Sports Travel

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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14May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

Wrexham to welcome new Football Museum for Wales in 2026

Football fans in Wrexham have been celebrating the team’s promotion back to the Football League – and soon they will be celebrating a major new football attraction in the north Wales city. Currently in its development stage and scheduled to open in 2026, the Football Museum for Wales (Amgueddfa Bêl-droed Cymru in the Welsh language) will be located in Wrexham and will “celebrate Welsh football, past and present, in all its diversity”, said VisitWales.com. From grassroots clubs to the national teams, it will also highlight Wrexham’s “historic achievements in the sport”.  ‘Museum of Two Halves’ Nicknamed the “Museum of Two Halves”, the project won’t just see the development of the Football Museum for Wales, but also a new Wrexham Museum in the current museum building on Regent ...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

2023 NFL International Games: teams confirmed for London and Frankfurt

The National Football League has announced the teams, dates and locations for the five International Games to be played in London, UK, and Frankfurt, Germany. The Jacksonville Jaguars will kick off the 2023 NFL International Games on Sunday 1 October against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium, in what will be their landmark tenth regular season home game in London. The London focus then shifts to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the Buffalo Bills take on the Jaguars on Sunday 8 October. This game for Jacksonville means they will play two regular season games outside of the US – a first for the NFL. The following weekend, Sunday 15 October, the Tennessee Titans will play the Baltimore Ravens, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the U...

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10May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports hotel in focus: Hotel Football, Manchester 

If you’re a fan of the beautiful game, especially one who supports Manchester United, then a stay at Hotel Football should be on your Manchester sports travel bucket list.  Located next to Man Utd’s Old Trafford stadium at 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, the hotel was opened in 2015 by United legends and “Class of 92” icons Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.  Described by The Telegraph as a “United fan’s dream venue”, Hotel Football offers some of the best views of the “Theatre of Dreams”. This might just be the most unique football hotel in the world right now.  Rooms and suites  Part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, Hotel Football offers a total of 133 rooms with options including king rooms, stadium view rooms, squad rooms, and Class of 92 ...

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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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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

The Ocean Race Europe 2025: cities invited to express hosting interest

As the current edition of The Ocean Race heads back into the northern hemisphere, race organisers are looking ahead to the next major event in the ten-year planning cycle – The Ocean Race Europe 2025. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2021, The Ocean Race Europe was among the first major international sporting events to resume following Covid lockdowns. Featuring ten teams racing across two classes, the event combined world-class sport with a purpose-driven agenda. The 2025 edition has even larger ambitions. Under the banner of “Connecting Europe: Racing to restore our ocean and waters” The Ocean Race Europe is scheduled to begin in the late summer of 2025, and will start in the Baltic Sea and finish in the Mediterranean, with up to five stops along the way. The IMOC...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

WXV: the new international competition for elite women’s rugby

World Rugby has announced the first host locations and dates for WXV – the new international competition for elite women’s rugby. Starting in October 2023, WXV has a mission to raise the profile and competitiveness of women’s 15s by providing the global platform between Rugby World Cups to increase the reach, impact and value of the sport, growing the game as a whole. It will also double the number of annual international fixtures for most competing teams, combining with World Rugby’s “Accelerate” programme to raise standards at Rugby World Cup 2025 and beyond. Host locations Fresh off the back of hosting a record-breaking Rugby World Cup where the Black Ferns were crowned champions, New Zealand will welcome the world’s best women's teams in the six-nation top level WXV 1 across ...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2022 NFL Munich Game had €70.2m economic impact for the German city 

The National Football League’s (NFL) first-ever regular season international game in Germany was a success beyond the stadium in both economic and social impact. According to the 2022 NFL Munich Game Impact Assessment report, compiled by The Sports Consultancy Group, the event generated a total economic impact of €70.2m for the city of Munich, with €32.2m in direct spending. Played on 13 November 2022 at the Allianz Arena, home of German football giants FC Bayern Munich, the game saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-16. "The Munich game was a significant moment for the NFL in Germany and one that will live in the minds of those in the stadium and those who watched the game from around the world for many years to come,” said Dr. Alexander Steinforth, GM NFL Germany. ...

