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Almaty Marathon generated $1.8m economic impact in 2023
21Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
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...
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Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try 
21Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

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...
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Olympiastadion Berlin: a guide to the Euro 2024 final host stadium
7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Venues & Stadiums

Olympiastadion Berlin: a guide to the Euro 2024 final host stadium

The Olympiastadion Berlin, a symbol of architectural grandeur and historical significance, stands as one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. Situated in the western part of Berlin, Germany, this stadium has witnessed numerous historic events since its inception. Olympiastadion Berlin serves as the home ground for German club Hertha BSC and will host the Uefa Euro 2024 final on Sunday 14 July 2024. The stadium was originally constructed for the 1936 Summer Olympics, an event overshadowed by the political climate of the time. Designed by architect Werner March, the stadium was a masterpiece of its era, showcasing the grandeur and ambition of the time. The opening ceremony, attended by Adolf Hitler, remains one of the most infamous moments in Olympic history. Despite the dark hi...
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Paris: a sports travel city guide
7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides

Paris: a sports travel city guide

This summer Paris will be the centre of the sporting world when the French capital city hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The "City of Light" is renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, yet, beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it’s also a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts.  With a diverse array of teams, stadiums, and sporting attractions, the city offers a comprehensive sporting experience that appeals to both locals and tourists. In this feature we look into the sporting landscape of Paris... Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Iconic venues Stade de France: Located just north of the city in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in France and a venue of huge significance. It was built for the 1998 Fifa World Cup, which host nation Fra...
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Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol
7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Editor's Pick

Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich sporting heritage. While the town is famously known for skiing, Kitzbühel also offers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, the combination of challenging courses, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious amenities makes Kitzbühel a premier golfing destination. The area also boasts 12 exclusive golf hotels, ensuring a luxurious stay with pure enjoyment.  Golf courses in Kitzbühel Kitzbühel is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering four diverse golf courses and 54 varied holes on site, two of them in the town centre, and 12 more in the immediate vicinity. As each course is unique and different in its own way, it is well worth playing all ...
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Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats
7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a chal...
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Barcelona: a sports travel city guide
6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Europe

Barcelona: a sports travel city guide

Catalonia’s capital city Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, Mediterranean charm, and is also a must-visit destination for sports fans. From its world-famous football club to its major stadiums, Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of sporting history and excitement.  In this feature, we dive into the heart of Barcelona's sporting scene, looking at its teams, venues, historic moments, and travel tips for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this sports-loving city. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter FC Barcelona: more than a club No discussion about sports in Barcelona can begin without mentioning FC Barcelona, or Barça, as it is affectionately known. Established in 1899, the club is more than just a football team – it's a symbol of Catalan i...
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Istanbul: a sports travel city guide
6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides

Istanbul: a sports travel city guide

Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium was the focus of the football world when it hosted the Uefa Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter in June 2023. Having previously hosted the showpiece event in 2005 – a classic between Liverpool and Milan – the 76,092-capacity stadium was scheduled to host the 2020 final then the 2021 final, but the games were moved to Portugal because of the Covid-19 pandemic.   In this sports travel guide we look at Istanbul’s sporting history, professional clubs and major events.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter About Istanbul Vibrant and historic, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and located at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia. Geographically, the city straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the...
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The Formula 1 Exhibition to open at Excel London in August 2024
30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

The Formula 1 Exhibition to open at Excel London in August 2024

London has been announced as the next city to host The Formula 1 Exhibition, following ground-breaking runs in Madrid, Vienna and Toronto. Opening on 23 August 2024 at ExCeL London, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with pieces of motorsport history and delve into the world of F1.  Having launched to widespread critical acclaim in Madrid, the London show is set to be the biggest F1 exhibition show to date, with a number of new additions, including soon-to-be-announced iconic F1 cars, and historic memorabilia.  New for London, a partnership with Silverstone Museum will bring to life unique stories from the British Grand Prix. State-of-the art racing simulators using official F1 gaming equipment will also feature, giving visitors the chance to experience what i...
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UK’s ‘experience economy’ contributes £134bn, report reveals
30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

