Sport travel guides and sports events news

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

25Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

Adding to Saddle Skedaddle’s growing list of iconic cycling journeys, the new 22-day guided road cycling holiday from Barcelona in Spain to Porto in Portugal takes riders on an epic 935-mile adventure along the Iberian Peninsula. Starting in Barcelona, the route leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the wide-open skies of southern Catalonia. After weaving through endless vineyards in the Penedès wine region (homeland of Cava), the scenery transforms into oak and pine forests in the foothills of the Prades Mountains. Crossing the River Ebro for the first time, the quiet village of Bot marks the gateway to the rugged Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains as the scenery changes again, with jagged limestone cliffs rising against the open sky. Passing through an...

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia: the stadiums and host cities

24Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Venues & Stadiums

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia: the stadiums and host cities

Eight world-class stadiums across seven cities in Australia have been selected to host games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, fans can expect venues with cutting-edge facilities, perfectly suited for this expanded edition featuring 24 teams. Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup in Australia, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium. Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while North Queensland Stadium in To...

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2026

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships return in 2026 and will once again run back-to-back, with the women’s WTA 1000 event from 15-21 February, followed by the ATP 500 men’s tournament from 23-28 February. In 2026, the championships will have one of the strongest WTA 1000 line-ups in its history, featuring all of the world’s top 20 players for the Women’s Week from 15-21 February. The 2026 field features a complete set of top-ranked stars, including 2025 champion Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff alongside Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic. Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said: “Women’s tennis continues to set new standards for competitiveness and quality. With the top ...

Saint Lucia’s sporting pedigree creates sports travel legacy

21Jan

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Saint Lucia’s sporting pedigree creates sports travel legacy

Some destinations defy their size, bursting with sporting legends and adventure. Saint Lucia is one such nation and island that may be small, but its influence in sports and active-adventure is immense. Ramy James Salameh visited to explore and discover what makes this Caribbean paradise a true sports travel powerhouse. Wherever I found myself in Saint Lucia, I was never far from a vibrant billboard celebrating Julien Alfred's historic victory in the 100m sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She not only brought home the island’s first ever Olympic medal but dazzled the world with a gold in the 100m and a silver in the 200m, both blue-ribbon events of the Summer Games. The impact of her achievements is as powerful as Saint Lucia’s volcanic landscape, and the seismic reverberations are ...

Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

10Jan

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Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

Europe’s event-driven tourism sector grew by 7% in 2025, with sport emerging as a central engine of growth, driving significant economic impact for destinations and local communities across the continent. According to a comprehensive analysis by Mabrian and Data Appeal, both Almawave Group companies, the sports category accounted for the largest share of event-related tourism expenditure, highlighting professional matches and major competitions as major tourism magnets. Across the 12 European markets studied – including Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, the UK, Germany, and France – sports accounted for 41.4% of all event-driven tourism spending, outpacing other event types. Markets such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Greece stand out for their heavy reliance on sports events, where the...

Marriott Bonvoy and International Cricket Council sign global partnership

10Jan

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Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Marriott Bonvoy and International Cricket Council sign global partnership

Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed a strategic partnership which will see Marriott International’s travel platform appointed as the ICC's official accommodation partner through to 2029. The deal gives Marriott Bonvoy’s 260 million members the opportunity to embrace the excitement of the game across continents and showcases Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive offerings to cricket’s passionate global fan base. Peggy Roe, EVP and chief customer officer, Marriott International, said: “Cricket continues to grow as a global sport, with rising fan engagement worldwide and momentum. With more than two billion fans globally, we are proud to serve as the ICC’s official accommodation partner and look forward to delivering exclusive access and once-in-a-lifetime expe...

Golf 2026 events calendar: majors and biggest tournaments

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Golf 2026 events calendar: majors and biggest tournaments

Golf fans around the world can look forward to a packed international calendar in 2026. At the heart of the season are the four men’s majors and five women’s majors, each offering its own legacy and challenge. On the men’s major schedule the Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National in April, followed by the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open Championship in July, where golf’s oldest major will again draw massive global attention. The women’s game takes centre stage across five majors, reflecting its rapid international growth. The Chevron Championship tees off the major season, while the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open continue to elevate the global reach of elite women’s golf, att...

