the club’s youngest ever member. Set high in the Holywood Hills of County...

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13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Expedia Group study: women’s sport the ‘real growth story’ of sports tourism

New research released by Expedia Group has revealed how sports tourism is transforming how people are travelling and the sector is creating massive opportunities for the travel industry. In a blog post titled "how to win big with sports tourism", Expedia Group’s chief commercial officer Greg Schulze said that sports tourism presents “significant economic opportunity” for travel providers and is creating “high-demand periods” for transportation and lodging companies and “boosts host cities' economies”.  According to UN Tourism, sports travel now accounts for 10% of global tourism spending, while Skift reported that the sports tourism sector is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.  Expedia Group’s data suggests sports trips are about "more than just the event" – they're a chan...

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8Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

UN Tourism: sports tourism can create a ‘lasting legacy’ for destinations

Sports tourism can “play a key role in helping tourism destinations and businesses diversify”, UN Tourism said after the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) in Madrid from 28-29 November 2024. To achieve this, “public and private cooperation will be essential for the future of this growing sector”.  The 3rd WSTC gathered worldwide experts and leaders of sports and tourism at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Co-organised by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, with support of Visit Nayarit and Turkish Airlines, the Congress highlighted the transformative potential of sports tourism as a driver of economic growth, social development, and sustainability.  UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This Congress, as well as the whole...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism News1 Comment

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Global sports tourism market to hit $2.4 trillion by 2030 – report

The global market for sports tourism was estimated at $1.1 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to the Sports Tourism - Global Strategic Business Report published by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The growth in the sports tourism market is driven by several factors, including the rising popularity of international sports events and competitions, technological advancements in travel planning, booking platforms, and customer experience, and the increasing focus on promoting adventure sports, ecotourism, and experiential travel. The need to provide unique, engaging, and culturally enriching sports tourism experiences for diverse traveller demographics is driving the demand for sports...

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24Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

PoB Hotels launches ‘Get Set, and Go’ tailored sports breaks

Amid an exciting summer of sport, PoB Hotels is encouraging guests to plan their own athletic staycation, pursuing their favourite British sport, or trying their hand at something new.  PoB Hotels’s ‘Get Set, and Go’ features a variety of PoB Breaks predominantly centred around Britain’s five most-loved sports, inspiring guests to embrace their inner sportsman or woman in idyllic locations across the country, staying at some of the finest independent hotels. To celebrate the launch of these itineraries, double Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton has designed her own journey, taking in her favourite sports, and allowing guests to follow in an Olympian’s footsteps this summer.  The first Break to launch is her own itinerary: "An Inspiring Sporting Odyssey: Victoria Pendle...

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21Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

‘NFL Experience London’ fan event to be held at Battersea Power Station

American football returns to London in October with three regular-season NFL fixtures being held in the English capital. And to mark the 2023 NFL London Games, a one-day fan event will take place at Battersea Power Station on Saturday 7 October, from 10am to 6pm.  The free-to-attend “NFL Experience London” event will feature a Quarterback Challenge, Broad Jump and Vertical Jump, Wide Receiver, and Field Goal Kick activities. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings will also have fan activations and photo opportunities at the venue. Merchandise and vintage memorabilia from all 32 NFL teams will be available to buy, plus a New Era cap personalisation station and vending machine, with a Fanatics container shop that will dispense NFL products. Giant N...

