Sports Travel

10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Travel

Bath and Bristol: ‘experiential’ sport, culture and history

Images: Ramy James Salameh Sport travellers need only point their compass to the west of England to find a weekend full of sporting, cultural and historical experiences. Sports Tourism Media’s Ramy James Salameh did exactly that and found two destinations uniquely distinct, offering many wonderfully different qualities and characteristics. Located just a 90-minute train ride from London, and just 12 minutes apart, Bath and Bristol make the ideal twin-centre sports travel weekend away. The former is an Unesco world heritage city and as quintessentially English as is possible to get, (think Bridgerton, filmed in the city) with period Georgian architecture around every corner and surrounded by nature. Bath is world-famous for its thermal waters, which have been enjoyed since bef...

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30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Cycling in Lisbon: explore Portugal’s capital on two wheels

With more than 150km of cycle paths, a two-wheel adventure is a great way to discover Portugal’s capital city Lisbon. Visitors can take one of the many guided cycle tours or hire their own bikes, allowing them to explore at their own pace. Find out more about cycling in Lisbon... City sights The riverside route, which follows the Tagus from the futuristic Parque das Nações area, past trendy Cais do Sodré and the spectacular Praça do Comércio to Algés, takes in some of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods and best-known sites. En route, it passes through the atmospheric neighbourhood of Alfama and offers impressive views of Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The recently regenerated Doca da Marinha area on the central riverfront of the Tagus also features a great open space for everyone ...

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30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Sports event in focus: 2022 Aruba Open Beach Tennis Championships

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba, the birthplace of beach tennis, is expected to attract hundreds of professional and amateur players and spectators for the Aruba Open Beach Tennis Championships from 13-20 November 2022. With a prize purse of US$60,000, it is the world's premier beach tennis tournament and, with its associated parties and other social events, makes a much-anticipated return after previous pandemic cancellations. Beach tennis is similar to its bigger sister lawn version, with a smattering of volleyball and badminton thrown in. Players volley a pressureless tennis ball back and forth over the net without letting it hit the sand. It is the number one beach sport in Aruba and holidaymakers can easily make their debut with lessons with a local pro readily available. Su...

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30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Ikos Resorts and Football Escapes extend partnership for 2022

Ikos Resorts's collaboration with Football Escapes will be available to guests at Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki, Greece and Ikos Andalusia in Spain in 2022. Five week-long programmes will be coached by former professional football players. Following a successful season at Ikos Andalusia in 2021, Football Escapes has confirmed world-class coaching sessions at Ikos Olivia from 1-5 August 2022 with Anton Ferdinand, and 22-26 August 2022 with Steve Sidwell and football freestyler Billy Wingrove. Those travelling to Ikos Andalusia this summer can look forward to two special summer courses; 25-29 July 2022 with Joe Cole and Bobby Zamora, and 15-19 August 2022 with Robbie Keane and Bobby Zamora. Open to boys and girls aged five to 15-years-old, each player will get two hours of daily coaching an...

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28Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar to host tennis camp at Bürgenstock Resort

Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar has created a one-of-a-kind residential tennis camp, taking place at Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland from 22-29 August. The striking resort is suspended dramatically on an Alpine ridge with panoramic views of Lake Lucerne. In a unique setting facing the Alpine valleys, lessons will be held at the resort's Diamond Domes, a masterpiece of modern architecture and home to Bürgenstock Resort’s three Davis Cup-standard hard tennis courts. Expert tennis coaches will deliver a program personally created by the 22-time grand slam champion. The program integrates work on physical fitness, technique, tactics and a winning mentality, to help develop a unique playing identity. Designed to motivate, educate and inspire, it is individually tailored to grow talent, b...

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11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: 2022 Italian Bike Festival, Emilia Romagna 

The northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is gearing up to host a new edition of the annual Italian Bike Festival. It will take place from 9-11 September 2022 for the first time at the Misano World Circuit, in the city of Rimini on the Adriatic coast. Emilia Romagna – which recently hosted the F1 Grand Prix, the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini MotoGP, and the Motor Valley Fest – will welcome sports fans and holidaymakers for the biking extravaganza. Since 2018, the Italian Bike Festival has been attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe. And over the course of three days, visitors will be able to interact with more than 500 cycling brands, including Trek, Cannondale, Orbea and Kona. Visitors will also be invited to experience live events such as th...

