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Sports travel bucket list: cycling adventure holidays in Japan 
Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: cycling adventure holidays in Japan 

Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a new 15-day, guided cycling adventure in Shikoku and Kyoto in Japan, as well as announcing the 2025 and 2026 dates for its popular 12-day cycling holiday from Mount Fuji to Kyoto. Guided road cycling holiday in Shikoku, Kyoto Set among the stunning landscapes of Shikoku, Saddle Skedaddle’s new, 15-day guided cycling adventure leaves the standard tourist trail behind to uncover some of the hidden wonders of Japan. After arriving in Fukuyama, the trip begins with three days of riding through the islands of the Seto Inland Sea; the body of water separating three of Japan’s four major islands: Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.  Following a mix of scenic and quiet country lanes, as well as island hopping by ferry and suspens...
Sports travel bucket list: play tennis at Kalimera Kriti resort in Greece
Bucket List, Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis at Kalimera Kriti resort in Greece

The Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort, a five-star property on the island of Crete, is a world-class sports resort that’s home to the largest tennis and padel centre in Greece. Located on the island’s northeastern coast and offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, Kalimera Kriti boasts a selection of rooms and bungalows, sandy beaches, swimming pools, health and wellbeing facilities, plus restaurants and bars.   For sports travellers, the main highlight is the tennis and padel centre, which was upgraded in 2023. Together with Patricio Travel – a specialised tour operator for tennis, padel and fitness travel – and other partners such as Wilson, the Patricio World-Class Tennis Center Crete has 20 real clay courts, six artificial grass courts, five padel courts, and a Wils...
International Luxury Hotel Association and Matrix Fitness partner to enhance wellness in hospitality 
Sports Business

International Luxury Hotel Association and Matrix Fitness partner to enhance wellness in hospitality 

The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has announced Matrix Fitness as its newest official partner to support the integration of wellness-focused fitness solutions within the luxury hospitality sector. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing guest well-being through innovative fitness experiences tailored to high-end properties.  Through this collaboration, ILHA and Matrix Fitness will share insights and best practices with industry professionals, focusing on the evolving role of fitness and wellness in luxury hospitality. Matrix Fitness will contribute to discussions on emerging trends, technology integration, and wellness initiatives that align with the needs of modern travellers, including at ILHA's INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference in Las Vegas...
London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City
Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City

As the English capital gears up for the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025, The Westin London City hotel has unveiled a series of marathon experiences designed for both runners and their supporters.  Situated along the historic River Thames, the five-star property has 226 guest rooms, suites and residences, plus F&B options including all-day dining restaurant Mosaic and riverside wine bar Hithe + Seek. The hotel is also popular for guests seeking wellness and recreation during their stay in central London. Dedicated to promoting wellbeing, The Westin London City is home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, which has an indoor swimming pool, and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. In terms of events, the hotel hosts yoga classes and “Rise & Run” sessi...
Golfbreaks becomes travel partner of Women’s Golf Day
Sports Business

Golfbreaks becomes travel partner of Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and global golf tour operator Golfbreaks have announced a partnership agreement to create golf travel packages and experiences for female golfers under the new “WGD Travel” banner.  The section will carry general travel information, featured packages and WGD-curated trips to major events and destinations ranging from affordable to bespoke luxury experiences. Golfbreaks will also host a WGD event this summer (27 May to 3 June 2025) as part of the WGD 10th anniversary celebrations. Dolores Brown, head of tournaments at Golfbreaks, said: “Golfbreaks is passionate about facilitating more golf options for women and creating experiences that make golf less daunting for them, which perfectly aligns with the ethos of Women’s Golf Day. Taking a trip away with your golfi...
Olympic Esports Games: Riyadh to host inaugural edition in 2027
Middle East & Gulf, Other sports, Sports Business

Olympic Esports Games: Riyadh to host inaugural edition in 2027

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was also announced that the Road to the Olympic Esports Games will start this year. For the organisation of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), while the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become a founding partner.  IOC president Thomas Bach said: “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas.”  Prince Abdulaziz...
The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London
Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London

Ramy James Salameh headed to The Lensbury, a premier sports resort situated beside the River Thames in south west London, to enjoy a two-day tennis retreat alongside plenty of R&R. Framed and signed squad shirts, silver glinting trophy cabinets and a champions honours board are just some of the sporting memorabilia adorning the walls of The Lensbury Hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. It all reflects more than a century of sporting excellence, ever since its formation as a sports and social club in 1920. Today, its 25-acres of manicured lawns play host to some of the world’s best teams and sportspeople, who come to prepare and train ahead of major competitions. When England's Lionesses became European women's football champions in 2022, they used The Le...
NFL expands international series with games in Dublin and Melbourne
Editor's Pick, Events

