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WXV: the new international competition for elite women’s rugby
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

WXV: the new international competition for elite women’s rugby

World Rugby has announced the first host locations and dates for WXV – the new international competition for elite women’s rugby. Starting in October 2023, WXV has a mission to raise the profile and competitiveness of women’s 15s by providing the global platform between Rugby World Cups to increase the reach, impact and value of the sport, growing the game as a whole. It will also double the number of annual international fixtures for most competing teams, combining with World Rugby’s “Accelerate” programme to raise standards at Rugby World Cup 2025 and beyond. Host locations Fresh off the back of hosting a record-breaking Rugby World Cup where the Black Ferns were crowned champions, New Zealand will welcome the world’s best women's teams in the six-nation top level WXV 1 across ...
2022 NFL Munich Game had €70.2m economic impact for the German city 
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2022 NFL Munich Game had €70.2m economic impact for the German city 

The National Football League’s (NFL) first-ever regular season international game in Germany was a success beyond the stadium in both economic and social impact. According to the 2022 NFL Munich Game Impact Assessment report, compiled by The Sports Consultancy Group, the event generated a total economic impact of €70.2m for the city of Munich, with €32.2m in direct spending. Played on 13 November 2022 at the Allianz Arena, home of German football giants FC Bayern Munich, the game saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-16. "The Munich game was a significant moment for the NFL in Germany and one that will live in the minds of those in the stadium and those who watched the game from around the world for many years to come,” said Dr. Alexander Steinforth, GM NFL Germany. ...

Motorsport: 2023 Isle of Man TT Races

For two weeks the Isle of Man is the place to be for riders, racers and motorsport enthusiasts. Taking place from 29 May to 10 June 2023, the Isle of Man TT motorcycle racing event will see the world’s greatest road racers gather to test themselves against the incredible “Mountain Course” – a 37.73-mile “beast of a course” carved out of the island’s public roads, said iomtt.com.   Boasting more than 100 years of such illustrious history, the TT is “rich in tradition and legends”, said visitisleofman.com. And this year is set to be “one of the most vibrant yet” – from the thrilling racing witnessed in Qualifying Week and Race Week, to the multitude of events taking place island-wide and attractions away from the track. For more information see iomttraces.com  Image: Visit Isle of ...
Sports resort in focus: Forte Village, Sardinia
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports resort in focus: Forte Village, Sardinia

Forte Village is a Sardinian paradise that’s often been named the world’s leading resort at the World Travel Awards. Home to many hotels, villas, Thalasso & Spa, restaurants and bars, sports academies and sporting facilities, Forte Village Resort also has a host of activities and offerings for guests to enjoy.  Sports and activities  Enjoy an active holiday at Forte Village and discover the pleasure of working out in the beautiful nature of Sardinia. Sports and activities include football, basketball, diving, tennis, golf, boxing, fencing, triathlon, and water sports.  Academies  Forte Village is renowned for its world-class academies, which include football, basketball, tennis, cycling, swimming and dance. In 2023 it has even more on offer. Children can practice rugby...

Ultra-marathon: 13 Valleys Ultra

A new ultra-marathon event, 13 Valleys Ultra, will be held in the stunning landscape of the Lake District National Park in England from 29 September to 1 October. Open to everyone, the event will feature three ultra distances – 60km, 100km, and 180km – as well as a 20km trail distance. The 13 Valleys distance (180km) is the pinnacle and will rank alongside some of the toughest tests of ultra running in the world. It represents an exceptional physical and mental challenge and is only open to experienced ultra runners.  This flagship event, in partnership with the Lake District National Park, will create the foundations of a year-round trail that links all 13 valleys of the Lake District National Park together for the first time. See more at 13valleysultra.com and visitlakedistrict.co...
Canary Islands: big sporting events in 2023   
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

Canary Islands: big sporting events in 2023   

With natural beauty, warm climate and a unique blend of activities, the Canary Islands are an ideal place to enjoy sport and adventure. In 2023, the islands will also play host to a number of big sporting events. Here we look at some of the sport event highlights coming up.  6 May: Bestial Race Fuerteventura The Bestial Race Fuerteventura will take place on 6 May, offering participants a new route through desert mountains and beaches with new obstacles. With two different routes to choose from, the race promises fun and excitement for everyone. 20 May: Lanzarote Ironman The 31st edition of the Lanzarote Ironman will take place on 20 May. Participants will tackle a challenging 3.8km swim, 180.2km cycle and 42.2km run. The event will also offer slots for the 2023 IRONMAN World Ch...
UNWTO: collaboration is key to maximise sport tourism’s potential 
Sports Business, Sports Travel

UNWTO: collaboration is key to maximise sport tourism’s potential 

Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has called upon the public and private sectors to “collaborate” to fully maximise sports tourism’s potential – and to achieve the goals of economic diversification, growth and sustainable development for destinations worldwide. Speaking at the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) in Zadar, Croatia, Pololikashvili said: “Sports tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximise its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in.” The second edition of the WSTC, held from 26-27 April 2023, was organised by UNW...
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host EPCR rugby finals in 2024
Events, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host EPCR rugby finals in 2024

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has confirmed that the 2024 Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The 2024 EPCR Finals Weekend will take place on Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May. Home to Premier League football club Spurs, the multi-purpose venue, which was opened in April 2019, has become a prime destination for a wide range of major events including NFL, boxing and music concerts. The stadium has previously hosted major rugby fixtures including two Saracens Gallagher Premiership ties and a Barbarian FC vs. All Blacks XV match.  Dominic McKay, EPCR chairman, said: “It is quite simply one of the most exciting venues in the world and an incredibly appropriate stage for next year’s showpiece...

