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Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years with blockbuster tour
Events

Harlem Globetrotters celebrate 100 years with blockbuster tour

As one of the most recognisable teams on the planet marks its centenary, the Harlem Globetrotters are celebrating 100 years of sporting showmanship with a blockbuster world tour. The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour begins with a special event on Sunday 14 December at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with the full tour launching with games in Boston and Pittsburgh on Friday 26 December. The tour will continue on to more than 200 domestic markets in the US and more than 125 markets internationally, including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Mexico, and across Asia.  “There are very few brands in any business, let alone sports, that cannot just withstand but grow over the course of 100 years, and the Harlem Globetrotters are...
TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries
Events, Sports Business

TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 attracts record 123,000 ballot entries

Sydney’s status as a world-class sports tourism destination continues to accelerate, with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS attracting unprecedented global interest for its 2026 edition.  The iconic event, now part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM), has become a magnet for travelling runners, drawing tens of thousands of international visitors eager to combine a bucket-list marathon with a trip to one of the world’s most spectacular sports cities. The 2026 edition, taking place on Sunday 30 August 2026, will have an increased capacity targeting 40,000 finishers.  Record-shattering demand for the TCS Sydney Marathon is cementing the Harbour City’s position as one of the world’s premier sports tourism hotspots. The event’s latest ballot drew more than 123,00...

Globe Soccer Awards 2025 Dubai

The 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards will take place on Sunday 28 December 2025 at the luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.  This star-studded event will feature around 15 award categories, with final winners determined by a combination of fan votes and the GLOBE SOCCER Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of GLOBE SOCCER, said: “We are delighted to welcome once again the world’s top football stars to Dubai for the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards, this time at Atlantis The Royal. Dubai has been the host city for our event for 16 years, and the vision and ambition of the emirate’s leadership means it always provides an incredib...
Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal to host the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards
Events, Sports Business

Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal to host the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards

The luxurious Atlantis The Royal hotel on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is ready to roll out the red carpet and celebrate the best in world football as host venue for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments GLOBE SOCCER Awards. Taking place on Sunday 28 December 2025, this star-studded event will feature around 15 award categories on the night, including nine categories that are open to a worldwide public vote. The first round of voting is open until 27 November, followed by second round of voting to decide each winner from 3-11 December. Final winners will be determined by a combination of fan votes and the GLOBE SOCCER Jury, made up of legendary names such as Marcello Lippi, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, and Luis Figo. Tommaso Bendoni, founder and CEO of GLOBE SOCCER, said: “We ...
Val Thorens named world’s best ski resort in 2025 World Ski Awards
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Val Thorens named world’s best ski resort in 2025 World Ski Awards

The 13th annual World Ski Awards have been revealed and it’s Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, which was named the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ in recognition of setting the global standard for lift infrastructure, resort facilities and slopeside accommodation.  Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley in Utah was voted ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’, and Chalet Zermatt Peak claimed the stellar title of ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’. Hôtel Le Pashmina took the title for ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’ thanks to its exquisite facilities and ski-to-door access to Les Trois Vallées. In the newcomer categories, Japan’s Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO, the first lifestyle brand of the historic Okura Nikko Hotel Group, fought off entrants from Val-d’Isère and the Austrian Tyrol to claim the title for ‘Wo...
Sports travel trends 2026: predictions, experiences and destinations 
Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

Sports travel trends 2026: predictions, experiences and destinations 

Sports travel in 2026 is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever. As global sporting calendars accelerate and a new wave of fan culture rises, travellers are no longer content with simply attending events – they’re seeking experiences that blend sport, wellness, culture, and community.  The result is a fast-evolving landscape where elite tournaments collide with bucket-list destinations, grassroots movements sit alongside global mega-events, and technology is transforming the way fans engage on the road. In this round-up, we look at the biggest trends and predictions for sports travel and adventure travel in 2026.   Main image: Premier League football club Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium in London (Picture credit: Arne Müseler / arne-mueseler...
URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh 
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh 

Indoor adventure and sports-lifestyle destination company URWLD (‘Your World’) has confirmed that its first Middle East venue will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit held in Saudi’s capital city from 11-13 November 2025. Boasting more than a dozen adventure sports and experiences in one indoor facility, URWLD combines elevated hospitality with lifestyle-inspired food and drink experiences, appealing to both adventure-seeking participants and non-participants alike. For the past two years URWLD has been working closely with key government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, including, among others, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Set to open ahead of 2030, Riyadh marks the first step in URWLD...
Maison Sport backs GB Snowsport stars ahead of Milano Cortina 2026
Sports Business

