Trips & Experiences

20Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Trips & Experiences

Sport in Wales: events, activities and things to do

Wales is a passionate sporting nation - especially when it comes to rugby union. Cardiff's Principality Stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team and every year it hosts games in the Six Nations championship.  While the capital Cardiff offers a big city vibe and many attractions, visitors are recommended to explore the rest of the country and enjoy Wales's outdoor activities. Trekkers, walkers and bikers should head to Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons for their outdoor fix.  For golfers why not play one of Wales’s top coastal courses or tee it up at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor?  If you fancy something a bit different (or crazier) then the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Man vs Mountain event or the Tenby Boxing Day Swim could be for you. Here we pick out some of th...

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13Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences, Venues & Stadiums

F1 Portuguese Grand Prix: motorsport fans get revved up for Algarve race

Motorsport fans could witness history at the next Formula 1 grand prix when it descends on the beautiful southern shoreline of the Algarve later this month.  Having equalled Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 F1 victories by winning the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring, Lewis Hamilton could go one better with a win in Portugal and write a new chapter in the sport.  For that reason motorsport fans will be even more eager to say “I was there” if indeed Hamilton takes the checkered flag on 25 October.   This year the 2020 Portuguese GP takes place over 66 laps of the 4.684-kilometre Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.  João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, said: “Formula 1 has been absent from Portugal for 24 years and it is a presti...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences, Wellness & Fitness

Sport + Travel interview: Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal

The wellness and activity holiday trend has been evolving rapidly over recent years. Right now there has never been a greater need for vacations which enhance your mental and physical needs, and Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal is at the forefront of facilitating that trend. She has nearly two decades of experience under her belt as an international health, fitness and wellbeing lifestyle professional and consultant, in a range of sports environments. Dinah specialises in yoga practise, personal training, group fitness training, healthy eating, nutritional advice and guidance and natural health using a holistic approach to wellbeing. As for The Campus, Dinah cannot speak highly enough (and without bias) about her place of work. So read on...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences, Venues & Stadiums

‘Escapade Living’ brings motorsport to your living room window

It is somewhat of an understatement to say that 2020 has been and continues to be a year of seismic changes. The pandemic changed the world as we know it and whilst much pain – mental, physical and economic – continues to affect our lives, it has catalysed the need to for adaptability, innovation and resilience, especially within all areas of the travel sector. Clearly the travel industry that emerges at the end of this year will be very different from the one that entered it. But one thing the pandemic has turbocharged is the growing trend for ‘experiential travel’. Experiential travel – in which the traveller immerses themselves in a destination rather than superficially seeing it – is now coming of age in double time. The sports travel sector is of course at the very forefront...

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29Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

The Sports Tourism Blog: my top 10 favourite sporting trips and experiences

The Sports Tourism Blog by Mike Starling, co-editor, Sports Tourism News  As a sports journalist - and a sports fanatic - I have been lucky to have attended a number of events and tournaments over the years. In no particular order, here I pick out ten of my favourite sporting trips and experiences.  Wimbledon 2019  https://twitter.com/MikeJStarling/status/1145776862905405441 Of all the events I have ever been to, going to The Championships at Wimbledon was probably the biggest tick off my sporting bucket list. I was fortunate enough to get an invite through IMG Tennis to attend day one in 2019 and was even more lucky to get the chance to see Coco Gauff’s stunning victory over Venus Williams in the first round of the women’s singles. If you ever get the opport...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Licence to thrill-seek in Austria: extreme sports tourism at AREA 47

By Sports Tourism Media co-editor Ramy Salameh A study has calculated how far James Bond 007 has travelled to save the world - an enormous 276,745.2 miles across 24 movies, with Austria having been the location on three separate films.  It is a country known for its epic Alpine surroundings and tailor-made for adventure sport junkies.  In 2015, the world’s most famous film franchise used the Gaislachkogl Mountain to shoot key action scenes of Spectre. This Bond movie granted the town of Soelden, located in the Alpine valley of Oetztal-Tirol, a unique and lasting legacy.  Key action scenes from the film have now been honoured through the creation of 007 Elements a stunning cinematic installation at more than 3,000m which opened in 2018. Inside, a series of bunker-like concre...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Trips & Experiences, Venues & Stadiums

The Sports Tourism Blog: a tour of The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Lausanne is truly an Olympic city. Not only is it home to Olympic House, the International Olympic Committee's HQ which opened in June 2019, but also The Olympic Museum.  Referred to as TOM for short - there's no doubt that this is one of the best sports museums anywhere in the world. The permanent and temporary exhibitions provide a lasting sporting narrative and legacy for all citizens and creeds. It also provides for a unique events venue that has mass appeal across many industry sectors.  Sports Tourism News co-editor Ramy Salameh paid a visit to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne and here he picks out some of the best things to see. An Olympic journey  Even before you step through the entrance of the museum, your personal Olympic journey starts within the “Olympic Park” that sits eith...

