Sport travel guides and sports events news

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games brings £223m economic impact, study shows

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games brings £223m economic impact, study shows

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games generated £223 million in economic activity across Scotland, including a £176 million boost for the Glasgow City Region, according to an independent impact evaluation of this summer’s event. The 11-day Games, delivered for less than £160 million under a new hosting model, also generated £117.3 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) across Scotland. The report highlights the economic, sporting, social and environmental benefits of hosting the Games using existing venues and infrastructure, offering a potential blueprint for future major sporting events. Glasgow 2026 attracted one million people to its ticketed competitions, live sites, King's Baton Relay and festival programme, while a global television audience of 510 million watched across 166 terr...

Vietnam to open the world’s largest stadium in 2027 with 135,000 seats

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Editor's Pick, Venues & Stadiums

Vietnam to open the world’s largest stadium in 2027 with 135,000 seats

Vietnam is preparing to open what is planned to be the world’s largest stadium, with the 135,000-seat VinFast – Trong Dong Stadium in Hanoi scheduled to welcome its first events on 31 July 2027. Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup has announced a strategic partnership with international venue management company Legends Global to oversee the management and operation of the new stadium, which aims to become a major destination for international sporting, cultural and entertainment events. The agreement will see Legends Global work alongside Vingroup to attract major international events, manage facilities and coordinate on-site services. The company currently manages a global network of more than 450 venues, hosting over 20,000 events and welcoming more than 165 million guests annually...

The Big Retreat: festivals combining live music, wellness, fitness and outdoor adventure

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Wellness & Fitness

The Big Retreat: festivals combining live music, wellness, fitness and outdoor adventure

Combining outdoor adventure, fitness, wellness and live music, The Big Retreat will return to two UK destinations in 2027, offering festivalgoers the chance to get active, reconnect with nature and enjoy a packed programme of experiences. The “feel-good festival” will return to its original home in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in May, followed by a second event in Cambridgeshire, England, in August. Part wellness retreat and part music festival, The Big Retreat offers everything from yoga, Pilates and wild swimming to paddleboarding, fitness classes, creative workshops and live entertainment. Founded in Pembrokeshire in 2018, the festival has grown into a celebration of wellbeing, outdoor activities and adventure, encouraging visitors to try new experiences while enjoying beautiful natur...

Major sports events 2026-2027: the biggest dates for your sporting calendar

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars

Major sports events 2026-2027: the biggest dates for your sporting calendar

The global sports calendar is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. We will continue to update this page as events are confirmed. Any times stated below are GMT/GST. Details are subject to change. Main image: NFL at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (Credit: Mike Starling/Sports Tourism News) Other sports calendars Sports business events Tennis Golf Subscribe to our monthly newsletter November 2026 sports events F1 Mexican Grand PrixWhen: 30 October-1 November 2026Where: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, MexicoWebsite: formula1.com Horse racing: Melbourne Cup CarnivalWhen: 31 October-7 November 2026Where: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaRaces: Howden Victoria Derby Day (31 November)...

Sports business events 2026-2027: industry conferences, summits and exhibitions

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

Sports business events 2026-2027: industry conferences, summits and exhibitions

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2026. The global sports business calendar is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration. These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and dates ...

Travel industry events 2026-2027: major tourism trade shows and conferences

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

Travel industry events 2026-2027: major tourism trade shows and conferences

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the upcoming travel and tourism industry events and conferences for 2026. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends. Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to enhance travel exp...

EuroLeague Final Four basketball to return to Abu Dhabi in 2027 and 2029

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Middle East & Gulf, Other sports, Sports Business

EuroLeague Final Four basketball to return to Abu Dhabi in 2027 and 2029

The EuroLeague Final Four will return to the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi in 2027 and 2029, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Euroleague Basketball have confirmed. Abu Dhabi previously hosted the tournament in 2025, and in 2027 Etihad Arena on Yas Island will see the four best teams in European club basketball compete for the championship on 28 and 30 May. On Friday 28 May, the season’s top four teams will contest the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the Championship Game. The weekend concludes on Sunday 30 May with the adidas NextGen EuroLeague Final, showcasing the brightest young talent in European basketball, followed by the EuroLeague Championship Game to crown the season’s champion. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for ...

Portugal named world’s best golf destination at World Golf Awards 2026

8Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Golf, Sports Business

Portugal named world’s best golf destination at World Golf Awards 2026

Portugal has been named the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination’ at the World Golf Awards 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the leading destinations for golf tourism. The country celebrated a double success at the awards, with Portugal’s Silver Coast also claiming the title of ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’. Now in its 13th year, the World Golf Awards recognise excellence across the global golf tourism industry, including destinations, resorts, courses, hotels and tour operators. The 2026 winners were announced at a gala ceremony hosted at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt, marking the first time the awards have been held in Africa. Winners included Mission Hills Haikou, China, which was voted ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’ while Scotland also made a strong showing. Trump In...

