Sports & Activities

18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business

Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Quint launch exclusive travel programme

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has launched a new travel package programme for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, in partnership with Quint Australia, a provider of official travel, hospitality and experience programmes. Known as Australian Grand Prix Corporation Travel, the exclusive travel programme will provide fans of Formula 1® and MotoGP™ with access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to enhance event attendance and create long lasting memories.  Launching for the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Australian Grand Prix from 5-8 March 2026, the travel programme will aim to increase interstate and international travel to AGPC events, expanding on the tourism and economic benefits to Victoria.  Operating und...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports & Activities

Sport in Dubai – a sports travel city guide

Dubai has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic sports tourism destinations, attracting fans, athletes, and adventurers from every corner of the globe. From international tournaments that bring together the biggest names in sport to community festivals that celebrate fitness and wellbeing, the city offers an action-packed calendar of events throughout the year. Whether it’s watching the world’s best golfers compete in the DP World Tour Championship, witnessing the electric atmosphere of the Emirates Dubai 7s, or catching elite tennis stars at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, the emirate delivers unforgettable sporting moments on a global stage. Yet Dubai’s appeal extends well beyond the stadiums and arenas. Blessed with a dramatic desert landscape, pristine coast...

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4Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Golf, Sports Business

Golf Tourism South Africa launches to promote golf travel across the country

A new era for South African tourism has begun with the launch of Golf Tourism South Africa (GTSA), currently the only national platform solely focused on promoting golf tourism across the country. Registered as a Non-Profit Company (NPC), GTSA brings together the golf, travel, wine, hospitality, and lifestyle industries under one collaborative umbrella – with the mission of positioning South Africa as a world-class golf tourism destination. GSTA has been founded by Cuthbert Simphiwe Ncube, chair of the African Tourism Board, global tourism leader, and GTSA director; Charlene Thomson, founder of We Women Golf Magazine, golf tourism expert, and GTSA co-visionary; and Lynnqwinda Scott, founder of Visit Africa, digital marketing strategist with more than 20 years in tourism, branding, and ...

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4Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, F1 & Motorsport

2026 FIA World Rally Championship calendar: 14 rounds confirmed 

The FIA and WRC Promoter have unveiled the calendar for the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), confirming 14 rounds across four continents. The season begins at Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22-25 January 2026, with crews tackling France’s icy alpine roads in one of rallying’s most iconic settings. A spectacular street stage in downtown Monte Carlo on Saturday evening adds extra drama and glamour to an already demanding weekend. It’s the start of a calendar that blends snow, gravel and asphalt events – including returning rounds in the Canary Islands and Paraguay following their introductions in 2025 – before culminating in the desert terrain of Saudi Arabia from 11-14 November 2026. Notably, the opening half of the year brings a welcome mix of surfaces. Asphalt rallies in Croatia, t...

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28Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: cycling South Africa’s Garden Route

Exodus Adventure Travels invites riders to embark on a two-wheeled adventure. The tour operator offers an extensive collection of cycling holidays for all levels, from scenic coastal rides to challenging mountain routes across the globe.  Highlights include a new 14-day journey along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, designed in collaboration with marathon mountain biker Tarryn Povey, as well as epic rides through Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Italy’s Puglia region, the Andes, and southern India. Each trip combines expertly guided routes with authentic cultural experiences for unforgettable cycling adventures. Cycling South Africa’s Garden Route This new two-week adventure was designed with Tarryn Povey – one of South Africa’s top marathon mountain bikers – and showcases the b...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis on a floating court at a French château

As if staying at a 13th century château in France was not idyllic enough, tennis lovers are in for a real treat at Domaine des Étangs, Auberge Resorts Collection in Massignac. The property in the Charente region in south west France is home to a floating tennis court, gracefully placed on a tranquil pond near the swimming pool.  Exemplifying the Domaine’s ethos – blending luxury with whimsy, seamlessly integrated into its natural, art-filled setting – the floating tennis court has been widely featured as one of the world’s most beautiful and unique tennis courts. Giving the chance to “play a match on water”, this unique facility also offers spectator viewing benches, shaded by trees, so guests can enjoy the action in comfort. Other activities for guests to enjoy include walks ar...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, The Americas, Trips & Experiences

