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Legends El Clásico: Qatar Airways offers unique holiday packages for Doha fixture
Trips & Experiences

Legends El Clásico: Qatar Airways offers unique holiday packages for Doha fixture

Qatar Airways, in partnership with Qatar Tourism, has announced unique travel packages for football fans to witness a special Legends El Clásico match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on 28 November 2024 at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. The packages are inclusive of return flights, accommodation and match tickets, seamlessly allowing global fans to travel to Doha and watch the legends from various eras of Spain’s biggest sports rivalry. To book flight plus hotel packages to Doha with match tickets for the Legends El Clásico see qatarairways.com/elclasico The legends match will take place during an action-packed week of sport for Qatar, which also stages the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix from 29 November to 1 December 2024. Steven Reynolds, Qatar Airways H...
Visit Anaheim showcased with Anaheim Ducks away jersey sponsorship
Sports Business

Visit Anaheim showcased with Anaheim Ducks away jersey sponsorship

The Anaheim Ducks and Visit Anaheim have announced a new partnership agreement, beginning with the 2024-2025 National Hockey League (NHL) season, that sees the tourism organisation’s logo feature on the team’s away jerseys.  Visit Anaheim, the official sales and marketing organisation for the Californian city, will be the first ever partner to have its logo featured on a Ducks away shirt. As the Ducks travel during the 2024-2025 season, Visit Anaheim will be showcased to hockey fans across North America. This partnership represents a commitment to promoting Anaheim as a world-class travel destination, driving continued tourism growth.  Mike Waterman, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim, said: “It’s an honour to be the first away jersey sponsor of the Anaheim Ducks, marking a sign...
Cairngorms National Park tourism brands launch winter travel campaign
Sports Business

Cairngorms National Park tourism brands launch winter travel campaign

More than 370 tourism organisations in the Cairngorms, Scotland, have joined forces to promote the UK's largest National Park as the ultimate winter travel destination for 2024.  Led by Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP), the Cairngorms National Park Where Winter Comes to Life! campaign is showcasing more than 1,700 square miles of Highland winter wonderland filled with seasonal magic, including the UK's only free ranging reindeer herd at Glenmore, Balmoral Castle & Estate at Crathie, Aviemore Ice Rink, Tomintoul & Glenlivet Dark Sky Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre at Kincraig and the Highland Wildlife Park. The CBP is working with tourism businesses across the region to help extend the season and bring bu...
Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025: tickets launched as Rory McIlroy confirms title defence
Events

Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2025: tickets launched as Rory McIlroy confirms title defence

Northern Irish golf star Rory McIlroy has confirmed that he will defend his title at the 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Tickets have also launched for the DP World Tour men's golf event, which will take place at the historic Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, UAE, from 16-19 January 2025. Excitement is building among golf fans as the World No.3 aims to become the first ever five-time champion of the Desert Classic. Previously a tournament winner in 2009, 2015, 2023 and 2024, McIlroy will aim to lift the Dallah Trophy for the third consecutive time, and fifth overall. McIlroy will headline a world-class list of competitors at the prestigious Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour’s 2025 Race to Dubai schedule, which offers a $9 million prize pool. McIlroy said: “I’m thrilled to be returni...
IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025
Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Conv...
World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees
Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees

World Travel Awards has announced the 20 nominees shortlisted for the World's Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 award – with voting is now open ahead of November’s gala ceremony.  In 2023, Qatar’s capital city Doha was the winner of the award, ending Abu Dhabi’s winning run from 2013 to 2022. Dubai (2012) and South Africa (2011) have also previously won the title.  Five nominees have also been announced for the World’s Leading Sports Academy 2024 award. The nominees are Aspire Academy in Qatar, Cascade Wellness Resort in Portugal, Forte Village Resort in Italy, Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort in the USA, and La Manga Club in Spain. Voting is now open until 20 October 2024 for both categories, with the winners revealed at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala C...
G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

G Golf Ireland’s guide to Dublin’s best golf courses 

Dublin is the main gateway to Ireland with more than 30 million passengers passing through its international airport every year. Founded by the Vikings more than 1,000 years ago, Ireland’s capital is now a bustling, vibrant city that has grown up among its ancient heritage.  There are more than 100 golf courses within the greater Dublin area so there is plenty of choice. Golf travel company G Golf Ireland has picked out its favourite golf courses in Dublin to consider as part of your next golfing trip to Ireland. Portmarnock Old: Multiple host of the Irish Open, the Walker Cup, the Amateur Championship and this year's Women's Amateur Championship, Portmarnock is considered to be the most famous Dublin venue. A very fair test of pure links golf, Portmarnock ranks at No.37 in the ...
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: ticket sales launched at Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps
Events, Sports Business

