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Qatar’s Lusail City secures T100 Triathlon World Championship Final return in 2026
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Qatar’s Lusail City secures T100 Triathlon World Championship Final return in 2026

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and Visit Qatar have announced the 2026 Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final will take place at Lusail City for the second year running, on 10-12 December 2026. Qatar’s waterfront city is preparing to host the climax to this season’s T100 Race To Qatar on the 2026 T100 Triathlon World Tour.  The event sees the world’s best professional triathletes race head-to-head in locations around the globe, starting on the Gold Coast in March and taking in iconic venues such as Singapore, San Francisco and London, before finishing with an end-of-season showdown at the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final.  "We’re looking forward to returning to Lusail City later this year,” said Sam Renouf, PTO CEO. “Its waterfront pr...
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‘Sportification’ of travel: how sports events have reshaped luxury tourism
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Sports Travel, Trends

‘Sportification’ of travel: how sports events have reshaped luxury tourism

A blockbuster calendar of global sporting events is set to fuel unprecedented travel demand in 2026 and beyond. From the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl in February to the FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and Formula 1’s highly anticipated debut in Madrid, major sporting spectacles will draw fans across continents.  As sport and luxury travel become increasingly intertwined, travellers are looking beyond the action on the field, court and track, seeking exclusive access, premium hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that transform major events into unforgettable journeys. According to luxury travel network Virtuoso, nearly one in seven travellers now cite sporting events as a key motivator for their travels, with a growing ap...
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Bucket-list marathons: The world’s most in-demand marathons for 2026
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Bucket-list marathons: The world’s most in-demand marathons for 2026

For runners planning their 2026 race calendar, securing a place at some of the world’s most sought-after marathons may prove as challenging as completing the events themselves. A study from SportsShoes.com has revealed the marathons generating the highest demand relative to the number of places available, highlighting a growing trend in sports tourism as runners travel the globe in search of unique race experiences. The research, published as part of the company’s latest Running Report, analysed global Google search volumes over the past 12 months and compared them with official finisher numbers from each event’s most recent edition. By measuring the number of searches per finisher, the study identified which races attract the greatest level of interest compared to their participant ...
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Boston takes centre stage for the UK’s home nations in FIFA World Cup
17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides

Boston takes centre stage for the UK’s home nations in FIFA World Cup

It’s getting mightily close and excitement is building for the greatest football festival on earth, so here at Sports Tourism News we thought we would wet the appetite with a FIFA fan’s guide to Boston. Boston is gearing up to steal the show as one of the lead host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the city will be pulsing with football from June 13 to July 9. Seven matches land in the region, including two Scotland group games, an England group game, and a quarterfinal, all at the iconic Boston Stadium in Foxborough. But the party won’t be confined to the pitch. Boston City Hall Plaza will transform into the Official FIFA Fan Festival™: 16 days of free, public celebrations showcasing the city’s creativity and community. Expect live match screenings, appearances by FIFA legends,...
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Austria’s Ötztal Valley is filled with surprises to peak your interest
4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Austria’s Ötztal Valley is filled with surprises to peak your interest

The Ötztal Valley connects Hannibal, James Bond and high-altitude ski challenges, peaking the interest of Ramy James Salameh who returned back to a landscape that also covets around 250 peaks over 3,000m. At the entrance to the Ötztal Valley you will find a sign pointing towards ‘AREA47’, an eye-catching name and one that could easily be mistaken for a military training base for secret agents! It is, in fact, Austria’s largest outdoor adventure park; a thrill-seekers haven maybe even heaven, most definitely a training ground for adventurists and the odd professional 'cliff diver' courtesy of a 27m high dive-board, the centre-piece of a 20,000sqm swimming lake within Austria’s. Area47 is the introduction to one of Austria’s most exhilarating valleys. One that is surrounded by about 25...
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Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Rocco Forte Hotels’ grand European golf tour