Rugby union 2026 calendar: international Tests and club finals

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Rugby union 2026 calendar: international Tests and club finals

The 2026 international rugby union calendar promises a packed year of elite competition, major tournaments, and high-stakes Test matches across both hemispheres. With World Cup cycles resetting and new formats emerging, the global game will showcase rising nations, historic rivalries and expanded international windows designed to grow rugby’s reach. The year begins with the traditional northern hemisphere showpiece, the Six Nations Championship (February-March 2026). England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy will battle across five intense rounds, with France and Ireland expected to continue their rivalry at the top of European rugby. Running parallel in Asia and the Americas are key regional championships and qualification fixtures as unions prepare for the next Rugby World C...

Football 2026 events calendar: major tournaments and finals

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Football 2026 events calendar: major tournaments and finals

Football in 2026 is set for a landmark year shaped by the biggest tournament in the sport: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged across Canada, the United States and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Featuring 48 teams for the first time, the expanded format brings more matches, more host cities, and an unprecedented festival of global football. From the opening game in Mexico City to the final in New York/New Jersey, the World Cup will dominate the sporting calendar, driving massive worldwide attention and a surge in sports tourism. At club level, European men's football reaches its usual crescendo in May 2026, when the continent's top competitions crown their champions. The UEFA Champions League final, one of the most-watched annual events on the planet, will headline the month, followed by t...

Formula 1 2026 race calendar: grand prix dates and circuits

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Formula 1 2026 race calendar: grand prix dates and circuits

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship features an expansive, 24-race calendar that runs from early March through early December, spanning five continents and blending classic venues with fresh additions. The season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (6-8 March), followed closely by China in Shanghai and Japan at Suzuka in March, establishing a thrilling early-season rhythm. Across the spring and summer, the grid races at traditional European highlights including Monaco, Barcelona-Catalunya, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Zandvoort, with fans also treated to stops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Montreal. One of the biggest talking points of 2026 is the introduction of a second Spanish round in Madrid, hosted on the new Madring stree...

Snooker 2026 events calendar – biggest UK tournaments

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Snooker 2026 events calendar – biggest UK tournaments

Snooker in 2026 promises another outstanding year, with its major tournaments continuing to anchor the global calendar. At the heart of the season is the 2026 World Snooker Championship, returning once again to the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Since 1977, the Crucible has been synonymous with snooker’s greatest moments, and in 2026 it will again host 17 days of high-pressure drama as the world’s best players battle through its marathon format to be crowned world champion. With its intimate arena, intense atmosphere and history of unforgettable matches, the Crucible remains the sport’s most prestigious stage. The 2026 UK Championship, held at the Barbican Centre in York, will provide another highlight in the Triple Crown Series. As one of snooker’s oldest and most respected tour...

Horse racing 2026 calendar: biggest global races and festivals

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Horse racing 2026 calendar: biggest global races and festivals

The 2026 horse racing calendar promises an exhilarating year of world-class competition, bringing together the sport’s finest thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers across an array of prestigious global events. From historic flat races to demanding steeplechases, fans can look forward to a captivating blend of tradition, athleticism, and high-stakes drama as the season unfolds. In the United Kingdom, the racing calendar remains one of the most celebrated and diverse in the world. The year begins with anticipation around the five English Classics – 2,000 Guineas, 1,000 Guineas, The Derby, The Oaks, and the St Leger – each steeped in heritage and offering pivotal moments in the season. These cornerstone fixtures are complemented by iconic jump racing events, including the Grand National at...

Darts in 2026: events calendar and biggest tournaments

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

Darts in 2026: events calendar and biggest tournaments

Darts has evolved from a traditional pub pastime into a global sporting phenomenon, captivating millions with its combination of precision, drama, and high-energy entertainment. What was once a quiet game played in local bars is now a stadium-filling spectacle, thanks largely to the transformative influence of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The PDC has reshaped the sport with booming walk-on music, electric crowds, and star-driven narratives that rival any major sport. With English teenager Luke Littler leading the way, and winning back-to-back world championships, his victory has not only captivated global audiences but also inspired a new generation of players and significantly boosted international interest in darts. The UK remains the heartland of the sport, hosting ...

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

World’s best half marathons in 2026

Running a half marathon, a 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, has become one of the most popular goals for runners seeking a manageable yet highly rewarding challenge. It strikes the perfect balance between shorter distances such as 5km races and the full marathon, offering a substantial test of endurance without requiring the extensive time commitment demanded by marathon training. For many, the half marathon represents an achievable step into the world of long-distance running, providing both the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of reaching a meaningful milestone. Training for a half marathon typically spans eight to 12 weeks and follows a structured plan designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Weekly schedules usually include a combination of long runs, speed or tempo...