Maison Sport backs GB Snowsport stars ahead of Milano Cortina 2026

Ski lesson booking platform Maison Sport has announced a new partnership as an official sponsor of GB Snowsport. This collaboration will support Britain's Alpine Men’s World Cup team – Dave Ryding, Billy Major and Laurie Taylor – as they prepare for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Founded by former members of the British ski team, Maison Sport has a deep-rooted passion for British Snowsports. This partnership marks a significant step for the company to further its commitment to supporting the UK Snowsports community, from grassroots talent to the highest levels of international competition. Nick Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Maison Sport, said: “As a former member of the British Ski Team, I understand all too well the dedication and hard work required to compete at th...
Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments
Events, Sports Business

Globe Soccer Awards extends partnership with title sponsors BEYOND Developments

The Globe Soccer Awards has extended its strategic partnership with BEYOND Developments, confirming the Dubai-born real estate brand as title partner for the 16th edition of the BEYOND Developments Globe Soccer Awards for a second successive year. Marking another milestone in the evolution of the Globe Soccer Awards, the renewed collaboration reinforces Dubai’s growing influence in the global sporting landscape and underscores a shared commitment to excellence.  Tommaso Bendoni, Founder and CEO of Globe Soccer, said: “BEYOND Developments has been an exceptional partner and we are delighted to continue this journey. Their dedication to innovation and high-quality experiences perfectly aligns with the spirit of Globe Soccer. This ongoing collaboration will continue to enhance the BEYON...
Apply for ‘The Coolest Job on Earth’ at the Antarctica Marathon
Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Apply for ‘The Coolest Job on Earth’ at the Antarctica Marathon

Forget the sports travel bucket list (for a minute), this is one for the life and career bucket lists. Marathon Tours & Travel is calling on runners, adventurers, storytellers, and content creators from across the world to apply for its most exciting campaign yet – “The Coolest Job on Earth”. This unique competition offers one lucky winner the chance to travel with the company to Antarctica in March 2026 and work behind the scenes at the world-famous Antarctica Marathon. The winner will travel to King George Island in March 2026, joining the Marathon Tours & Travel team in delivery of the Antarctica Marathon, which is held on 19 March 2026. They’ll be given the unique opportunity to experience one of the planet’s most extraordinary running events, and to connect with runners fr...
Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   

Padel and wellness, two of the fastest-growing trends in sport and active travel, are the focus of a new experience hosted by Goddess Retreats. The Padel Goddess Retreat in Seminyak, Bali, is the world’s first women-only padel, yoga, and wellness retreat – and one of the most exciting new additions to our global sports travel bucket list. Blending professional padel coaching with yoga, cultural rituals, unlimited spa treatments and boutique villa living, this seven-day, six-night all-inclusive retreat invites guests to play, connect and reset in a vibrant, supportive setting. Whether you're a curious beginner or a committed padel fan, this Bali getaway delivers movement, mindfulness and meaningful community in paradise. Why padel and wellness is the next big trend Padel’s rise isn...
Elevate your sporting experience in Paris
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Elevate your sporting experience in Paris

Seine-Saint-Denis was the beating heart of Paris 2024 and a major reason why the French capital has been ranked the world’s top sports city in 2025. Ramy James Salameh discovered the reinvention of the northern Parisian suburbs accelerated by the Olympics. Let me set the scene. I was swimming in France’s highest pool, some 140 metres above the ground beneath a neon sign declaring ‘head in the clouds’ and beside floor-to-ceiling windows looking out upon the gleaming venues of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. I’d checked into the H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel Resort in Seine-Saint-Denis a part of northern Paris which encompasses a collection of suburbs beyond the Périphérique, now boosted by the Olympics and evolving into a symbol of creative energy, cultural renewal and sporting legacy...
Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Ultimate ski bucket list: skiing under the Northern Lights tops poll

A survey by ski holiday specialist Heidi has revealed the No.1 ski bucket list experience for UK skiers. Topping the list by a considerable margin is skiing under the Northern Lights, voted the must-do adventure across all age groups.  Participants rated 30 iconic ski experiences they’d love to tick off at least once in their lifetime. The magic of gliding across snow while the aurora dances overhead scored almost twice as highly as the average activity – making it the undisputed favourite.  In second place was another nocturnal thrill: night skiing under the stars, followed by tackling the world’s longest on-piste run – the legendary 22km descent from Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche in the Zermatt-Cervinia ski area, crossing the Swiss-Italian border.  Interesting...
GCC sports tourism to surge as PwC highlights growth opportunities
Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Trends

GCC sports tourism to surge as PwC highlights growth opportunities

Forecast to surpass $2 trillion by 2030, the sports tourism sector is being propelled by mega-events, high-spending fans, active lifestyle movements and the rise of immersive, experience-led travel. But nowhere is this transformation more visible – or more strategically leveraged – than in the countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). According to “Game on for the GCC: Turning sporting ambition into lasting tourism impact”, a new report by PwC Middle East, the region has shifted beyond merely hosting world-class sporting events. It is now developing an integrated sports tourism economy – one that spans infrastructure investment, destination branding, digital innovation and year-round community engagement.  From Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking Esports World Cup, Qatar’...
A guide to cycling in Dubai 
Editor's Pick, Guides, Trends