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: ticket sales launched at Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps

On Tuesday 1 October ticket sales for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 international women's football tournament were launched at a special event held at the iconic Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. Located 3,454m above sea level, the magnificent Aletsch glacier set the stage for a match between two teams of football legends and future stars. The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 will be held from 2-27 July 2025 in eight host cities across Switzerland, including Basel (opening game and final), Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun and Sion. In total, around 720,000 tickets have been made available for the tournament with sales for the general public now open via womenseuro.com/tickets. With this first ticket release, more than 250,000 tickets for all 31 matches of the tournament...
Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills
Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills

Famous as the destination that produces one of the world’s most popular drinks, Italy’s Prosecco hills are also a Unesco World Heritage Site (awarded in 2019).  Saddle Skedaddle’s gentle, seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the vineyards of Prosecco begins with a ride favoured by the locals in the foothills of the Montello, before climbing to the town of Asolo; designated one of Italy’s most beautiful.  Crossing the Piave River into the heart of the Prosecco region, the route passes vineyard after vineyard, including Conegliano Valdobbiadene which produces Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and the exclusive DOCG Cartizze sparkling wine. After exploring the lakes around Revine, Lago di St Maria, and Lago di Lago, the final few days in the saddle takes riders past some of t...
Festival of Sport: tickets now on sale for 2025 event
Events

Festival of Sport: tickets now on sale for 2025 event

Tickets are now on general sale for the Festival of Sport 2025 which will take place at Packington Estate in Warwickshire, England from 1-4 August 2025.   Co-founded by England international rugby stars Will Greenwood and Austin Healey, the Festival of Sport offers children the opportunity to try dozens of sports in a single weekend, to learn from the best and primarily to enjoy all of the benefits of sports participation with family and friends, old and new.  Sporting legends over the weekend include Olympians, Paralympians, world record-holders and international capped stars. They actively participate throughout the weekend, coaching and playing alongside youngsters – and making time to have fun with accompanying adults too.  The 2025 event kicks off at a new venu...
Hong Kong: a sports travel city guide 
Destination Guides

Hong Kong: a sports travel city guide 

Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline, dynamic culture, and bustling urban life, also boasts a thriving sports scene. The city offers a mix of local and international sporting events, outdoor recreational activities, and world-class venues. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual traveller looking to experience a unique aspect of Hong Kong, there's something here for everyone.  One of the most popular sporting events is the Hong Kong Sevens, a premier rugby sevens tournament held annually at Hong Kong Stadium attracting fans from around the world. In addition to marquee events, Hong Kong is a hub for hiking and trail running due to its mountainous terrain. The city's unique geography also makes it a perfect spot for water sports as well, including drag...
Snomad Ski Resort Awards 2024: Lech Zürs named best overall ski resort
Sports Business

Snomad Ski Resort Awards 2024: Lech Zürs named best overall ski resort

Lech Zürs, located in Austria's Arlberg region, has been named the best overall ski resort in the inaugural Snomad Ski Resort Awards. Launched during the 2023-2024 winter season, ski resort comparison website Snomad currently has 1,204 ski resorts listed on its website, with more than 78,800 community-led ratings built up over one winter season. Using data from its website, Snomad created 20 award categories with the top three ski resorts in each, then awarded gold to the resort with the highest rating. This meant the awards were “truly impartial”, according to the company.  One of the primary aims of Snomad is to create an engaged community of skiers and snowboarders supporting each other to find resorts and hidden gems, based on the factors that are important to them, with data acr...
Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign
Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign

Tennis legend Roger Federer has teamed up with Switzerland Tourism (ST) to promote the beauty of the Swiss autumn season. In a video shot outdoors amid the majestic scenery of the Swiss mountains, Federer stars alongside acclaimed Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.  Inspired by Mikkelsen and the vibrant autumn landscapes, Federer showcases a playful side of himself like never before. The teaming up of Federer and Mikkelsen is part of the largest autumn campaign in the history of the tourism board. Precisely targeting the European markets – France, Germany, Italy, BeNeLux, the UK and the Nordics – the new campaign video shows Federer and Mikkelsen humorously attempting to produce an advertising spot designed to showcase the many facets of the Swiss autumn. "I love autumn and all its co...
Sail Croatia adds new 2025 ‘hike cruise’ luxury and national park options
Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Sail Croatia adds new 2025 ‘hike cruise’ luxury and national park options