Rugby union: 2024 EPCR Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals 

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has confirmed that the 2024 Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The 2024 EPCR Finals Weekend will take place on Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May. Hotels and experiences in London Hotels in London: Expedia | Hotels.com | LastMinute.com Experiences in London: BuyAGift | Red Letter Days | LastMinute.com Image: tottenhamhotspur.com   Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works with a number of affiliate partners. Products are sold directly by agents and operators. We may earn a commission should you choose to book any tickets or packages.

2024 ​​IAGTO European Convention, Malaga

Global golf tourism organisation the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) has announced that its European Convention will return to Andalucía in Spain in 2024. Held from 13-15 May 2024, the event will take place in the city of Málaga, the gateway to the “Costa del Golf”. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises almost 2,500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 90 countries including, at its core, 675 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries. IAGTO’s operators control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover more than €2.5bn per year. For event information and hotels see: Event details: iagto.com Hote...
Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,900...

2024 NFL Super Bowl LVIII, Las Vegas

The NFL Super Bowl LVIII will be held on 11 February 2024 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Home of the Las Vegas Raiders, the 65,000-capacity stadium will play host to the first Super Bowl in Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. “Being named a Super Bowl host city is a defining moment in the history of Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “An event of this magnitude combined with the energy of Las Vegas is going to be unmatched. Our entire city is committed to making Super Bowl LVIII the most electrifying sports spectacle ever. The NFL has been an incredible partner, and we look forward to working with their team, the Host Committee and our partners across our destination to showcase Las Vegas as ‘The Greatest Arena on Ea...

2024 NFL Draft Detroit

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held from 25-27 April 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The area around the Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza will serve as the event site for the NFL Draft, which has become one of the most anticipated sports events of the year. As part of the three-day event in Detroit, fans will be able to attend the NFL Draft Experience – the league's free interactive football theme park. “The 2024 NFL Draft will highlight all that makes Detroit and Southeast Michigan a great place to live, work, invest, and visit,” said organising co-chair and Visit Detroit president and CEO Claude Molinari. “Visit Detroit is proud to partner with Detroit Metropolitan Airport, local hotels, restaurants, and shops to create a best-in-class hospitality experience for visitors from touchdown to ta...

Fast5 Netball All-Stars 

The Fast5 Netball All-Stars championship will be held at The Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, on Friday 16 June 2023. Doors open at 4.30pm (BST). For ticket information go to See Tickets.  Image: fast5allstars.com

2023 UK Open Pool Championship

The UK Open Pool Championship, Britain’s biggest nineball pool open, will be held from 30 May to 4 June 2023 at The Copper Box Arena in London, England. For ticket information go to See Tickets.  Image: matchroompool.com  

Pitlochry Highland Games 

The Pitlochry Highland Games will take place on Saturday 9 September 2023 at Pitlochry Recreation Ground in Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, Scotland.  Attractions at the games include pipe bands, highland dancing, tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, tug ’o war, track events, children's races, cycling, massed pipe bands parade, stalls and catering. For ticket information go to See Tickets.  Image: pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk
Sports travel bucket list: best sports museums in UK and London
Bucket List, Guides

Sports travel bucket list: best sports museums in UK and London

If sporting history and memorabilia is your thing, then there are plenty of places to visit in Britain. From football and rugby to cricket and tennis, the UK has a wide range of world-class sports museums for fans to experience. Here we pick out some the best sports museums to visit in the UK and in London. Football museums National Football Museum Where: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, England Website: nationalfootballmuseum.comReview Scottish Football Museum Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland Website: scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk  Wembley Stadium Tour and Museum Where: Wembley, London, England Website: wembleytours.comHow to book: Buy a Gift | Red Letter Days  Arsenal FC Museum Where: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Road, ...
Bassmaster Classic fishing event nets $35.5m for Knoxville
Events, Sports Business

Bassmaster Classic fishing event nets $35.5m for Knoxville

The 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic not only shattered attendance and viewership records, but it also generated an economic windfall of more than $35.5m for the local community, according to numbers released by the Visit Knoxville tourism board. Regarded as the “Super Bowl of bass fishing”, the Classic Week activities in Knoxville, Tennessee, attracted a huge crowd of 163,914.  “Knoxville as a destination is the perfect fit for events like the Bassmaster Classic,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “From natural resources like the Tennessee River and surrounding lakes to the multiple venues hosting various events throughout the weekend, fans from all over the world enjoy an experience like no other here in Knoxville.” Fans travelling from across the US a...

Golf: 2023 ISPS HANDA World Invitational

Castlerock Golf Club will join Galgorm Castle Golf Club as co-host venue for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational from 17-20 August 2023. A tri-sanctioned golf event between the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, the World Invitational in Northern Ireland features two separate tournaments for men and women professionals, who will compete on the same courses at the same time. Every player will play one round at each venue over the first two days, before all the weekend action takes place at Galgorm Castle once the cut falls after 36 holes. 2022 winners Ewen Ferguson and Maja Stark (Image: worldinvitational.golf)  

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