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29Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports resort in focus: Forte Village, Sardinia

Forte Village is a Sardinian paradise that’s often been named the world’s leading resort at the World Travel Awards. Home to many hotels, villas, Thalasso & Spa, restaurants and bars, sports academies and sporting facilities, Forte Village Resort also has a host of activities and offerings for guests to enjoy.  Sports and activities  Enjoy an active holiday at Forte Village and discover the pleasure of working out in the beautiful nature of Sardinia. Sports and activities include football, basketball, diving, tennis, golf, boxing, fencing, triathlon, and water sports.  Academies  Forte Village is renowned for its world-class academies, which include football, basketball, tennis, cycling, swimming and dance. In 2023 it has even more on offer. Children can practice rugby...

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29Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Sports Travel

Canary Islands: big sporting events in 2023   

With natural beauty, warm climate and a unique blend of activities, the Canary Islands are an ideal place to enjoy sport and adventure. In 2023, the islands will also play host to a number of big sporting events. Here we look at some of the sport event highlights coming up.  6 May: Bestial Race Fuerteventura The Bestial Race Fuerteventura will take place on 6 May, offering participants a new route through desert mountains and beaches with new obstacles. With two different routes to choose from, the race promises fun and excitement for everyone. 20 May: Lanzarote Ironman The 31st edition of the Lanzarote Ironman will take place on 20 May. Participants will tackle a challenging 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle and 42.2km run. The event will also offer slots for the 2023 IRONMAN World Ch...

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29Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

UNWTO: collaboration is key to maximise sport tourism’s potential 

Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has called upon the public and private sectors to “collaborate” to fully maximise sports tourism’s potential – and to achieve the goals of economic diversification, growth and sustainable development for destinations worldwide. Speaking at the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) in Zadar, Croatia, Pololikashvili said: “Sports tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximise its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in.” The second edition of the WSTC, held from 26-27 April 2023, was organised by UNW...

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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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19Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

‘Entertainment destination’: Man City’s big plans for the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City FC have submitted a planning application to create a year-round “entertainment and leisure destination” at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League club’s proposals would see their home ground’s capacity increase to more than 60,000 as well as new facilities including a covered fan zone, club shop and museum, and 400-room hotel.  The planning application submitted to Manchester City Council comes after the club held a consultation with fans and the local community over the concepts and designs.  In a statement Man City said that the proposals represent more than “£300m investment into east Manchester through a major construction project that would take up to three years to complete, offering 2,600 jobs prioritised for people from Greater Manchester”. What’s incl...

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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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16Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Stadium Golf Tour: play golf at Twickenham and other UK sports venues in 2023

A number of major sports venues in the UK, including English rugby union’s home Twickenham, will be transformed into nine-hole golf courses in 2023 as part of Stadium Golf Tour’s UK tour.  Starting at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium (25-28 May), the Stadium Golf Tour will also head to Leicester City’s King Power Stadium (1-4 June), Twickenham (8-11 June), Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park (15-18 June) and the London Stadium (12-15 October).  Players use the “same club, same ball”, Stadium Golf Tour explained on its website. “Everything else is different – and more exciting. Each hole has a thrilling setup that feels different than any course. Test your skills at nine holes located throughout the stadium. Your score will be determined by the accuracy of your tee shot at every ...

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16Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Uefa Euro 2028: UK and Ireland submit final bid and reveal stadiums list 

The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have formally submitted their bid to co-host the men’s 2028 Uefa European Championship. As part of the UK and Ireland’s joint candidacy, the host cities and ten stadiums have also been proposed for the 18th edition of the tournament. According to a statement issued by the five associations, almost three million tournament tickets will be made available and the average stadium capacity will be 58,000. Turkey is set to be the UK and Ireland’s only rival to host Euro 2028 after European football’s governing body Uefa confirmed that the Turkish Football Federation has submitted its bid dossier to host the tournament in either 2028 or 2032. The Italian Football Federation has also submitted...

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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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13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel

Discover South Carolina becomes an official tourism sponsor of golf’s PGA Tour

The PGA Tour and Discover South Carolina have announced a five-year marketing partnership that will see the state become an official tourism sponsor of golf’s elite tour. As part of the agreement, through to 2027, Discover South Carolina will engage across the PGA Tour landscape, including through digital activations and creative content as well as at PGA Tour and DP World Tour tournaments. The partnership will further solidify the state as a world-class destination for recreation and golf. The RBC Heritage returns to Hilton Head Island this week for its 55th edition, established in South Carolina in 1969 when Arnold Palmer took home the inaugural event. Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina, also hosted events in both 2021 and 2022 as the PGA Tour navigated the pandemic, a...

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