UK’s ‘experience economy’ contributes £134bn, report reveals

Modelling by Barclays and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has revealed that the UK’s ‘Experience Economy’ – encompassing all businesses that provide consumers with unique and memorable experiences, such as sporting events, holidays and live entertainment – contributes an estimated £134bn to the broader UK economy, a figure greater than the GDP of Morocco. Between now and 2027, CEBR projects that the UK’s experience economy, which employs an estimated three million people, will grow by an average of 2.6%, surpassing the equivalent figure for the UK economy as a whole (1.6%), to reach an estimated contribution of £146bn. Much of this growth is fuelled by rising consumer appetite for experiences. Nine in 10 (90%) of the hospitality, leisure and retail businesses wh...
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Rugby World Cup 2023 generated €871m economic impact for France
30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2023 generated €871m economic impact for France

South Africa were not the only winners of Rugby World Cup hosted in France in 2023. The 10th edition of the men’s flagship event generated €1.8 billion of spend and a net input of €871 million for the host country, according to an impact study commissioned by the French Ministry of Sport and produced by EY. Assessing the three main type of impacts (economic, social, environmental) with comparable methodology to other major international sporting events, the comprehensive report gives an in-depth analysis of Rugby World Cup’s clear hosting benefits to boost the host nation’s economy, drive positive social change and reduce the global carbon footprint inherent to international competitions. Report highlights: Rugby World Cup 2023 delivered a net input of €871 million for France’s e...
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Explora Journeys named global partner of the 37th America’s Cup
8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Explora Journeys named global partner of the 37th America’s Cup

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has been announced as a new global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The pinnacle of global yacht racing, the America’s Cup is the oldest competition in international sports, and will this year take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 August to 27 October.  The 37th America’s Cup will see teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and France race in the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series before the ultimate showdown as the triumphant challenger earns the right to face off against defending champion, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the illustrious Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match. Since its inception in 1851, the America's Cup has symbolised sailing's pioneering spirit, f...
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Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin
8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Asia & Oceania, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences, Wellness & Fitness

Sports wellbeing: ‘Total Golf Enhancement’ retreat at Chiva-Som Hua Hin

Chiva-Som Hua Hin in Thailand has expanded its health and sports wellbeing offering with the launch of the “Total Golf Enhancement” retreat. Combining time on the golf course with specialised fitness training, wellness cuisine, health and wellness consultations, and holistic therapies, the retreat supports golfers in developing their overall game, as well as post-golf muscle recovery and relaxation. Every Chiva-Som retreat begins with a health and wellness consultation, enabling the expert team to tailor a programme to each individual guest's wellbeing needs and goals. In addition to this, the Total Golf Enhancement retreat includes a golf fitness assessment followed by golf fitness training and a golf lesson that supports endurance, range of motion, strength and balance, as well as red...
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Walking holidays along Turkey’s Lycian Way with Inntravel
27May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Walking holidays along Turkey’s Lycian Way with Inntravel

Walking holiday specialises Inntravel has released two new hotel-to-hotel walking trips along the Lycian Way on Turkey’s southwestern coast. Intended for those who have a real sense of adventure and relish challenging hiking, each trip explores a different stretch of the 520km-long Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance walking route which marks its 25th anniversary year in 2025.  Inspired by bygone civilisations and the beautiful ancient pathways, the route was pioneered by British expatriate Kate Clow, with a view to preserving and protecting the small communities from the advancement of mass tourism.  To reveal the best of the country’s Mediterranean coastline, Inntravel has opted for the eastern section on The Pirate Coast of Lycia and the western section on Seven Cap...
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Innsbruck: summer activities in the ‘Capital of the Alps’
27May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Innsbruck: summer activities in the ‘Capital of the Alps’