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11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

An ace for British tennis: Glasgow to host 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals

Glasgow in Scotland has been selected as the host city of the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals. The international women’s tennis team tournament returns to Great Britain for the first time since 1991 and fourth time in total.  Taking place from 8-13 November 2022 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, 12 teams will compete for the rose bowl trophy, including GB as the host nation.  Scott Lloyd, chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), hopes the event will “create special memories” and will “inspire the next generation of players”. He added: “We have said that we were ambitious to bring more major events to Great Britain and raise the profile of tennis across the whole year, and I’m delighted that Glasgow will be hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Finals as well as the Davis Cup...

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2Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Mamaka by Ovolo partners with Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy

Mamaka by Ovolo, an urban resort located on Bali’s Kuta Beach, has announced a partnership with the Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy – the island's most renowned surfing school. As official partners, the Academy will be nestled within the resort and provide the finest surfing lessons to those keen on learning the sport.   Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy's proven track record and ISA-certified instructors will complement Mamaka's prime location, as Kuta Beach’s long stretch of golden sand and phenomenal sunsets has become a globally recognised surfer's paradise.  “Kuta has long been known as a surfing hotspot, and to be in partnership with Mamaka and be a part of the Ovolo family is exciting,” said Made Switra, co-founder of Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy. “It will certainly attract surfe...

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2Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Travel

New Jersey: an outdoors guide to the ‘Garden State’

New Jersey, the “Garden State”, offers many outdoor activities for walkers, hikers and water sport enthusiasts.  Although it’s one of the most densely populated states in the US, New Jersey boasts plenty of wide-open spaces to explore the great outdoors with lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains all waiting to be enjoyed. Here we look at the state’s best beaches, parks, gardens and camping areas. Main image: Long Branch Beach (The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism) Beaches, rivers and water sports  Along the state’s 130 miles of Atlantic coastline there are more than 60 designated beaches, all with a wide diversity of offerings and experiences. Water-based activities include surfing, sailing, diving and fishing. Above the water, wildlife spotting opportunities are...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Fan Experience Tester’: is this the best sports job in the world?

Sportsbreaks.com is looking for an official ‘Fan Experience Tester’ – a role that may just be the best sports job in the world. According to the sports travel and experience provider, one lucky applicant will attend and report on the biggest sporting events in the calendar. Once selected, the recruit will have a choice of marquee sporting events and will help Sportsbreaks.com ensure it is providing the best experience possible at these once-in-a-lifetime events.   Trips will include:   Formula 1: tickets, travel and hotel to a European race in 2023  Football match break including tickets and hotel Tickets to an NFL London Games match  Tickets to a UK darts tournament Tickets to an England cricket international at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester with access ...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Surf City USA’ Huntington Beach to host 2022 ISA World Surfing Games 

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has announced that Huntington Beach in California, USA, will be the host of the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games from 17-24 September.  In a significant innovation to the Olympic Surfing Qualification System, the winning men’s and women’s national teams at these World Surfing Games will be allocated one Olympic slot each for their respective country/National Olympic Committee (NOC). This qualification slot will be in addition to the maximum quota of two athletes per country for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  The ISA’s premier event, presented by Visit Huntington Beach, returns to “Surf City USA” for the first time since 2006. Huntington Beach has played a historic role for the sport of surfing, having hosted top-tier global events. The 202...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Sports Travel

2023 BTCC calendar unveiled: Donington Park GP makes return

The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTTC) calendar has been announced by series organisers TOCA. After completing just three events of the 2022 campaign so far, the motorsport series has already locked down its dates for next year, with a return to the Donington Park GP circuit arguably producing the most significant headline. Next season commences on the Donington Park National circuit in late April, before the Brands Hatch Indy circuit event in May, and an earlier-than-usual slot for Snetterton.  The summer months are occupied by trips to Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft and Knockhill, before the return to the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit – for the first time in more than 20 years – takes place in late August As is often the case, the campaign concludes ...

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29May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Sports Travel

Adventure activities in Qatar

With the 2022 Fifa World Cup on the horizon, Qatar will be a popular destination for international tourism. However, it’s not just the global festival of football that the Gulf state can offer – there’s plenty of adrenaline-pumping experiences that visitors can enjoy. Here we look at five adventure sport activities in Qatar.  Sandboarding Visit Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s breathtaking inland sea, to learn the unique sport of sandboarding. The UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is the ideal spot to master the shifting sands. Kitesurfing Combining surfing, wakeboarding and windsurfing, kitesurfing is a popular sport in Qatar and a thrilling way to discover the country's incredible coastline and sandy beaches. Adventure-seekers can visit Fuwairit, one of Qatar’s most popular beache...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Rugby World Cup host nations confirmed from 2025 to 2033

