Sport travel guides and sports events news

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

11Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests. The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning facilitie...

Hiking: HIGHLANDER Adventure, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

HIGHLANDER Adventure is set to take place in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, from 7-9 February 2025. This long-distance hiking challenge will offer hikers and adventure enthusiasts the chance to test themselves on the spectacular Jebel Jais mountain, home to the UAE's longest developed network of hiking trails at 80km. Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition will offer participants unparalleled hiking experiences in three signature formats. HIGHLANDER Pegasus is a 40km three-day backpacking challenge from 7-9 February and is named after the winged horse of Greek mythology and the constellation seen in the northern sky. HIGHLANDER Orion, is a 25km trek over two days from 8-9 February and takes its name from the prominent set of stars visible during winter in the northern cel...

HIGHLANDER Adventure returns to Ras Al Khaimah in February 2025

11Aug

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

HIGHLANDER Adventure returns to Ras Al Khaimah in February 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the return of HIGHLANDER Adventure, organised by HIGHLANDER, the world's largest international hiking association. Set to take place from 7-9 February 2025, this long-distance hiking challenge will offer hikers and adventure enthusiasts the chance to test themselves on the spectacular Jebel Jais mountain, home to the UAE's longest developed network of hiking trails at 80km. What makes this challenge even more memorable is the opportunity to hike through heritage and discover old Emirati settlements and active farms that will highlight the history and diversity of Ras Al Khaimah while showcasing how communities have lived and worked in this rocky region for centuries. Building on the success of previous years, the 202...

Cycling adventures in Sweden: the Lelångenleden trail

11Aug

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Holidays & Trips

Cycling adventures in Sweden: the Lelångenleden trail

The Lelångenleden is a new regional cycling route in Sweden stretching 180km from Uddevalla by the sea, through the lakes of Dalsland, and up to the forests of Årjäng in Värmland. This trail offers a diverse cycling experience suitable for all levels, featuring gravel roads, dense forests, and charming rural towns with cultural and natural attractions. Recognised by the Swedish Transport Administration, the Lelångenleden trail follows the historic Lelångenbanan railway line for much of its length, providing cyclists with a unique blend of history and nature. The route offers a diverse cycling experience, with roughly half its path consisting of hard-packed gravel roads with minimal traffic, making it both accessible and enjoyable. A collaborative effort for tourism and recreation ...

Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside

10Aug

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Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside

UK mountain bike venue BikePark Wales, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced plans to transform 400 acres of Welsh mountainside. NRW, which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since its first breaking trail in 2013, but a new lease has now been signed to rewild the mountain, add trails and accommodation. As part of the new 33-year lease, revenue from visiting mountain bikers will be invested in a “Future Forest Vision” that will see the vast majority of BikePark Wales’s mountain return to its natural state. The rewilding plan will see the site change in the coming decades from classic commercial forestry management to a regime that promotes biodiversity gains, improves the resilience...

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide

10Aug

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Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide

Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the French Alps, is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, encompassing seven resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, and Brides-les-Bains. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ski terrains, and luxurious accommodations, Les 3 Vallées is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Main image: Courchevel (credit: Les 3 Vallées/Alexis Brot) Top resorts in Les 3 Vallées Courchevel Overview: Courchevel is the most prestigious resort in Les 3 Vallées, known for its upscale hotels, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping. It’s composed of four villages, each at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 being the most glamorous. Sports appeal: The resort offers access to 1...

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

10Aug

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Sports Business

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

London Marathon Events has announced that Marathon Tours & Travel will be the official participant hotel provider of the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which next takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. The one-year partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel offer a variety of hotel accommodation options for UK or international runners who have already secured their entry into next year’s TCS London Marathon – the 45th edition. Marathon Tours & Travel’s expert support teams, based in England, will help participants, along with their friends, family and supporters, find the right place to stay ahead of marathon day, with accommodation that allows for easy access to the start and finish of the TCS London Marathon. Stays of one, two or more nights can be booked in carefully...

The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England

3Aug

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Venues & Stadiums

The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England

A new era of padel has arrived in north west England with the opening of The Hook Club at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Set in the landscaped grounds of Mottram Hall Hotel, The Hook Club opened its courts on 25 July offering an unrivalled location to play padel and socialise. Developed and installed by UK Padel Courts, the £400,000 padel venue is set to be a landmark destination for padel players of all abilities. The Hook Club, which is named after the padel shot ‘El Gancho’, instantly adds quality and a new dimension to the UK’s padel scene. The venue is open to anyone with a passion and interest in padel, with bookings via the padel booking app Playtomic. The venue boasts three world-class Superpanoramic padel courts designed and manufactured by Spanish-based Padelgest, provid...