NFL expands international series with games in Dublin and Melbourne

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the National Football League (NFL) has announced a major expansion of its international series with regular-season games set to be played for the first time in Dublin, Ireland, in 2025, and in Melbourne, Australia in 2026. The expansion not only accelerates the NFL’s global ambitions, but will boost the economies of both cities through international visitation and showcasing the tourism and sporting highlights of each destination. Held in partnership with the Government of Ireland and Dublin City Council, the 2025 NFL Dublin game will take place at Croke Park, the largest sporting arena in Ireland and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The Pittsburgh Steelers will play as the designated team for the historic first regular-seaso...
Sports travel bucket list: LEGENDS The Home of Football in Madrid 
Bucket List, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: LEGENDS The Home of Football in Madrid 

Located in the heart of Madrid at Carrera de San Jerónimo, 2, near the iconic Puerta del Sol, LEGENDS: The Home of Football stands as a premier destination for football enthusiasts. This seven-story museum offers an immersive journey through the rich history of the sport, showcasing a vast collection of memorabilia and interactive experiences. Exhibits and collections LEGENDS boasts more than 4,000 historical football artifacts, making it one of the most comprehensive collections globally. Visitors can admire match-worn shirts from iconic players, including those from the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as shirts from legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane and Andrés Iniesta. The museum also displays trophies from major tournaments such as the FIFA Wo...
Sports travel bucket list: ‘The Yard’ at Chicago Cubs’s Wrigley Field
Bucket List, Other sports, The Americas, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: ‘The Yard’ at Chicago Cubs’s Wrigley Field

Major League Baseball (MLB) team the Chicago Cubs have announced details of a new fan experience at the iconic Wrigley Field stadium.  Called “The Yard”, the outdoor area features five new semi-private rental spaces designed to help fans enjoy the excitement of the Budweiser Bleachers “as if they were in their own backyard”, a release said. The Yard offers a more “intimate vibe” with high-top seating, fully stocked coolers and a smaller premier experience not previously available at the ballpark.  Cale Vennum, Senior Vice President of Ticketing at the Chicago Cubs, said: “Fans often tell us that Wrigley Field is their summer home, so we wanted to create a space that feels like their own backyard. The Yard not only offers a cozy and intimate setting, but also addresses feedback we've ...
39 Hours to Kohima: a historic trek through India’s Naga Hills
Asia & Oceania, Editor's Pick, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

39 Hours to Kohima: a historic trek through India’s Naga Hills

If you want to mix a long-distance walking trip while retracing the footsteps of history, then read on. Organised by Sampan Travel, “39 Hours to Kohima” is a unique 10-day endurance trek through the Naga Hills in north east India which follows the historic route of the Assam soldiers in 1944.  Taking place in 2025 from 27 March to 5 April, the trek will go from the village of Jessami on the India-Myanmar border to Kohima, the capital of the north east Indian state of Nagaland. A maximum of 12 "trailwalkers" will cover more than 100 kilometres through the dramatic landscape of the Naga Hills. The history At midnight on 1-2 April 1944, a band of soldiers raced over the Naga Hills of north east India. Dodging Japanese gunfire, they succeeded in making it back to the small garris...
High-profile speakers lined up for the 2025 Outside Summit in Denver
Sports Business

High-profile speakers lined up for the 2025 Outside Summit in Denver

The second edition of the Outside Summit, part of the larger Outside Festival, will feature a line-up of high-profile speakers for the event taking place in Denver, Colorado, from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.   Bringing together key stakeholders, career veterans, and emerging talents, the multi-day Outside Summit includes some of biggest names in the outdoor industry with speaker sessions from the likes of Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix and CEO of Powder Mountain), Caroline Brown (global brand president of The North Face), Albert Lin (National Geographic explorer and TV host), and Alyssa Ravasio (founder of Hipcamp). Robin Thurston, founder and CEO of event organisers Outside Interactive Inc, said: “The summit is an embodiment of our mission at Outside, and ...
Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia set to generate AUS$1.3bn in visitor expenditure
Events, Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia set to generate AUS$1.3bn in visitor expenditure

World Rugby has unveiled the seven host cities for the 11th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. With 250,000 international visitors expected over the six-week period, the tournament is projected to generate AUS$1.3 billion in direct visitor expenditure across the country and seven host cities, while inspiring a nation to embrace rugby, aiming for 200,000 participants by 2029. Selected for their vibrant culture, world-class hospitality and scenic landmarks, the Rugby World Cup 2027 host cities are:  Adelaide | Tarntanya  Brisbane | Meeanjin  Melbourne | Narrm  Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi  Perth | Boorloo  Sydney | Gadigal  Townsville | Gurambilbarra  Perth | Boorloo will play host to the anticipa...
Dolomiti Valtellina Winter Youth Olympic Games 2028 to be a legacy of Milano Cortina 2026
Events

Dolomiti Valtellina Winter Youth Olympic Games 2028 to be a legacy of Milano Cortina 2026