Rugby union's global governing body World Rugby has confirmed the locations for the next three women’s and two men’s Rugby World Cups. At its annual meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on 12 May the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of the Rugby World Cup in the following countries: England to host Rugby World Cup 2025 (women’s)Australia to host Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s)USA to host Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s) World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We have approved three exceptional Rugby World Cup host nations – England, Australia and USA – providing unprecedented certainty and an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate the growth and impact of rugby globally. It is great for rugby, for fans and for the host nations. “The conf...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa hotel review: ‘football fans are in for a real treat’

by Ramy James Salameh On the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the award-winning InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is one of Qatar’s landmark hotels commanding one of the best coastal positions and incorporating Doha’s longest private beach. The architecture is an antidote to the gleaming high rises you pass on the way from the airport and the grand canopied entrance of the InterContinental sets the tone for arriving guests; as does the voluminous lobby lounge, interspersed with dark blue velvet armchairs, cushioned sofas and statement pieces of artwork, all sitting beside large picture windows looking out upon the free-form swimming pool, palm trees nestled in landscaped gardens and the sea beyond.  Location Qatar’s capital is in final preparations for the Fifa World Cup Qatar...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Sports holidays: VIP F1 grand prix hospitality with Ultimate Driving Tours

Ultimate Driving Tours offers motorsport fans a thrilling sports holiday with its F1 hospitality packages and VIP access to the top grand prix races around the world, including the Monaco Grand Prix aboard a superyacht, the legendary Italian Grand Prix, and the USA Grand Prix. F1 Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality Package  When: 26-30 May 2022How to book: ultimatedrivingtours.com Experience the most legendary F1 race in complete luxury with Ultimate Driving Tours’ Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality Package. This package includes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an iconic race onboard Ultimate Driving Tours’ 50m chartered superyacht, Mercury in Port Hercules. Sip champagne and enjoy gourmet canapés whilst taking in the incredible excitement of the grand prix from th...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Sporting days out: behind the scenes tours at the Royal Yards in Newmarket

Discover Newmarket, the official tourism service for Newmarket and the surrounding area, has been given the exclusive chance to show visitors behind the scenes at Somerville Lodge, Fitzroy House, and Clarehaven, the Royal Yards where Queen Elizabeth II has horses in training. The royal trainers will also take guests to the Gallops – the training grounds around Newmarket where horses are put through their paces – to see these top thoroughbreds exercise. The full-day tour includes a visit to the National Stud, where a special Stallion Parade will be conducted by the former manager of The Royal Studs. Plus, there will be a chance to look around the National Horseracing Museum, which the Queen opened in 2016 on the original site of Charles II's Palace and Stables. Discover Newmarket is a...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

NFL 2022 International Games: London, Munich and Mexico City

The NFL’s 2022 International Games were confirmed on 4 May. The schedule will kick off with back-to-back weekends at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (2 October and 9 October), followed by one match at Wembley Stadium in London (30 October), one in Munich, Germany (13 November), and one in Mexico City (21 November).  The New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings will each play in the UK for the third time.  Both teams have won on two previous occasions in the UK and will make their debut at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 2 October.      The following Sunday, 9 October, the Green Bay Packers, NFC North champions for the third consecutive year, will face the New York Giants in their first international trip, becoming the 32nd NFL team to pl...

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22Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Sport hotel in focus: padel tennis at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal

The growth of padel tennis has seen rising numbers take to the courts at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal. Located on the Algarve and operated by Kronos Homes, the resort’s two padel courts have proved popular with players from around the world. An instructor provides daily lessons and the resort also hosts social competitions throughout the year. “Padel holds huge appeal thanks to its fast pace and easy-to-learn rules,” said Alda Filipe, sales and marketing director of Kronos Homes. “It’s a really fun way to keep fit. We've found that players have enjoyed making use of our padel courts, in addition to the other sports facilities provided at Amendoeira. With the social and competitive element as well, there's a really lively padel community taking shape here. “Our padel courts have...

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17Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Spring Classic surf and music festival

Spring Classic, a new festival celebrating live music, surf, skate, ride and van culture, will be held in Woolacombe, north Devon, England, from 27-30 May 2022. Organised by Wavelength Surf Magazine, the three-day festival will showcase a range of high-profile acts alongside local musicians. Visitors to Spring Classic can also enjoy an action-packed weekend with surfing competitions, wild swimming, coastal trail-runs, yoga, live fire cooking feasts and demonstrations, as well as a show and shine area for van and motor lovers.  Linley Lewis, Wavelength and event director, said: “Wavelength has a 40-year heritage with an engaged audience and we’re really excited to bring together all the key components we see for the perfect weekend in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Th...

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