Tour de France 2027 route: Edinburgh prepares for historic Grand Départ

1Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Events

Tour de France 2027 route: Edinburgh prepares for historic Grand Départ

Edinburgh will host the start of the 2027 Tour de France on Friday 2 July, with the route for the historic opening stage from the Scottish capital to Carlisle officially unveiled in Paris. The 184km opening stage of the Grand Départ will take riders from Edinburgh through Midlothian and the Scottish Borders, before continuing through Dumfries and Galloway to Carlisle. It will mark the first time the Tour de France has visited Scotland, bringing one of the world’s biggest sporting events to the country. The Edinburgh leg of the route will begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then: Royal Mile – North Bridge – Princes Street – The Mound – Lawnmarket – Castle esplanade – Johnston Terrace – Castle Terrace – Lady Lawson Street – Grassmarket – Victoria Street – George IV Bridge – Chambers ...

Cycling holidays along the Kattegattleden – Sweden’s first national cycle route

1Nov

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe

Cycling holidays along the Kattegattleden – Sweden’s first national cycle route

Scandinavian countries including Sweden and Norway have seen a surge in tourism as visitors seek out slow travel experiences and destinations with cooler summer climates. To meet this demand, Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new guided version of its popular self-guided cycling holiday along the Kattegattleden – Sweden’s first national cycle route. The new holiday gives solo travellers and cyclists that like some extra support a new destination to explore in 2027. About the route Officially opened in 2015, the Kattegattleden stretches 395 kilometres from Helsingborg in Scania to Sweden’s second largest city, Gothenburg. The first section of the trip follows the coast, passing Sofiero Castle – one of Sweden’s most beautiful castles – and taking in stunning views across...

World Athletics launches new department to grow global running and mass participation

31Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Running & Athletics, Sports Business

World Athletics launches new department to grow global running and mass participation

World Athletics has launched a new Running & Mass Participation department as it looks to strengthen its role in the global running industry and support the continued growth of mass participation events. The international governing body for athletics says the standalone department will bring greater focus to its work across the running ecosystem, including road races, marathons, cross country, mountain and trail running. The department will be led by Jakob Larsen, who has 25 years of experience in international sports administration and event development. His previous work includes the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in 2014, the World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus in 2019 and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in September 202...

The First Cortina: new luxury hotel to open in the Italian Dolomites this December

31Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Winter Sports

The First Cortina: new luxury hotel to open in the Italian Dolomites this December

Cortina d'Ampezzo, an iconic alpine mountain resort in the Italian Dolomites, welcomes a new luxury property to its hotel portfolio this winter. The First Cortina by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts opens its doors in early December 2026 and will be located on Corso Italia, one of the town’s most elegant addresses. Surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of Europe's most prestigious winter sports destinations, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Part of the Dolomiti Superski network, the resort offers access to an extensive range of slopes catering for all abilities, from beginners to experienced skiers seeking challenging runs. Cortina's reputation as a world-class winter sports destination ...

Emaar South Golf Club: Dubai’s newest championship golf course

27Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Venues & Stadiums

Emaar South Golf Club: Dubai’s newest championship golf course

Dubai has added a new championship golf course to its sporting itinerary with the opening of Emaar South Golf Club on 5 October 2026. Located in Dubai South, it's the fourth golf club in Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio and features an 18-hole championship course designed by European Golf Design. With dedicated practice facilities and a contemporary clubhouse, Emaar South Golf Club caters to experienced players, beginners and families. Hakan Keskin, leader of hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The opening of Emaar South Golf Club marks an important milestone for Emaar Hospitality Group and reflects our continued commitment to creating exceptional leisure and lifestyle destinations. “This is more than a new golf course; it is a thoughtfully designed destinat...

World Football Summit to launch WFS London at Fulham FC in March 2027

27Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Football, Industry Events & Conferences

World Football Summit to launch WFS London at Fulham FC in March 2027

World Football Summit (WFS) will host its debut event in the UK with WFS London taking place on 10-11 March 2027 at Fulham Pier, in Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC. Hosted in partnership with AIX Capital, WFS London will gather senior executives from clubs, leagues and governing bodies across the football pyramid, in the men’s and women’s game and all four nations, together with brands, investors, agencies, tech platforms and media, and international companies from across the global football industry. WFS London lands at a decisive moment for the UK game with the Independent Football Regulator’s first licensing window for the top five tiers of the English men’s game closing two weeks before the event. The Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) are negot...