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15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Losinj in Croatia named European Island of Sport 2020

Losinj in Croatia has been named European Island of Sport 2020 - and to celebrate Hotel Bellevue in Čikat Bay has launched an Active 365 Weekend package. Known as Croatia’s “island of vitality”, Losinj will this year welcome some of the world’s leading triathletes, cyclists, runners and cricketers for a series of sporting events on the island. Events include the XTERRA Croatia off-road race weekend, the 10th Losinj half marathon and the Mediterranean Cricket League.  Losinj sporting events in 2020 XTERRA Croatia On 18-19 April, more than 800 participants will line up in Losinj to take part in XTERRA Croatia, an off-road racing extravaganza comprising the first ever XTERRA off-road triathlon held in Croatia, and a 40km off-road mountain bike race.  The XTERRA Croatia triathlon w...

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22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Running wild: unusual marathon trips with Untamed Borders in 2020

Adventure travel operator Untamed Borders has announced details of its most unique and unusual running trips for 2020.  These marathon trips are designed to give guests a genuine insight into the countries they visit, while also giving something back to the communities they meet. Having operated commercial tours to Afghanistan since 2007, marathon tourism started for Untamed Borders in 2015, when founder James Willcox joined a small group of international and Afghan people, who together set up the first ever Marathon of Afghanistan.  Willcox said: “Untamed Borders now have five marathon departures a year. This year we will be taking around 70 international guests to participate in some of the world's most exciting races.  “From the deserts of Saudi Arabia to training with female runner...

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1Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Christmas gift guide for sports fans: event tickets, trips, experiences, driving, golf and more

Got a sports-mad guy or gal who you need to buy a Christmas present for? Check out our sports Christmas gift guide, which includes activities, travel breaks, golf getaways, sports event tickets, and unique experiences such as driving, sailing and surfing.  Jump to each section in the sports Christmas gift guide: Sports gift boxes | Stadium tours | Race days | Golf masterclasses Weekend sport trips and activity breaks Golf weekend breaks and escapes Driving breaks and driving experiences Bear Grylls Survival Academy Sports tickets for UK events in 2020 Sports gift boxes | Stadium tours | Race days | Golf masterclasses  Liverpool FC Anfield stadium tour for two adults - £40 Duration: one hour for two people; valid for 10 months  Where: Anfield stadium, Liverpool, Merse...

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31Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Events, Trips & Experiences

Portes du Soleil 2020 events guide: Youth Winter Olympics, Rock the Pistes, Snowboxx

In 2020 the Portes du Soleil region will host a number of major sports and music events, including the Youth Winter Olympic Games, Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx. Here we look at what’s on in Portes du Soleil in 2020... About the Portes du Soleil The “Gateway to the Sun” covers the neighbouring Alpine regions of French Chablais and Swiss Valais, encompassing two countries and 12 resorts. These include Avoriaz, Champéry, Les Gets and Morzine with one liftpass providing access to them all.  Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, this huge ski area boasts 650km of pistes and 196 lifts. Portes du Soleil enjoys an annual average snowfall of nearly eight metres, with the region a flurry of activity throughout the winter and the ski season wrapping up in late April. Youth Winter Olympics Th...

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31Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Saddle Skedaddle announces new cycling holidays in 2020

Saddle Skedaddle will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020 and to mark the milestone the company has announced details of its new cycling holidays. “New for 2020” cycling trips include a 15-day adventure in Ethiopia; an eight-day, guided holiday in Jordan; a nine-day, coast to coast road cycling trip in Italy; and a seven-day, electric mountain bike holiday in Croatia. See more details on the cycling holidays below or at skedaddle.com Guided cycling adventure holiday in Ethiopia This 15-day guided cycling adventure holiday in Ethiopia begins at the Blue Nile Falls near the city of Bahir Dar before heading to the country’s former capital, Gondar. The riding continues into Simien Mountains National Park – one of Ethiopia’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites – for a night spent camping und...

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7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Trips & Experiences

Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’

Greek basketball stars Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are excited about returning to Europe to play in the NBA’s first ever regular-season match in France in January 2020.  The brothers will feature for the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural NBA Paris Game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday 24 January at the AccorHotels Arena.  When asked about playing in the French capital city Thanasis Antetokounmpo said: “It’s amazing for the sport. We’re European, so we understand how huge this is, having a game in a place like Paris.  “It’s going to be really exciting for fans all over the world to come watch. I know people are travelling from all around Europe, from Africa, to come see the game in Paris, so it’s an exciting thing. It’s amazing.”  Giannis Antetokounmpo added: “It’s going to...

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7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Grandstand Motor Sports release travel packages for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

Grandstand Motor Sports is offering two standard travel packages for the 2019 F1 Abu Dhabi GP - the final race of the Formula 1 season. British driver Lewis Hamilton is on track to win a sixth career F1 world title and he will go head-to-head with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 1 December. Four-night package Grandstand Motor Sports’s standard four-night package includes return flights from London to Abu Dhabi International Airport with four nights staying at the Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi (on a B&B basis). This hotel has direct access to the shops and attractions of Abu Dhabi Mall which is adjacent to the hotel.  The package also includes transfers to Yas Marina Circ...