Vienna, Chamonix and Reykjavik ranked the world’s best cities for running holidays

3Aug

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Vienna, Chamonix and Reykjavik ranked the world’s best cities for running holidays

Research by Iceland’s flagship airline, Icelandair, has revealed the world's best cities for running holidays, with Vienna coming out on top. The comprehensive study analysed the number of running routes, their average ratings and elevation, alongside nightly accommodation costs and safety of 20 popular running destinations, to reveal the best for your next adventure abroad. Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria, ranks as the best destination for a running holiday this year with an index score of 74/100. The city offers an abundance of running routes, with more than 1,008 tracks available within a 10-mile radius of the city centre. The average route review stands at an impressive 4.6, reflecting the well-maintained and scenic paths that meander through its historic streets and parks. V...

New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

3Aug

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New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

Situated on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the vibrant resort town of Vilamoura has announced the development of the new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, cementing the destination as a leading location for horse riding, showjumping, and activity-focused holidays. Benefiting from year-round sunshine and located in the heart of a stunning environmental park, the centre is set to become the largest and best-equipped equestrian facilities in Europe. The new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre will feature in the Winter Tour series organized by GRANDPRIX, a 20-week schedule from October to April of CSI3* and CSI4* and even 5* competitions, joining the likes of the Longines Deauville Classic, Chantilly Classic, Le Touquet Classic and Cabourg Classic, which attract some of the world’s leading showjumping perfo...

Qatar Airways partners with British & Irish Lions for Australia 2025 tour

3Aug

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Qatar Airways partners with British & Irish Lions for Australia 2025 tour

Qatar Airways has been announced as the official title partner and official airline partner of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2025. The tour will see the Lions – a combined team of the best rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – take on the Wallabies in three Test matches as well as a number of games against Australian teams. Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will host the first of three Tests on Saturday 19 July 2025. The second Test will be played on Saturday 26 July 2025 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the final Test will be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 2 August 2025. In preparation for the first Test, the Lions will face a combined Australian and New Zealand team at the Adelaide Oval, whi...

3Aug

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Guides

A guide to diving in Bermuda

Bermuda is a diver's paradise, offering crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life that will leave any underwater enthusiast in awe. The island is home to more than 300 shipwrecks, each narrating a tale of maritime history and adventure. The Cristóbal Colón, a Spanish luxury liner sunk in 1936, beckons advanced divers with its expansive wreckage and resident barracudas. This site, resting at depths between 15 to 55 feet, allows for an extensive exploration of the vessel's remains, where schools of fish dart in and out of the twisted metal. Equally captivating is the Hermes, an intentionally sunk US Navy ship that now hosts colourful corals and a variety of fish. This 165-foot-long boat, sitting upright in 80 feet of water, is ideal for both intermediate and advanced divers and is...

Philadelphia: a sports travel city guide

3Aug

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Guides

Philadelphia: a sports travel city guide

One of the most passionate sports cities in the United States, Philadelphia is home to iconic teams, state-of-the-art stadiums, and a sports culture that's deeply embedded in its identity. In this sports travel city guide, we explore the major sports teams, events, venues, and tourism attractions that make Philadelphia a must-visit destination for sports fans. Major sports teams Philadelphia Eagles (NFL): The Eagles are a cornerstone of Philadelphia sports, with a passionate fan base and a history that includes the memorable Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. Lincoln Financial Field, known as "The Linc", is renowned for its electric atmosphere on game days. Philadelphia Phillies (MLB): Established in 1883, the Phillies are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB). ...

Cycling in Lisbon: five scenic routes in Portugal’s capital

24Jul

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Holidays & Trips

Cycling in Lisbon: five scenic routes in Portugal’s capital

This August, La Vuelta a España, one of cycling's big three Grand Tours, sets off in Portugal’s capital city Lisbon for the first time since 1997, with stages one and two starting in the region. To celebrate, the Visit Lisbon tourism board has recommended five slow and scenic short rides for holidaymakers to explore the region on two wheels. Cais do Sodré to Belém This is one of the most popular routes in Lisbon and stretches for five miles along the Tagus River. The route starts in Cais do Sodré, home to the city's famous Time Out food market. Most of the trail sticks to a dedicated cycle path that is flat and easy to follow, and cyclists pass some of Lisbon's best known historic and cultural landmarks along the bustling riverfront, including the 25 de Abril suspension bridge. As th...

