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Cycling: 2023 Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain returns for its 19th edition from 3-10 September 2023. Taking place over eight stages, the cycling event forms part of the UCI ProSeries and will visit England and Wales en route to crowning its next overall champion. The eight stages are:  Grand Depart – Sunday 3 September: Altrincham to Manchester  Stage two – Monday 4 September: Wrexham Stage three – Tuesday 5 September: The Howdens Stage Goole to Beverley Stage four – Wednesday 6 September: Sherwood Forest to Newark-on-Trent Stage five – Thursday 7 September: Felixstowe Stage six – Friday 8 September: Southend-on-Sea to Harlow Stage seven – Saturday 9 September: Tewkesbury to Gloucester Stage eight – Sunday 10 September: Margam Country Park to Caerphilly Fans can enhance their race day ...
Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do
Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Sport in Scotland: events, activities and things to do

It may be the land of whisky, Munros, the Highland Games and football's Old Firm, but for many people across the world Scotland is the home of one thing… golf. With some of the best courses in the world - Gleneagles, St Andrews Old Course and Carnoustie to name just three - Scotland is the place that every amateur and professional golfer wants to experience.  It’s not just golf that sports travellers should visit Scotland for though. With its magnificent terrains, lochs and mountains, the country is a haven for winter sports and outdoor activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Best beaches in Scotland Major sporting events in Scotland Highland GamesEvents usually take place across Scotland throughout the ...

2024 Finkstonball Baseball and Softball Festival, Austria

Described as Europe’s biggest baseball and softball festival, Finkstonball will be held at the A’s Ballpark in Attnang-Puchheim, Austria from 17-20 May 2024. Founded in 1997, more than 110 teams from 24 different countries have travelled to the small town of Attnang-Puchheim, 46 miles from Salzburg, to take part in the celebratory weekend, MLS said. During the day fans can enjoy baseball and softball tournaments and at night a music festival. See more at finkstonball.com  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrYVyEZXfRo
Inter Miami and Messi’s new home: Miami Freedom Park stadium to open in 2025 
Venues & Stadiums

Inter Miami and Messi’s new home: Miami Freedom Park stadium to open in 2025 

There’s big things happening on and off the pitch at Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami CF. As well as star signing Lionel Messi banging in the goals and the team winning the 2023 MLS Leagues Cup, the MLS club co-owned by David Beckham has announced that construction has now started on its new 25,000-seater stadium.  The Miami Freedom Park & Soccer Village, located near Miami International Airport, will be a 131-acre mixed-use development featuring the football-specific stadium, a public park and entertainment district. Scheduled to open in 2025, the timeline “aligns with the last year” of Messi’s current Inter Miami contract, which he signed in mid-July, MLS.com said.  Alongside football and athletic fields and a 58-acre public park, which will be the larg...
Villa La Massa Excellence: Tuscany hotel launches new supercar event
Events, Hotels & Resorts

Villa La Massa Excellence: Tuscany hotel launches new supercar event

Villa La Massa, a stunning Medicean villa on the banks of the Arno River in Italy’s Tuscany region, will host its first ever supercar event: Villa La Massa Excellence. Taking place from 13-15 October 2023 in collaboration with Italian agency Canossa Events, the three-day event will be dedicated to iconic collectors’ supercars from the 1980s to 2000 and the finest hospitality. The schedule for Villa La Massa Excellence features a culinary celebration on 13 October, a full-day car show on 14 October (open to the public), and a morning drive through the rolling hills of the Chianti region on 15 October with a visit to a local winery. Visiting guests will also be able to explore the historical and cultural wonders of Florence, which is only 15 minutes away by shuttle from the...

2024 Snow Polo World Cup St Moritz

The Swiss alpine resort town of St Moritz will host the 39th Snow Polo World Cup from 26-28 January 2024. Since 1985, teams from around the globe have competed for the Snow Polo World Cup on the frozen lake of St Moritz. The three-day tournament offers spectators the chance to see high-class polo played against the “magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped mountains” of the Engadin Valley. Social events will also be held on the lake and in the town’s first-class hotels.  For event details and hotels see: Event: snowpolo-stmoritz.com Hotels in St Moritz: Expedia | Hotels.com Holidays in St Morits: LastMinute.com     Image: snowpolo-stmoritz.com Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works with a number of affiliate partners. Products are sold directly...