Saddle Skedaddle marks 30th anniversary with ‘classic’ cycling holiday to Chile and Argentina

To mark its 30th anniversary in autumn 2025, independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has spotlighted a range of 'Skedaddle classics' – trips that have shaped the company over the past three decades and gone on to become firm favourites. Holidays include a guided cycling adventure holiday through the Chile and Argentina Lake District (the first destination Saddle Skedaddle visited in 1995); a guided coast to coast mountain bike holiday in Sardinia (Saddle Skedaddle’s first destination in Italy); and a guided road cycling holiday from Bilbao to Barcelona (the company’s most popular road cycling holiday in Spain).  Here we take a look at the guided cycling adventure holiday through the Chile and Argentina Lake District… Cycling in the Chile and Argentina Lake Distri...

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26Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Other sports, Trips & Experiences

Equestrian travel: the world’s best luxury hotels for horse lovers

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or are simply wanting to enjoy a unique, luxury getaway, the world’s best equine hotels offer thrilling horseback riding experiences as well as immersive and life-changing wellness programmes and unparalleled nature immersion. Here, the experts from The Equine Collective pick out five of the best horseback riding resorts and equestrian retreats around the world – from South Africa's wild plains to Indonesia's sun-drenched beaches and turquoise seas Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch: luxury horseback riding in British Columbia, Canada  Best for: wilderness, regeneration and horse–human bonding Siwash Lake is an award‑winning, off‑grid luxury dude ranch nestled in 10,000+ acres of regenerating wilderness following a major 2017 fire. I...

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22Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

A guide to Camiral – host resort of golf’s Ryder Cup in 2031

Formerly the PGA Catalunya, Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort is a world-class golf and wellness resort between Girona, the Costa Brava beaches and Barcelona. Home to two championship courses and a PGA National Academy, Camiral has been selected to the 2031 Ryder Cup – a prestigious return of the tournament to Spain after 34 years. Camiral’s selection marks Spain’s second time hosting the men’s golf team event between Europe and the US since Valderrama in 1997. According to reports, the event is predicted to have an economic impact of more than €1.3 billion and attract 300,000 visitors to the region. One of Europe’s most acclaimed golf destinations, Camiral has hosted multiple DP World Tour events, including the Open de España and the Final Stage of the Qualifying School. Its world-re...

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22Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Hotels & Resorts, Trends

‘E-biking is booming’: Much Better Adventures launches new e-bike holidays 

Travel company Much Better Adventures is expanding its portfolio of cycling trips with five new e-biking holiday itineraries. Catering to the growing interest in the e-bike trend, the new collection takes travellers from the highlands of northern Vietnam to Peru's Sacred Valley, culminating at the iconic Machu Picchu and to the beaches of Costa Rica.  The itineraries meet the rising demand for immersive travel among all generations of travellers with e-bikes opening up harder-to-reach destinations for those who are seeking a challenge but want it to feel achievable. These new trips join a line-up of e-bike-friendly adventures that combine riding with hiking, paddling, wild swimming and local food and wine. Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, said: “E-biking is boomi...

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20Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Football, 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

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

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

Europe, Golf, Trips & Experiences

Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide 

Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vilamoura is a premier sport and golf travel destination resort where elite facilities, wellness escapes, and world-class events attract both professional athletes and active holidaymakers alike.  From championship golf courses and top-tier tennis academies to cutting-edge retreats and water-based adventures, Vilamoura offers a perfect balance of performance and pleasure. The resort will also soon be home to a new sports centre – an elite campus designed to cater to both professional athletes and the wider community. The centre will feature official-size football fields, a world-standard athletics track, and a wide range of multi-sport facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYNMtHXdxKg Most popular attractions in Vilamoura ...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions

Spain is seeing a surge in demand for active travel experiences, as three UK independent tour operators – Headwater, Pura Aventura and Naturetrek – report a marked shift in booking trends toward more immersive, activity-based holidays. Travellers are increasingly drawn to Spain’s lesser-known regions, seeking out walking, cycling and nature-focused adventures that go beyond the traditional sun-and-city breaks. In response, the operators have expanded their offerings to include immersive nature-based, cultural, and active adventures – from scenic cycling routes through Extremadura to wildlife-focused treks in Andalucia and multigenerational activity family escapes in the Pyrenees. Sharon Zanni, product manager for mainland Spain and the Balearics at Headwater, said: “We have seen a go...