Here’s one for the golfers… hospitality group Rocco Forte Hotels has introduced “The Grand European Golf Tour”, a curated collection of golf experiences across its European destinations, created in partnership with Golf Travel Centre.  Guests can combine stays at Rocco Forte's celebrated hotels with play at Europe's most prestigious courses, all within easy reach of the properties. From historic championship layouts in Scotland to the award-winning fairways of Verdura Resort in Sicily, each experience is designed for discerning golfers seeking world-class sport complemented by culture, cuisine, and renowned hospitality. The hotels and destinations The Balmoral, Edinburgh: Standing at the east end of Princes Street, The Balmoral combines Scottish heritage with contemporary fiv...
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Sports travel bucket list: the new Porto Carras Athlos event in Halkidiki
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: the new Porto Carras Athlos event in Halkidiki

The Porto Carras Athlos is a new three-day international sports tourism and wellness event that will be held for the first time in northern Greece, at the highly acclaimed Porto Carras Grand Resort in Halkidiki.  Located alongside a nine-kilometre sandy coastline, the resort is surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton.  Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness centre, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.  About the Porto Carras Athlos The event...
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Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Events

Sports travel bucket list: run the ‘world’s most remote marathon’ in St Helena in 2027

Runners and adventure travellers can now sign up for the “world’s most remote marathon”, taking place for the first time in St Helena on 28 February 2027, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in one of the most extraordinary races on Earth. Set in the heart of the South Atlantic, this marathon is far removed from the crowds and noise of city races. Instead, participants will experience a subtropical paradise with dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush green highlands and sweeping ocean views, all while testing their endurance in one of the world’s most isolated destinations. About the event Runners can choose between a full marathon (42.2km), half marathon (21.1km), 10km or 5km distance, all starting in the grounds of Plantation House, the residence of the island’s G...
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Luxury wellness tourism: Marriott International and Lefay confirm joint venture
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Luxury wellness tourism: Marriott International and Lefay confirm joint venture

Marriott International and the Leali family, founders of Lefay, have announced their plans to enter into a joint venture to bring the highly awarded luxury wellness hospitality brand Lefay into the Marriott portfolio.  This collaboration combines Lefay’s approach to holistic wellbeing with Marriott’s global scale, and the power of its award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty platform. Lefay will be the first brand in Marriott’s portfolio dedicated exclusively to luxury wellness. Founded in Italy in 2006 by Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali, Lefay is known for its immersive resorts in natural settings and its proprietary Lefay SPA Method, which blends scientific research with holistic wellness traditions. The brand’s philosophy centers on space, serenity, and sustainability and aims...
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Las Vegas announced as host city for the NFL Super Bowl LXIII in 2029
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Las Vegas announced as host city for the NFL Super Bowl LXIII in 2029

The Super Bowl will touch down in Las Vegas once again, with the National Football League (NFL) confirming that the Nevada city will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium.   The 65,000-capacity, climate-controlled venue will play host to one the world's biggest annual sporting events, promising an incredible night of sporting thrills with that extra injection of classic Vegas showmanship. The announcement marks yet another jewel in Las Vegas’s crown, hot off the heels of hosting another successful Formula 1 Grand Prix and Rugby League game all within the last six months. A press conference in Las Vegas took place after the announcement, featuring remarks from LVCVA Board Member and Chair of the Clark County Commission, Michael Naft, and Las Vegas Raiders Senior...
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Five Iron Golf: Dubai’s best sports bar to watch live sport in 2026
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf: Dubai’s best sports bar to watch live sport in 2026