A guide to cycling in Dubai 

Cycling in Dubai has evolved from a niche weekend pastime into one of the city’s fastest-growing lifestyle trends. Transformed into a world-class destination for cyclists of all levels, purpose-built tracks now weave through deserts, beachfronts and urban skylines, offering everything from leisurely scenic rides to high-performance training grounds.  Whether you’re a recreational rider looking for a safe morning loop, a commuter seeking eco-friendly alternatives, or a road cyclist chasing personal bests, Dubai delivers in style. From the sweeping Al Qudra desert trail to the bustling Nad Al Sheba and Meydan circuits, the city combines immaculate infrastructure with year-round sunshine and a thriving cycling community.  Where to ride in Dubai Located in the desert ap...
All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027
Editor's Pick, Events, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

All eyes on Ireland as golf’s Ryder Cup heads to Adare Manor in 2027

With Europe clinching a dramatic Ryder Cup victory over the USA at Bethpage Black, all eyes now turn to Ireland as the countdown begins for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, where golf’s greatest team event will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Team Europe stars Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy played pivotal roles in New York, with Lowry delivering the decisive half point that ensured Europe retained the coveted trophy in front of packed galleries. Ireland’s Ryder Cup roots run strong, with Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke among recent captains, having also provided unforgettable moments such as McGinley holing the winning putt in 2002 and Clarke’s performance at the K Club in 2006, when Ireland last hosted the event. The Island of Ireland is no stranger to hostin...
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz unveils new Alpine Sports Lounge & Boutique
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Kulm Hotel St. Moritz unveils new Alpine Sports Lounge & Boutique

The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, a five-star luxury hotel located in the Engadin valley in St. Moritz, has unveiled the Kulm Alpine Sports Lounge & Boutique for winter 2025-2026. A reimagining of the traditional ski room, where pioneering design meets alpine performance, every detail sets guests up to enjoy their time on the mountains, from “avant-ski” rituals to peak performance equipment and ski concierge services.  Designed by Foster + Partners, the introduction of the Alpine Sports Lounge & Boutique is the first phase in a transformational new era for the iconic Kulm Hotel – the place that makes winter and continues to shape the future of luxury in the Alps. Heinz Hunkeler, general manager, said: “Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has been the original winter playground ever since we ...
Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026
Guides

Verbier, Switzerland: a winter sports travel guide for 2025-2026

Verbier, an Alpine village in Switzerland’s Valais Canton, is set to deliver one of its most ambitious ski seasons yet. From November 2025 right through to the end of April 2026 – a total of 151 skiable days – winter sports lovers will have half a year to carve up Switzerland’s most iconic terrain. Weekend-only access starts the season in November before the full lift system opens daily from early December. High-altitude pistes up to 2,700m and extensive snowmaking (63% coverage) make for reliable conditions from the first snowfall to spring’s final après-ski. Two rapid gondolas whisk skiers from the 1,500m village to summit terrain in under 11 minutes – meaning powder laps before breakfast are practically a given. Verbier anchors the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest linked ski ar...
Seat Unique completes acquisition of Circuit Hospitality
Sports Business

Seat Unique completes acquisition of Circuit Hospitality

Premium ticketing platform Seat Unique has completed the acquisition of Bristol-based business Circuit Hospitality in a move that reflects the rapid growth of the UK’s premium experience economy and rising demand for live experiences. By bringing Seat Unique and Circuit Hospitality together, fans will now have greater access to premium experiences across some of the UK’s most iconic events and venues, including Manchester United Football Club, Wembley Stadium, and Everton Football Club. The acquisition significantly expands Seat Unique’s network of rights holder partnerships, creating more choice, more availability and more ways for fans to enjoy unforgettable live moments. It also enables rights holders to reach new audiences, unlock additional revenue, and deliver an enhanced premium ...
Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

Glasgow 2026 (officially the XXIII Commonwealth Games) returns the Games to Scotland after Glasgow’s successful 2014 event. The city will stage a streamlined, cost-conscious edition following the withdrawal of Victoria (Australia) as host; organisers emphasise financial sustainability, reuse of existing venues and a tight, fan-friendly footprint. An estimated ~3,000 athletes from around 74 Commonwealth associations are expected to attend. When Victoria pulled out amid cost concerns, Glasgow stepped in with a plan built around existing facilities and a smaller programme. The Commonwealth Games Federation and Scotland’s partners backing the bid have focused on delivering the atmosphere and TV-ready competition of the Games while avoiding the large capital outlay typical of recent multi-sp...

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