Ice hockey: 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend Toronto

The 2024 Honda National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Weekend will be on 2-3 February 2024 at the home of the Maple Leafs – Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. It’s the ninth time that Toronto has hosted an All-Star Game and first since 2000. The NHL hasn’t held an All-Star Weekend in Canada since 2012 when the Ottawa Senators hosted the event.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8vR--iHTaY “We are thrilled to bring the NHL All-Star Game back to Toronto for the ninth time, and to shine a spotlight on our current stars in a setting that evokes over a century of League history,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Toronto fans are among the most knowledgeable and passionate in our game and the city’s rich hockey history dates back to the creation of the sport. What better place to play ...
A guide to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India
Events

A guide to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India

The 13th ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will take place in India between 5 October and 19 November 2023. Featuring ten nations, the 50-over one-day international (ODI) tournament will be held across 46 days in 10 host cities. Venues and host cities The 10 stadiums and host cities: Arun Jaitley Stadium, DelhiBharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai Ekana Cricket Stadium, LucknowEden Gardens, KolkataHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, DharamsalaChinnaswamy Stadium, BengaluruMA Chidambaram, ChennaiMaharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, PuneNarendra Modi Stadium, AhmedabadRajiv Gandhi International Stadium, HyderabadWankhede Stadium, Mumbai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msc6xy6a7e8 Teams  The ten countries that will compete for the trophy are:  India (h...

ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023

The 13th ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will take place in India between 5 October and 19 November 2023. Featuring ten nations, the 50-over one-day international (ODI) tournament will be held across 46 days in 10 host cities. Venues and host cities  Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow Eden Gardens, Kolkata Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru MA Chidambaram, Chennai Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Teams  India (hosts) England (holders) Afghanistan Australia Bangladesh Netherlands New Zealand Pakistan Sou...
Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain
Sports Travel

Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain

It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.  Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It's the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event. “Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca will...
Ryder Cup 2023 host venue: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy
Sports Travel

Ryder Cup 2023 host venue: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Italy’s climate and stunning landscapes also makes it the perfect country to play golf in.  Italy is home to more than 250 golf courses, including the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, host venue of the 44th Ryder Cup. All eyes will be on the world-class Italian venue as Team Europe and Team US go head-to-head in the popular men’s golf event from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2023 – just a week after the women's Solheim Cup in Spain.  In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the US convincingly regained the Ryder Cup with a record 19-9 victory. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will be looking to lead Team Europe to victory as they aim to win back the famous gold trophy.  The perfect se...

2023 Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival

The autumn edition of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023 with a number of new events. The latest addition is a 5k Dash in the Dark Walk which aims to raise funds for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. There will also be a chance to delve into the history of Northwood House and its 23-acre estate with an unrestricted access tour alongside three new walks focused on caring for the environment, including a litter picking session and beach clean.  The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information. 
Scenic to host Paris-Seine sporting legends cruise ahead of 2024 Olympics
Holidays & Trips

Scenic to host Paris-Seine sporting legends cruise ahead of 2024 Olympics

Cruise guests can sail with two of Great Britain’s finest Olympians, Steve Redgrave and Daley Thompson, on a round trip from Paris, just weeks before the French capital city welcomes the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. The special-edition “sporting legends” sailing, hosted by Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, will be held from 8-15 July 2024. During the eight-day sailing guests will get the opportunity to join a private question-and-answer session with Thompson and Redgrave. The duo, who have won seven Olympic medals between them, will also join guests for an exclusive concert at Château de La Roche Guyon, where they will share Olympic memories and reveal what it takes to be a champion.  Scenic’s eight-day cruise, starting and finishing in Paris, calls at Cornflans, Rouen, Hornfleur, ...
Laguna Phuket: water sports, golf and sporting events in southern Thailand 
Guides

Laguna Phuket: water sports, golf and sporting events in southern Thailand 

The Laguna Phuket destination resort, which is set against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, is home to seven world-class hotels and premium facilities spanning more than 1,000 acres of lush parkland and beachfront. With an award-winning 18-hole golf course, luxury spas, dining options, international sporting events, and experiences, Laguna Phuket offers a relaxing island getaway. Situated on 3km of white sands along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket boasts wide-open, relaxing spaces and is just a 25-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. Thailand’s largest island boasts excellent connectivity across the region and internationally, with direct flights from more than 70 countries.  Hotels Cassia Phuket (Image: Laguna Phuket) With more than ...
Backcountry ski tourism surges in Afghanistan and Iraq
Holidays & Trips