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10Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Lonely Planet releases new ‘Epic Snow Adventures of the World’ book

Guidebook publisher Lonely Planet has released a new travel-inspired lifestyle book – “Epic Snow Adventures of the World” – which reveals 50 incredible stories from Olympians and athletes to inspire a lifetime of snowy challenges.  The collection features some of the world's most thrilling wintery adventures, including:  powder-hunting in Hokkaido a deep freeze dip in Finlandskate-skiing in Canadafat-biking in the Rockiesback-country boardingSub-Saharan skiingmushing through the Andesan Alpine odyssey in Australiaice-climbing in Coloradoheli-skiing in Alaska ice-skating in New Yorksnow safari in Yellowstone  There are also first-person accounts from legendary winter sports stars such as Jonny Moseley (Olympic gold medalist freestyle skier), Sage Kotsenburg (Olympic gold medal...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain

It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.  Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It's the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event. “Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca will...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Ryder Cup 2023 host venue: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Italy’s climate and stunning landscapes also makes it the perfect country to play golf in.  Italy is home to more than 250 golf courses, including the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, host venue of the 44th Ryder Cup. All eyes will be on the world-class Italian venue as Team Europe and Team US go head-to-head in the popular men’s golf event from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2023 – just a week after the women's Solheim Cup in Spain.  In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the US convincingly regained the Ryder Cup with a record 19-9 victory. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will be looking to lead Team Europe to victory as they aim to win back the famous gold trophy.  The perfect se...

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2Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival 2023

The Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023, featuring some old favourites and new unique routes. This popular event makes the most of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entire island.  The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information.  Images: visitisleofwight.co.uk Charitable and historic walks New for the 2023 autumn edition is a fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The 5k “Dash in the Dark” aims to bring together attendees and supporters of the HIOWAA to ra...

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31Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

F1 Las Vegas GP: book a ‘$1m all-access experience’ with Wynn Las Vegas

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas in November for its much-anticipated Saturday night street race. And in what could be the ultimate F1 bucket list item, six fans could be set to have the best race weekend ever – providing they can rustle up a cool $1m between them. From 16-18 November 2023, the luxury Wynn Las Vegas hotel is offering a “million dollar all-access experience” which includes a number of exclusive activations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.  Described by the hotel as a “no-holds-barred race experience like none other”, each $1m package provides admission for a group of six people to the following: six Wynn Grid Club passes: access to the private, members-only Wynn Grid Club, an ultra-exclusive area within the F1 Paddock Club. Entry to this private club is reserved for VIP...

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31Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi teams up with South African Tourism

Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain, has been named as the new global brand ambassador for South African Tourism. The Springboks skipper, 32, is part of a new campaign that celebrates South Africans who are making waves on the global stage in their various fields including sports, arts and culture, and academia. “With the Rugby World Cup starting in September in France, and as the Springboks prepare for the upcoming tournament, Siya is the perfect person to partner with South African Tourism in our marketing and promotional efforts as we seek to attract more travellers to come to visit our country,” said Nomasonto Ndlovu, acting CEO of South African Tourism. “He is an exceptional South African whose story and journey inspire people from various parts of the ...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Rugby World Cup: Place de la Concorde will host the Paris Rugby Village

Parisian landmark Place de la Concorde will host a village dedicated to rugby throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which takes place in France from 8 September to 28 October. Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Seine, unveiled the "Paris Rugby Village" programme and the city’s accessibility and eco-responsibility commitments. The Paris Rugby Village will include a rugby entertainment and promotional area, plus two giant screens to broadcast RWC matches. And the number of screens will increase to four for the opening match on 8 September between France and New Zealand. Visitors can enjoy entertainment and discovery areas, photo booths, the official France 2023 shop, exhibitions, and a central stage that will host the open...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Ski Club of Great Britain launches Freshtracks holidays for winter 2023-2024

The Ski Club of Great Britain has launched its Freshtracks holiday programme for winter 2023-2024 with a number of new destinations, courses and chalets across the Alps, North America and Japan. Designed to make the most out of the time on the mountain, Freshtracks holidays are tailored to ski ability levels that are then categorised as on or off-piste, as well as four further categories including All Mountain, Ski Touring, Weekend and Bucket List. Holidays are suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder, from a minimum of an early intermediate (confident on blue runs and easy reds), right up to experts that can handle all conditions both on and off-piste. Key to the success and popularity of Freshtracks holidays is being able to ski with like-minded people, with guides and inst...

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