Sports Travel

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

Destination Guides, Events, 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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21Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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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9Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Event Calendars, Events, Sports Travel

SailGP expands global calendar for season four 

SailGP has unveiled an expanded schedule for its fourth season – a 12-race global circuit spanning four continents from June 2023 to July 2024.  Known as “the world’s most exciting racing on water”, SailGP’s fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled events use identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans – 50ft race boats with 80ft wingsails that fly over the water at speeds of more than 60mph. The global championship features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe.  The North American market features prominently in the 2023-2024 calendar, hosting six of the planned 12 events. This includes a brand new stop in Los Angeles on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles from 22-23 July 2023, and the return to New York in June 2024, which hosted Sa...

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8Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Motor Valley Fest 2023 in Emilia Romagna, Italy

Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley Fest returns from 11-14 May 2023 for a celebration of Italy’s rich automotive and motor racing history. The four-day festival takes place in the heart of the northern Italian region’s “Motor Valley” – spread across the Unesco-city of Modena and surrounding areas – and will feature a wide range of activities, events and test drives. Highlights include the re-opening of the Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna), as well as live music, food and entertainment throughout. Long regarded as the “Motor Valley” due to its important contribution to Italy's motor industry, Emilia Romagna is home to celebrated names such as Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, Dallara, Ducati and Lamborghini; there is no other place in the world with such a rich motor h...

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8Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Women’s cricket: a huge summer ahead in England and Wales

It's a huge year for women’s cricket in England and Wales. England will face the No.1 team in the world, Australia, in what is set to be an enthralling Ashes series in June and July. And then in August, stars from both nations will go straight into the domestic competition, The Hundred, which features eight women’s teams battling it out alongside the men’s to be crowned champions.  2023 Women’s Ashes  The Women’s Ashes multi-format series will start on Thursday 22 June 2023 and this summer’s showdown is expected to break all attendance records for women’s international fixtures in England. It is the first year that both the men's and women's Ashes are being played alongside one another, with equal prominence, at the biggest grounds.  Heather Knight’s team will start...

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7Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Travel

An active tour of Philadelphia: running, cycling and the outdoors 

As a sports destination, Philadelphia has it all. Pennsylvania’s largest city is home to teams in the four major US sports leagues – the Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA) and Flyers (NHL) – and is also well known for its association with boxing’s most famous fictional fighter, Rocky Balboa. As well as the major league sports, Philly is also a great outdoorsy city which boasts a huge urban park system and extensive walking, running, and cycling trails. Here we look at the activities and things to do in Philadelphia for a healthy and active city break.  Fairmount Park Boxer’s Trail (Image: Fairmount Park Conservancy) Outdoors  Philadelphia boasts one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world. Taking up more than 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park incorporates mor...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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

Destination Guides, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

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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