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

22Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Middle East & Gulf

Rory McIlroy confirmed for 2027 Dubai Desert Classic – with tickets now on sale

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy will be looking to secure a record-extending fifth victory when he returns to Emirates Golf Club for the 2027 Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 21-24 January. The world No.2 and career Grand Slam winner is now a six-time major champion after defending his Masters title at Augusta National in April. He became only the fourth player to win back-to-back green jackets, after Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. It capped a remarkable 12 months for McIlroy, who was also part of the European team which won the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black and took his seventh Race to Dubai title to move past Seve Ballesteros. McIlroy is the most successful player in the history of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He made his debut as a 16-year-old amateur in 20...

Kentucky Derby 2027: Premium hospitality packages offer fans the ultimate horse racing getaway

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Other sports, The Americas

Kentucky Derby 2027: Premium hospitality packages offer fans the ultimate horse racing getaway

Horse racing fans planning a trip to the Kentucky Derby in 2027 can enjoy premium hospitality, exclusive trackside access and a range of travel experiences, including bourbon distillery tours and visits to thoroughbred farms. Derby Experiences, the official experience package provider to Churchill Downs, has unveiled two-day packages for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, taking place in Louisville, Kentucky, on 30 April and 1 May 2027. Combining premium race-day seating with all-inclusive hospitality, the packages offer visitors a chance to experience one of America's most iconic sporting occasions while exploring the wider region. What do the Kentucky Derby 2027 packages include? A range of hospitality experiences are available across Churchill Downs, including the Clubhou...

South Korea opens new national sports museum in Seoul’s Olympic Park

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Venues & Stadiums

South Korea opens new national sports museum in Seoul’s Olympic Park

Sports fans visiting Seoul have a new attraction to explore following the opening of the National Sports Museum of Korea, celebrating the country's sporting heritage, Olympic achievements and memorable moments. Located in Olympic Park in the Songpa district of South Korea's capital, the museum officially opened on 15 October 2026, becoming the country's first national museum dedicated to sport. Established by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, the museum aims to preserve Korea's sporting history through exhibitions, educational programmes and interactive experiences. What can visitors see at the National Sports Museum of Korea? The new museum houses approximately 70,000 sports-related items, including historic medals, equipmen...

F1 returns to Africa: Rwanda to host African Grand Prix under landmark 10-year deal

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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

F1 returns to Africa: Rwanda to host African Grand Prix under landmark 10-year deal

Rwanda is set to become a major destination for Formula 1 fans and international sports tourists after a landmark agreement was announced to bring Grand Prix racing back to Africa for the first time in more than three decades. Formula 1 has confirmed a 10-year partnership for the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda, which is expected to join the championship calendar in the early 2030s. The agreement will see F1 return to the African continent for the first time since 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was held at the Kyalami Circuit. The project forms part of Rwanda's wider ambition to establish itself as an international hub for sport, tourism, business and major events. Where will the F1 African Grand Prix take place? A new purpose-built circuit w...

Fury vs Joshua hospitality packages range from £249 to £17,995

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Other sports, Sports Business

Fury vs Joshua hospitality packages range from £249 to £17,995

Seat Unique has been appointed official hospitality partner for the Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua all-British heavyweight boxing fight scheduled to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Friday 11 December. The company will manage, sell and deliver the event’s premium experiences programme, acting as the sole platform for official premium access. The appointment builds on Seat Unique’s relationship with the Welsh Rugby Union and Principality Stadium, where it has been the official hospitality sales platform since 2021. Official hospitality packages are on sale for Fury vs Joshua, with additional experiences being developed for the fight. These include an exclusive VVIP offering, with further details to be announced once confirmed. Fury and Joshua have never faced each o...

From Bulgaria’s cliffs to Norway’s midnight sun: seven underrated golf destinations

18Oct

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf

From Bulgaria’s cliffs to Norway’s midnight sun: seven underrated golf destinations

A golf break on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast or a round beneath Norway’s midnight sun? Golfbreaks has selected seven European destinations for players looking to take their next trip beyond the familiar golfing hotspots. The tour operator’s picks range from coastal resorts with several courses on the doorstep to destinations where golf can be combined with surfing, hiking and exploring historic towns. The selection is supported by Golfbreaks’ internal booking data, comparing 2026 with the equivalent period in 2025. It comes as the company reports rising UK Google search interest in golf package holidays and quieter courses, using Google Trends figures current to September 2026. “Golf is steeped in tradition, and course quality is often judged by history and reputation,” said Cameron...