Surrounded by mountains, the Innsbruck region in the Austrian Alps includes scenic landscapes, picturesque villages and a wealth of cultural and historic attractions in the city. Here are some of the best reasons to visit Innsbruck in the summer. Hiking The Innsbruck region is blessed with a wealth of hiking trails through all types of terrain from alpine meadows and mountainsides to the centuries-old stone pine forests of the Zirbenweg trail between Patscherkofel and Tulfes or the larch forests of the Obsteiger Larchsteig trail. With the free Innsbruck Welcome Card, guided hikes are available to explore the region in all its glory. Provided with a stay of at least two nights at selected partner hotels and accommodation, the Welcome Card also includes free public transport in the reg...
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Traws Eryri: tackle Snowdonia’s ultimate mountain biking route with Adventure Tours UK
23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Traws Eryri: tackle Snowdonia’s ultimate mountain biking route with Adventure Tours UK

Adventure Tours UK, a B-Corp-certified adventure travel company that creates world-class UK holidays for outdoor enthusiasts, has launched the ultimate mountain biking tour in Snowdonia, north Wales.  The Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain biking tour invites bikers to embark on a 225km adventure along Britain’s newest long-distance off-road cycling route this summer, pedalling up the equivalent of Wales’s highest mountain, Snowdon, more than four times. The Traws Eryri route itself was announced by Cycling UK just last year.  Claire Copeman, co-founder of Adventure Tours UK, said: “The Traws Eryri route is set to elevate the UK’s offering for multi-day mountain biking and our tour guides riders every step of the way. Climbing Wales’ steep hills and tackling its varied ...
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KE Adventure Travel acquires Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays
23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

KE Adventure Travel acquires Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays

KE Adventure Travel, the specialist walking and cycling tour operator based in England’s Lake District, has acquired leisure cycling brands Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays from Manchester-based international running and cycling tour operator, Sports Tours International. The addition of these two established brands will greatly enhance KE's current cycle offering, with their focus on easier European cycling routes. Ashley Toft, CEO of KE Adventure Travel, said: “We are delighted to welcome Freewheel Holidays and Wheel2Wheel Holidays to KE and to the wider Voyageurs du Monde group. They are two brands with a loyal customer base and a strong online presence, and we look forward to developing both brands, and accelerating our growth in this buoyant leisure cycling market.” KE...
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Worcestershire’s cricket ground renamed ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road’
23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Worcestershire’s cricket ground renamed ‘Visit Worcestershire New Road’

The Visit Worcestershire tourism board has signed a naming rights deal for Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s New Road home ground. Now officially called “Visit Worcestershire New Road”, the partnership will showcase the very best of Worcestershire around the world and encourage more visitors to the English county. The renaming of the ground marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to promote Worcestershire as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and sporting excellence. By aligning with Visit Worcestershire, the club is combining its rich heritage with the vibrant attractions and natural beauty that Worcestershire has to offer.  Ashley Giles, CEO of Worcestershire CCC, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Visit Worcestershire in renaming our historic g...
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NFL confirms 2024 International Games in São Paulo, London and Munich
22May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

NFL confirms 2024 International Games in São Paulo, London and Munich

The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule of the 2024 International Games that will be played in São Paulo, Brazil; London, England; and Munich, Germany.  This season’s International Games will begin in São Paulo in Week 1 of the regular season – with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday 6 September at Corinthians Arena.  Minnesota Vikings will kick off the league's return to Europe on Sunday 6 October as they play the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London – the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the United States. The following Sunday, 13 October, the Chicago Bears will play the Jacksonville Jaguars, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The London focus then shifts to Wembley Stadium as the Jaguars tak...
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Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course
12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Golf, Middle East & Gulf, Venues & Stadiums

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, has announced the name and designs of its golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Set to open in 2025, Shura Links promises a one-of-a-kind golf experience, offering Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course with holes on the water, marina views and spectacular fairways framed by the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with world-leading environmental consultants, Shura Links is guided by the highest sustainability standards, addressing a number of areas in tandem such as water-use reduction and innovative re-use of irrigation for habitat development.  “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visually...
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