Dolomiti Valtellina, in the Italian Alps, has been elected by members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the next Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2028.  Following a presentation by the project leaders during the 143rd IOC Session in Lausanne, it was confirmed that Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 will be the fifth edition of the Winter YOG. Competitions will take place only in existing venues across three clusters in Valtellina, Trentino and Cortina, returning to some of the venues that will be used for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The 2028 YOG will be part of the Milano Cortina 2026 legacy, and will reinvest in communities with strong winter sports traditions.  The project is led by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), and the governments of...
Diamond of the Alps: Gurgl’s World Cup ski race offers plenty of ‘altitude’
Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Diamond of the Alps: Gurgl’s World Cup ski race offers plenty of ‘altitude’

Ramy James Salameh puts on his skis and mixes it up with the world's best slalom skiers at the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Race in Gurgl, Austria – The Diamond of the Alps. The "snow gods" were looking down upon organisers of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup Slalom Race in Gurgl, a ski resort famed for its "altitude", long winter season and dramatic crucible of lofty peaks. Located at the end the Oetztal valley in Austria’s Tirol region, skiing takes place between 1,800m and 3,030m, meaning "divine intervention" is rarely required to ensure Gurgl has plenty of the white stuff, even as early as the season's opening ski weekend in November. A fresh blanket of powdery snow across the landscape and a cloudless sky, set the scene for the thrills and spills of World Cup ski racing, as well a...
Walkers’ Britain launches new ‘taste of’ UK walking trip collection  
Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Walkers’ Britain launches new ‘taste of’ UK walking trip collection  

European active holiday specialist Walkers' Britain, which is part of the World Expeditions Travel Group, has launched a new range of “taste of” trips for 2025. The trips are a curated collection of walking holidays with shorter distances that offer a perfect blend of active exploration, relaxation and cultural discovery. Designed by an expert team for walkers seeking bucket-list experiences without the time commitment, these trips are no more than six days' long, showcasing some of the UK's most iconic locations. From gentle walks through classic landscapes to exploring cultural treasures, the new itineraries feature carefully crafted routes with shorter distances and abundant opportunities to savour the journey. The new taste of trips focus on comfort and character, with handpicked...
Sports resort in focus: JA The Resort, Dubai
Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Sports resort in focus: JA The Resort, Dubai

Sporting enthusiasts will just love JA The Resort, which is located on a private 800m beachfront on the pristine shores of Jebel Ali in Dubai, UAE. The five-star all-inclusive destination comprises three distinct properties, more than 25 restaurants and bars, a world-class nine-hole championship golf course, an equestrian centre, watersports hub and shooting range.  Regarded as Dubai’s largest experience resort and spanning one million square metres of lush greenery, there are more than 40 activities and experiences that families, couples, solo travellers and groups of friends can enjoy during an active stay.  As well as golf, horse riding, swimming and diving, the resort is also home to the JA Sports Centre, a 168-acre sporting facility which can host professional teams and gra...
New Orleans: a sports travel city guide 
Destination Guides

New Orleans: a sports travel city guide 

New Orleans, in the state of Louisiana, is a city where sport and culture intertwines seamlessly. Whether you're cheering on the Saints, exploring iconic venues, or attending a major event, the “Big Easy” offers a rich tapestry of experiences for sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Add in its unique cuisine, vibrant music scene, and historic attractions, and you’ve got a destination that’s second to none. In 2025, New Orleans will be the focus of global sport as its iconic Caesars Superdome plays host to Super Bowl LIX on Sunday 9 February. It’s the 11th time the city has hosted the NFL’s showpiece fixture – eight times in the Superdome with the first three games taking place at Tulane Stadium. In this guide, we take a look at everything sport in New Orleans. Professional sport...
Balearic Islands sports events 2025 – marathons, cycling and more
Destination Guides, Events

Balearic Islands sports events 2025 – marathons, cycling and more

The Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – are set to have a busy sporting year in 2025, with events and activities attracting athletes and visitors from around the world. From marathons and cycling challenges to sailing regattas and tennis, the Balearic Islands offer something for all sports fanatics. Running events The Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon on 12 April invites participants to experience the beauty of Ibiza with race distances of 12km, 22km, and the full marathon. Runners will pass through scenic villages, coastal paths, and the island’s charming landscapes, before careering down the home stretch on the promenade of Santa Eulària des Riu, meaning racers of all distances finish as one.  On 23 March, the Caixabank Palma Half Marathon & 10K in the Ma...
Sports travel bucket list: The Wave Bristol surfing and glamping
Bucket List, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: The Wave Bristol surfing and glamping

The Wave, which opened in 2019 just outside Bristol in England, is an inland surfing destination that has become a hotspot for wave enthusiasts and beginners alike. With surfing, glamping, F&B and events on offer, The Wave is definitely one place to add to your sports travel bucket list. The centrepiece of The Wave is its 180m-long lake, powered by Wavegarden Cove technology. This state-of-the-art system generates consistent, high-quality waves suitable for all skill levels. Waves are designed to cater to various abilities, with sections for beginners, intermediate surfers, and advanced riders. Beginners can enjoy smaller, gentler waves ideal for learning, while seasoned surfers can challenge themselves with powerful barreling waves reaching up to two metres in height. The Wave’s...