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

4Jan

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Calendars, Events

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

Running a marathon is a monumental achievement that demands months of disciplined preparation, strategic training, and unwavering mental resilience. Covering the classic distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres), the marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance events in sport, testing an athlete’s physical capability, mental strength, and capacity to push through fatigue. Preparing for such a demanding race typically follows a structured training plan that gradually increases weekly mileage, incorporates interval and tempo workouts to build speed and stamina, and features regular long runs to develop endurance. Equally important is proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery, all of which play vital roles in optimising performance and reducing the risk of injury...

22Dec

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

A day in the sporting life of Somabay

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing life as a professional athlete? Follow in Ramy Salameh's footsteps and travel to Somabay, a premier sports tourism destination on Egypt’s Red Sea featuring world-class facilities. Imagine a day which starts by watching an ATP tour tennis tournament and ends on horseback viewing the sun melt below the Red Sea Mountains. And in-between getting to play a nine-hole Par 3 golf course, snorkel above a family of turtles gliding passed a coral reef, before slipping into the Red Sea’s only Thalasso Tonic seawater-based therapy pool to pummel your every sinew into a more relaxed state. This was a day I experienced during a stay in Somabay, one of the most beautiful peninsula’s on Egypt’s dazzling Red Sea coastline and one which continues to e...

‘Enormous potential’ for new Triathlon World Tour launching in 2027

14Dec

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Events, Sports Business

‘Enormous potential’ for new Triathlon World Tour launching in 2027

The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) and World Triathlon (TRI) have announced they are to build on their successful T100 partnership with the unveiling of the new Triathlon World Tour. Launching in 2027, the Triathlon World Tour will combine the existing T100 Triathlon World Tour, a rebranded World Triathlon Championship Series and World Triathlon Cups. The T100 Tour will be rebranded as the T100 World Championship Series. The World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) will be rebranded the T50 World Championship Series and a newly-formed feeder series will be branded a ‘Challenger’ series. Combined across the different distances and two competition levels – World Championship and Challenger – the Triathlon World Tour will grow to approximately 100 events per year from 2027,...

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

14Dec

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Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

Home to 30,000 islands and islets, Stockholm’s archipelago is a unique mix of nature and culture – which makes it an ideal addition to any sports travel bucket list. Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday hops between islands by ferry and bike to explore a landscape shaped by land and sea. Starting in Sweden’s capital Stockholm – a city built across 14 islands and connected by a network of bridges – the riding begins with a relaxed spin around Royal Djurgården, a leafy island right in the heart of the city. After travelling by ferry to Bogesundslandet, peaceful forest tracks, gravel tracks and quiet roads lead the way to the harbour town of Vaxholm, often referred to as the ‘capital of the archipelago’. There’s a choice of two different routes on the ride to Fa...

Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales

14Dec

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Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales

Following the Traws Eryri Cycling UK route, Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day guided mountain bike holiday in Eryri National Park covers some of the best off-road trails North Wales has to offer. Starting with a loop ride on Mach Trails, riders follow a mix of steep gravel climbs and flowy single-track descents, while taking in sprawling views over the Plynlimon mountains. Riding deeper into the heart of North Wales, an alpine-style singletrack road leads up the historic Ffordd Ddu to uncover views of Barmouth Bay as Eryri National Park comes into view. Crossing the Grade II-listed Penmaenpool Toll Bridge across the River Mawddach to the lower Wynach Valley, gravel tracks take riders to the remote lake of Llyn Cwm-mynach. The route then jumps off the official Traws Eryri route to e...

Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday

14Dec

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Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday

Self-guided walking holiday specialist Inntravel has launched a number of new European itineraries for 2026, ranging from the wild atmosphere of Loch Ness in Scotland to the Prosecco Hills of northeastern Italy. Among the other introductions for the year ahead are Spain’s oldest National Park, the wild Picos de Europa, and its ‘Green Coast’, and a single centre walking holiday in the whitewashed fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell on the quiet side of the Costa Brava. In this new addition to the sports travel bucket list, we look at Inntravel’s walking holiday to the most famous glen and loch in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way Explore both shores of Loch Ness on this self-guided holiday based at a stylish four-star hotel in Fort Augustus. The ren...