Salt Lake City-Utah to host 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics

24Jul

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Events

Salt Lake City-Utah to host 2034 Winter Olympics and Paralympics

Salt Lake City-Utah has been confirmed as the host of the XXVII Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2034. The decision was made by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris. The Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 delegation was led by the Spencer Cox, governor of Utah; Erin Mendenhall, mayor of Salt Lake City; Gene Sykes, president of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC); and Fraser Bullock, president of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games. IOC president Thomas Bach said: “Salt Lake City and Utah are long-time friends of the Olympic Movement, and we are confident that they will organise exceptional Olympic and Paralympic Games, just as they did years ago. The legacy of 2002 is tangibly and passionately alive in Uta...

PoB Hotels launches ‘Get Set, and Go’ tailored sports breaks

24Jul

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Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

PoB Hotels launches ‘Get Set, and Go’ tailored sports breaks

Amid an exciting summer of sport, PoB Hotels is encouraging guests to plan their own athletic staycation, pursuing their favourite British sport, or trying their hand at something new. PoB Hotels’s ‘Get Set, and Go’ features a variety of PoB Breaks predominantly centred around Britain’s five most-loved sports, inspiring guests to embrace their inner sportsman or woman in idyllic locations across the country, staying at some of the finest independent hotels. To celebrate the launch of these itineraries, double Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton has designed her own journey, taking in her favourite sports, and allowing guests to follow in an Olympian’s footsteps this summer. The first Break to launch is her own itinerary: "An Inspiring Sporting Odyssey: Victoria Pendle...

Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location

21Jul

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Teahupo’o, Tahiti: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games surfing location

Surfing returns to the Olympic Games, as a part of Paris 2024, for its second appearance on sport’s largest platform. While the majority of the Olympic sporting action will be held in the French capital, the surfing competition will actually take place in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. Why Tahiti? When the Paris 2024 Olympic organisers first considered the options for surfing, they looked at all possibilities, including their overseas territories. For the International Surfing Association (ISA), from a surfing performance point of view, there was no question about which location would provide the most exciting, most dramatic and most challenging playing field for the world’s best surfers: Teahupo’o. Olympic surfing in Tahiti will be a truly authentic experience enjoyed by local fans and interna...

On Location appointed FIFA World Cup 26 official hospitality provider

21Jul

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On Location appointed FIFA World Cup 26 official hospitality provider

Football's world governing body FIFA has appointed On Location as the official hospitality provider of the FIFA World Cup 26™. Taking place across Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July 2026, the global spectacle will be held in 16 host cities and feature 48 teams and 104 matches. Chosen following a thorough selection process, premium experiences, hospitality and travel provider On Location will help FIFA deliver its biggest-ever and most dynamic hospitality programme for the FIFA World Cup 26, offering ticket-inclusive fan experience packages for the world’s biggest single-sport event. From die-hard football fans to friends and families, and to companies hosting guests or employees, FIFA and On Location will provide options to suit all types of fans. The stadiums hosting...

Almaty Marathon generated $1.8m economic impact in 2023

21Jul

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Sports Business

Almaty Marathon generated $1.8m economic impact in 2023

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, will host the 13th edition of the Almaty Marathon on 29 September 2024 – the largest running event in Central Asia, which has become a catalyst for change in the region. The marathon has instilled a love of running in the people of Kazakhstan and has also had a tangible impact on the economy and the wider social sphere in Almaty and the entire region. In 2012, Kazakhstani entrepreneur Galimzhan Yessenov founded the "Courage to be First" corporate foundation. The foundation has now held more than 100 events attended by more than 200,000 people from all over the world. The flagship project of the foundation – the Almaty Marathon – has become an important driver of Almaty's economic development, attracting tourists to the city and stimulating the growth o...

Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try

21Jul

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Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try

With its moderate summer temperatures and close-to-nature lifestyle, Sweden has become a destination of choice for lovers of refreshing holidays. In southern Sweden, summer temperatures average around 20C to 25C, with occasional peaks of 30C. Rainfall is lowest on the islands in the Baltic Sea – such as Gotland, Öland and the archipelagos along the east coast of Sweden – and in valleys surrounded by mountains. Due to its high latitude, Sweden enjoys significantly longer summer days than those in more southern countries. Dense forests, lush greenery, fields of vibrant wildflowers, thousands of miles of coastline and no less than 100,000 lakes provide a huge playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Sweden promises a summer away from crowds and traffic, a place of tranquillity, and far-re...