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30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

SwimTrek unveils swimming and sailing trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020

SwimTrek’s collaboration with the Lady of Avenel ship will continue into a fourth year with three swimming and sailing trips on offer for guests in 2020.   The swimming holiday operator’s week-long trips combine wild swimming around Scotland and Ireland and walks on the islands. Guests will also have the opportunity to try their hand at crewing on a traditional tall ship.  SwimTrek is offering three trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020: the Outer Hebrides (Scotland); Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Scotland); and the Donegal Atlantic Way (Ireland).  About the Lady of Avenel The Lady of Avenel is a 102ft Brigantine square rigged ship with 12 guest berths and staff quarters. Originally built in Poland in 1969 as a tug vessel, she was refitted in 1992. She is a majestic ship and travel...

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30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Tuscan Tennis Holidays launch hosted trips to 2020 Rome Masters

Tuscan Tennis Holidays has announced details of its hosted trips to the Rome Masters in May 2020. Hosted by company founder Ian Campbell and Laura Middleton, there will be two tennis tours to the Italian capital city where guests can play at a local clay-court club and also watch the ATP Tour stars in action at the tournament. Tuscan Tennis Holidays say that option number one (10-14 May) will allow guests to watch the early rounds of the Rome Masters and have the opportunity to watch the players practice. Option two (14-18 May) will include tickets to the latter stages of the tournament.  Flights and transfers are not included so guests just need to get to Rome.  Once there Ian and Laura, who are both fluent Italian speakers, will take care of everything else. Local accommodation touri...

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29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Mischa Zverev to host tennis camp at Amilla Fushi resort in the Maldives

Guests at Amilla Fushi luxury resort in the Maldives will be served up a sporting treat in November with a tennis camp hosted by Mischa Zverev. The German ATP Tour professional will provide guests with a daily programme of high-energy drills, technical skills and competition tactics during the camp from 23-27 November 2019. Aimed at players aged 12 and above, and open to all skill levels from beginners to budding professionals, the camp will see the 32-year-old lead daily two-hour group sessions focussing on aspects such as groundstroke, forehand and backhand training; volley and tactics strategy sessions; and footwork practice.  The Tennis Camp by Mischa Zverev is complimentary and exclusive to guests of Amilla Fushi. The resort has two floodlit hard courts, complimentary equipment hire a...

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30Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Aspen House: VIP SKI’s new property opens in Val d’Isere, France

VIP SKI’s new home, Aspen House, will open its doors for the 2019-2020 winter season.   Five years in the planning, the property is located in the world-class ski resort of Val d’Isere, France. Aspen House offers an enviable location in the older part of town, minutes from the high street, and only a little more than 100m from the piste.   With only eight suites in this brand-new building, each of the apartments are designed with classic furnishings and a rich decor. Suites sleep from four to 10 guests.  After a hard day on the slopes, Aspen House has a funky spa on the ground floor with hammam, sauna and Jacuzzi.  Andy Sturt, owner of VIP SKI, said: “Val d’Isere still remains at the heart of our business and our clients have been telling us for a while that the old building was looki...

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30Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

SwimTrek launch swimming-focused triathlon coaching camps in Tenerife 

In November SwimTrek will launch its first ever triathlon coaching camps in Tenerife, Spain. The six-day training camps will be focused on swimming technique and practice and guests can expect to swim up to 4km per day. SwimTrek coaches will guide guests through the various aspects of open water swimming, from drafting and sighting to arm recovery and stroke technique.  There will be sessions at the state-of-the-art facilities at Tenerife Top Training, where guests can make use of the 50m open air swimming pool, indoor and outdoor gym and high-tech swimming flume. Swimmers will also enjoy sea swims, offering up the chance to get out in the open water and put their newfound skills into practice.  Fiona Ford, SwimTrek’s specialist triathlon coach and former Kona Ironman podium finisher, ...

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25Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Spain and Italy the top summer sailing destinations for UK tourists

Spain and Italy are the most popular destinations for British travellers looking to take a sailing holiday this summer, according to boat hire website Click&Boat. Looking at the bookings of 3,300 UK boating enthusiasts, 25% plan to travel to Italy and 25% plan to travel to Spain for a boating trip, with the picturesque island of Ibiza claiming the top spot as the most popular destination overall.  Other Spanish sailing hot spots making waves this summer include Barcelona, Mallorca, Marbella, Menorca and Lanzarote, while across the Mediterranean Sea, Sorrento, Sicily, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast top the list for sailing spots in Italy.  Most popular sailing destinations for UK holidaymakers, according to Click&Boat:  25% Spain (including Ibiza, Barcelona, Mallorca, Marbella,...

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