Five Iron Golf has established itself as one of the city’s top venues to watch live sport. From football, golf and Formula 1 to UFC, rugby and major international tournaments, fans can expect unbeatable views of the action thanks to 50 high-definition screens spread across the venue, a buzzing atmosphere, and premium F&B options that elevate every matchday.  Located at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, the flagship venue spans more than 32,000 square feet, making it the largest Five Iron Golf in the world. Its scale and design allow fans to enjoy live sport from every angle – whether relaxing in Five Iron's modern gastropub, the revamped Dirty Birdie Sports Bar & Social, or booking a private simulator for an upgraded viewing experience.  Groups can take ...
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Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby returns in 2026 as one of the most iconic dates on the global sporting calendar, blending elite thoroughbred racing with a spectacle of Southern culture, fashion and tradition.  Taking place on 2 May 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the race is widely known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and forms the opening leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown alongside the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is expected to attract more than 150,000 spectators, alongside millions of viewers worldwide, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event in the sports tourism landscape. With a purse typically exceeding $3 million, the Derby brings together the top three-year-old thoroughbreds from across the United States and beyond, ea...
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Tennis travel: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Tennis travel: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella

With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.  In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.  At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_-Sb5VAjA Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spa...
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Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway

With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.  This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice. To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs. Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal r...
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Seat Unique acquires P1 Travel: ‘Demand for premium experiences has never been stronger’
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Seat Unique acquires P1 Travel: ‘Demand for premium experiences has never been stronger’

Seat Unique has acquired P1 Travel, a provider of premium tickets and hospitality packages for sporting events worldwide.  The acquisition creates one of the most comprehensive global platforms for premium live experiences, accelerating international growth, enabling rightsholders to reach wider audiences, while giving fans access to more official packages than ever before. The agreement comes at a time of rapid growth in the premium live events market, fuelled by accelerating demand within the experience economy. Consumer spending on luxury experiences continues to rise, with prices in the ultra-luxury segment increasing by 90% globally since 2019, highlighting a strong shift towards experience-led spending. This trend is further reflected in consumer behaviour, with 78% of mille...
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Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete

As the peak summer crowds begin to fade and temperatures soften across the Mediterranean, early autumn is emerging as the ideal window for fitness-focused travellers seeking a more restorative escape. One for the sports travel bucket list is an exclusive fitness and wellness retreat held at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete – part of the Elounda Collection – in partnership with Common Bond from 13-20 September 2026.  Guests will take part in a fitness and rejuvenation retreat led by Common Bond’s team of expert trainers across Barrecore, KOBOX, Triyoga and Reformcore, offering participants a premium and well-rounded fitness and wellness experience. New for this year’s retreat will be the incorporation of Reformer Pilates, combining high energy with low impact to deliv...
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Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...
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Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad

A major new sports enclave is set to transform Ahmedabad into one of Asia’s leading sports tourism destinations, following the unveiling of a landmark masterplan led by a consortium of BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design. Located along the Sabarmati River, the development will create a dynamic, multi-use sports district that blends elite competition venues with public spaces, positioning the city as a year-round hub for both international events and community activity. The timing of the project aligns with Ahmedabad’s growing global sporting ambitions. Also known as Amdavad, the city has been confirmed as host of the Commonwealth Games centenary edition in 2030, while Gujarat will also stage the 2029 World Police & Fire Games. Together, these events are expected to accelerat...
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Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup

Development plans have been unveiled for a landmark horse racing venue in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City. A part of the long-term plans, the venue will become the new permanent home of the US$20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.  Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences." Featuring a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, the venue is designed to support a broad range of intern...
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Simone Biles named Mandarin Oriental’s first global wellness ambassador
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Simone Biles named Mandarin Oriental’s first global wellness ambassador

Mandarin Oriental has made a golden appointment in its wellness team. The hospitality giant has announced Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, as its first-ever global wellness ambassador.  Regarded as one of the defining athletes of her generation, in her new role Biles will collaborate with Mandarin Oriental's wellness board, sharing her insights and perspectives with the group's recognised specialists in lifestyle performance, meditation, movement, nutrition and sleep to help shape future programmes and experiences.  She will support and participate in global storytelling, campaign activations and the development of innovative wellness initiatives aligned with Mandarin Oriental's evolved wellness strategy, integrating mental, emotional, and physical bala...
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