Backcountry ski tourism surges in Afghanistan and Iraq

There has been a boom in people taking up backcountry skiing, according to adventure travel company Untamed Borders, with tourists increasingly seeking wilder, more obscure and more remote locations to ski, including the likes of Afghanistan and Iraq. Untamed Borders has run ski trips to Afghanistan since 2011 and Iraq since 2017, but there has been a noticeable trend post-pandemic of more people seeking virgin ski routes. Sales of backcountry skis increased by 81% in 2020, according to Snowsports Industries America, and the sector has continued to be buoyant since – with backcountry snowboard sales also spiking by 146%. As countries opened up after lockdown, that new wave of interest in the sport translated into people seeking new destinations to ski in and increasingly travellin...
UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland
Events, Sports Business

UCI Cycling World Championships attracts record crowds in Scotland

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland have taken the sport to “new heights”, according to UCI president David Lappartient. It’s estimated that one million spectators turned out to watch the 11-day festival of cycling, while millions more tuned in around the world. The final event of the programme, the Women Elite Road Race, brought the curtain down on the inaugural event that has seen 13 UCI world championships combined into one mega event for the first time ever. Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky claimed the top spot following a thrilling finish to the race that saw tens of thousands line the route between Balloch and Glasgow. It was the first time the women’s elite road race has closed a UCI World Championship, with 207 riders (including women under-23) taki...
Flandrien Hotel: a dream retreat for cyclists in Belgium
Hotels & Resorts

Flandrien Hotel: a dream retreat for cyclists in Belgium

Flanders, the Flemish region of Belgium, is world renowned for its cycling – especially on its iconic cobbled lanes. Home to many beautiful routes and its own annual race on the UCI World Tour, Flanders has become a must-visit destination for travellers on two wheels.  The region is also home to the Flandrien Hotel, which is described by the Daily Mail as the “ultimate place to stay for cyclists”, and a place which “pays homage” to “pedal power”. This boutique cycling-themed hotel in Brakel, Flemish Ardennes, has accommodation for up to 40 guests, plus a bike collection regarded as one of the “best in the world”, according to Cyclist magazine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4rCVzstFuY Not just any cycling hotel… The Flandrien Hotel describes itself as a “home away from hom...
Event in focus: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival 2023
Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival 2023

The Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival returns from 7-15 October 2023, featuring some old favourites and new unique routes. This popular event makes the most of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entire island.  The majority of walks are led by local volunteers, keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just “show-off” their favourite walk on the Isle of Wight – and with limited spaces, booking is recommended. The festival’s website is now updated with the latest walks and booking information.  Images: visitisleofwight.co.uk Charitable and historic walks New for the 2023 autumn edition is a fundraiser for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The 5k “Dash in the Dark” aims to bring together attendees and supporters of the HIOWAA to ra...
F1 Las Vegas GP: book a ‘$1m all-access experience’ with Wynn Las Vegas
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

F1 Las Vegas GP: book a ‘$1m all-access experience’ with Wynn Las Vegas

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas in November for its much-anticipated Saturday night street race. And in what could be the ultimate F1 bucket list item, six fans could be set to have the best race weekend ever – providing they can rustle up a cool $1m between them. From 16-18 November 2023, the luxury Wynn Las Vegas hotel is offering a “million dollar all-access experience” which includes a number of exclusive activations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.  Described by the hotel as a “no-holds-barred race experience like none other”, each $1m package provides admission for a group of six people to the following: six Wynn Grid Club passes: access to the private, members-only Wynn Grid Club, an ultra-exclusive area within the F1 Paddock Club. Entry to this private club is reserved for VIP...
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi teams up with South African Tourism
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi teams up with South African Tourism

Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain, has been named as the new global brand ambassador for South African Tourism. The Springboks skipper, 32, is part of a new campaign that celebrates South Africans who are making waves on the global stage in their various fields including sports, arts and culture, and academia. “With the Rugby World Cup starting in September in France, and as the Springboks prepare for the upcoming tournament, Siya is the perfect person to partner with South African Tourism in our marketing and promotional efforts as we seek to attract more travellers to come to visit our country,” said Nomasonto Ndlovu, acting CEO of South African Tourism. “He is an exceptional South African whose story and journey inspire people from various parts of the ...

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