Sail Croatia has boosted its ‘hike cruise’ programme for 2025 with the introduction of a new 'national park' themed cruise plus a choice of luxury hike cruise options. Guests can hike their way through Croatia's National Parks on a themed itinerary that is perfect for nature lovers looking for a relatively laid-back holiday. Guests will enjoy easy hikes averaging around 1.5 hours per day on relatively flat terrain with highlights including visits to the turquoise-tinted Plitvice Lakes, exploring the many waterfalls, inlets and river systems of Krka National Park, plus taking in the dramatic views along the karst cliffs of Telascica Nature Park. Cruising on one of Sail Croatia's Premier ships ensures they will have all the creature comforts they need to relax in style with en-suite ca...
Enjoy Illinois becomes destination partner of Crystal Palace FC
Sports Business

Enjoy Illinois becomes destination partner of Crystal Palace FC

The Illinois Office of Tourism has signed a partnership with Crystal Palace, which sees Enjoy Illinois become the official destination partner of the English Premier League club.  Enjoy Illinois will be displayed on the LED boards at the club’s Selhurst Park stadium in London, as well as interview backdrops and in-stadia televisions. Enjoy Illinois will also sponsor the halftime challenge at Selhurst Park and will run competitions throughout the season where fans can win prizes. The Eagles visited Chicago, Illinois, in 2023 during their pre-season tour and returned to the United States earlier this summer for the second successive year, playing in the Stateside Cup. Crystal Palace will also be returning to Illinois for the next Premier League Mornings Live, taking place in Chica...
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: UAE to host October event 
Editor's Pick, Events

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: UAE to host October event 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. The event, scheduled to take place from 3-20 October, will now be staged in Dubai and Sharjah. Geoff Allardice, ICC chief executive, said: “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event. I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn’t feasible. However, they will retain hosting rights. “We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the n...
Japan Airlines Lounge opens at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium
Sports Business

Japan Airlines Lounge opens at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Liverpool Football Club held the grand opening of the Japan Airlines Lounge at Anfield Stadium on 25 August. The new hospitality venue marks a key milestone in the multi-year partnership announced in June, which saw JAL become the Premier League club’s official airline partner.  Located in the Main Stand at Anfield, and accessible through purchased hospitality packages, the Japan Airlines Lounge offers a vibrant space with a three-course menu and exceptional matchday service. Occupying the former 1892 hospitality space, the lounge will be open during Liverpool’s home matches.  Unveiled ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brentford, which the Reds won 2-0, the new lounge design offers a fresh and unique experience that blends Japanese hospit...
Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 
Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, com...
Road cycling holidays: Morocco’s Atlas Mountains 
Africa, Cycling & Biking, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Road cycling holidays: Morocco’s Atlas Mountains 

With an ever-expanding network of quiet tarmac roads, there’s never been a better time to explore Morocco’s Atlas Mountains by bike. Saddle Skedaddle’s 10-day road cycling holiday takes a challenging route over the mountainous landscape to let riders experience some tough climbs and exciting descents.  Beginning in Marrakech, the trip starts with a steady climb into the Toubkal National Park before joining the old Marrakech to Agadir road to one of the prettiest towns in the High Atlas, Ouirgane. Tackle one of Africa’s highest paved roads, the infamous Test Pass (Tizi-n-Test), before exploring the vast expanse of the Souss Valley. The Anti-Atlas Mountains provide more exhilarating riding as the landscape changes from argan forests to wild moorland.  After a well-earned rest...
Action Outdoors launches 2024-2025 UCPA skiing holidays for 18-30s
Trips & Experiences

Action Outdoors launches 2024-2025 UCPA skiing holidays for 18-30s

Action Outdoors, the UK arm of not-for-profit French organisation UCPA, has launched an expanded programme of ski and snowboard holidays for young people for the 2024-2025 winter sport season. Like all of its holidays, the emphasis is on all-inclusive value for money in UCPA centres in some of the top French ski resorts including Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Les Arcs. There’s now more than 300 holidays across the winter that are specifically for the 18-30 age group, with 18-25s benefiting from even further discounting on price. All 18-30 Club Exclusive holidays mean the centres are blocked off exclusively for that age group. Prices start at £541pp (18-25s) and £551pp (18-30 Club Exclusive weeks), including seven nights’ full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner, full ...