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10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Guides, Watersports & Surfing

Event in focus: The Ocean Race Europe 2025

The final preparations are taking place ahead of the 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe, which will see seven mixed-gender crews made up of sailors from across 13 nations take on the 4,500-nautical mile multi-stage offshore challenge. This year’s edition is built on the foundations of the inaugural race in 2021 and is held under the banner of “Connecting Europe”. Starting in Kiel, Germany on 10 August, the race takes the fleet around Europe, with stops in England, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, before the teams arrive in Boka Bay, Montenegro, around 15-16 September and the Final Scoring Race on 20 September. The finish in Montenegro marks the first time in its over 50-year history that crews from The Ocean Race will compete on the Adriatic Sea. All seven teams will compete in...

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9Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Industry Events & Conferences

Elevate Golf: Northern Ireland to host golf tourism event in 2026 

Golf tourism’s newest B2B event Elevate Golf is to be held in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2026. Taking place from 25-30 October, Elevate Golf 2026 will see the finest golf courses, resorts and accommodation providers connect with high-class international tour operators during tailor-made appointments, and in more casual surroundings on the golf course and at evening receptions. Elevate Golf – which will be in its third edition in 2026 – is held in two stages, with the first half of the six-day event in Northern Ireland. Here, a carefully selected pool of the best golf tour operators from across the globe will be hosted at the luxurious Galgorm Resort in County Antrim, experiencing the hotel's premium hospitality. Leanne Thorpe, director of Elevate Golf, said: “At Elevate G...

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5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business, Trends

2025 Global F1 Fan Survey: women, Gen Z and US fans power new era 

Formula 1 fandom is evolving – and it’s younger, more diverse, and more plugged-in than ever. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, released by Formula 1 and Motorsport Network, the sport is in the midst of a generational and cultural shift, with women, Gen Z, and US fans emerging as powerful forces shaping the future of the grid. Conducted every four years, the survey gathered insights from more than 100,000 self-identified F1 fans across 186 countries. The results confirm what has been building over recent seasons: Formula 1 is no longer just a motorsport, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Women are leading the next wave of fandom, with female fans making up three in four of all new fans in the survey. Among Gen Z respondents, nearly half identify as female – highlighting the sport...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’

With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest. A court-building boom Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Po...

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22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa, Sicily

The recently launched Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa in Sicily is a must‑visit for sports travellers seeking a blend of heritage and activity. Its 18‑hole, par‑71 championship golf course offers a memorable and challenging experience for both seasoned golfers and newcomers.  After a round of golf, guests can relax in the resort’s spa, take a dip in one of the pools, or stay active with fitness and cycling. Just moments from Siracusa’s historic sights and beaches, this resort delivers the ideal balance of sport, relaxation, and exploration. History Set amid fragrant citrus orchards just outside Siracusa, a UNESCO World Heritage city, this enchanting 102‑room resort is a serene and captivating retreat.  Its rich heritage stretches from its beginnings as a...

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16Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Football, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

‘Seat Unique Ultimate Experience’: Everton’s new stadium to feature cinema-style seating

English Premier League football club Everton have announced ticketing and hospitality platform Seat Unique as a founding partner of their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.  The agreement will see Seat Unique become Everton’s official premium experiences platform, providing premium match-by-match and event sales for the bars, restaurants and experiences at the club’s new iconic home on Liverpool’s waterfront. The 52,888-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium, which opens in August 2025, will become a world-class destination for sport, music, entertainment and cultural events. As part of “The Seat Unique Ultimate Experience”, and for the first time in UK football, fans will be able to buy match-by-match access to cinematic "loge" seating – enclosures with four reclining cinema-style seats and priva...

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