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Coronavirus: IOC chief Bach urges athletes to prepare ‘full steam’ for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
3Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Coronavirus: IOC chief Bach urges athletes to prepare ‘full steam’ for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged athletes around the world to keep preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite the coronavirus outbreak.  Japan’s capital city hosts the summer Olympics from 24 July to 9 August and the Paralympics from 25 August to 6 September.  Many major sporting events are under threat due to the spread of the virus and media reports have claimed that the games in Tokyo could be postponed or cancelled. But in a statement issued on 3 March, the IOC said: “The IOC executive board [EB] today expressed its full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.  “The IOC EB heard a report on all the measures taken so far to address the coronavirus situation, which was followed by a comprehensive discussion. “A joint task force had alre...
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2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  
2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Events

2020 Grand National Festival: event guide, tickets and hospitality options, travel details  

The sporting world will be watching Aintree as the famous Liverpool racecourse hosts the 2020 Randox Health Grand National Festival for three days in April.  Starting with Liverpool’s Day on Thursday 2 April, the opening day of the festival is described as “one of the region’s best kept secrets” and a popular choice for racing fans and couples alike.  Day two at Aintree, #FabulousFriday (3 April), is Ladies Day. As well as four Grade One races on the track, fashion and style is the order of the day off the track. The final day of the festival, Saturday 4 April, is the big one as the Grand National is held at 5.15pm (UK time). Millions around the world will be watching the £1m Grade 3 handicap steeplechase as the horses jump 30 fences around the 4-mile-2.5-furlong circuit.   Here we loo...
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March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more
1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Events

March 2020 sports events and ticket info: Cheltenham Festival, Carabao Cup final, Boat Race and more

A popular sporting event on the March 2020 calendar is horse racing's Cheltenham Festival. Taking place from 10-13 March, the festival is known as the "most prestigious jump racing event of the year" and includes races such as the Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, World Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Other major sporting events in March 2020 include the Six Nations rugby championship, the Carabao Cup final between Manchester City and Aston Villa, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, British Basketball League (BBL) Trophy Final in Glasgow, Six Day Manchester cycling and F1's first grand prix of the season in Australia. Here we look at what's on in March... 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for update...
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March 2020 sports business events, conferences and exhibitions
1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

March 2020 sports business events, conferences and exhibitions

There’s plenty of events on the #SportsBiz schedule in March 2020.  Highlights include SXSW’s sports conference in Austin, World Football Summit Africa in South Africa, Sport Events Congress in Canada, Sports Business European Congress in Barcelona, and The Scottish Golf Show in Glasgow. Here we take a look at the sports business and sports tourism conferences, events and exhibitions during the month. 2020 sports business and sports tourism calendar: events, conferences, exhibitions, awards Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media #SportsBiz events in March 2020  Sportel Miami When: 3-6 March Where: Miami, Florida, USA Website: sportelamerica.com ITB Berlin What: the world’s largest travel show When: 4-8 March Where: Berlin, Germany Sport exhibitors: adventure, golf, ...
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Running wild: unusual marathon trips with Untamed Borders in 2020
22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Trips & Experiences

Running wild: unusual marathon trips with Untamed Borders in 2020

Adventure travel operator Untamed Borders has announced details of its most unique and unusual running trips for 2020.  These marathon trips are designed to give guests a genuine insight into the countries they visit, while also giving something back to the communities they meet. Having operated commercial tours to Afghanistan since 2007, marathon tourism started for Untamed Borders in 2015, when founder James Willcox joined a small group of international and Afghan people, who together set up the first ever Marathon of Afghanistan.  Willcox said: “Untamed Borders now have five marathon departures a year. This year we will be taking around 70 international guests to participate in some of the world's most exciting races.  “From the deserts of Saudi Arabia to training with female runner...
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SportsPro OTT Summit Asia: Singapore event rescheduled due to coronavirus outbreak
22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

SportsPro OTT Summit Asia: Singapore event rescheduled due to coronavirus outbreak

The 2020 SportsPro OTT Summit Asia in Singapore in March has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and will now take place from October 21-22.  In a statement London-based SportsPro said: “Following consultation with domestic stakeholders, partners and advisory board members, SportsPro has decided to postpone the OTT Summit Asia, previously scheduled to take place in Singapore on 25-26 March 2020. “Amid continued uncertainty as to the spread and impact of the coronavirus, the decision has been taken to avoid further impact to schedules and minimise any health risks for attendees that may exist at the time of the event.  “SportsPro can confirm the OTT Summit Asia will now take place later in the year on the 21-22 October 2020, in Singapore.” SportsPro says that any passes previ...
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Silverstone Classic 2020: ‘greatest hits’ race card to mark 30th anniversary
13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Silverstone Classic 2020: ‘greatest hits’ race card to mark 30th anniversary

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, this summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature a spectacular “greatest hits” showcase of retro races.  Harking back to when Silverstone hosted the UK’s first-ever race meeting dedicated entirely to historic racing - a trend-setting milestone in motor sport history - no fewer than five of the grids for 2020 actually featured on the original 1990 race card.  Thirty years ago the two-day festival - staged, as today, two weeks after the Formula 1 British Grand Prix - presented a wide-ranging 12-race programme including showdowns for historic Grand Prix cars, 50s sports cars, historic Formula Junior, SuperSports as well as round 4 of the FIA European Challenge for Historical Touring Cars. Iconic races and cars on show This year’s Classic includes ...
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New Porsche Experience Centre to open in 2021 in Franciacorta, Italy
9Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Venues & Stadiums

New Porsche Experience Centre to open in 2021 in Franciacorta, Italy

German sports car manufacturer Porsche has announced that a new Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) will be built in Franciacorta, Italy.  After openings in Leipzig, Silverstone, Atlanta, Le Mans, Los Angeles, Shanghai and the Hockenheimring, the PEC Franciacorta will be the company’s eighth in total.  Covering an area of around 60 hectares, the modern facility is being constructed at the Autodromo di Franciacorta racetrack in the centre of northern Italy.  Porsche Italia is investing more than €26m (£22m) in the destination and it’s expected that it will be ready after a massive refurbishment at the beginning of 2021.  State-of-the-art and spacious, the PEC will feature a multi-purpose 2,400sqft area crossed by an impressive suspension bridge. A restaurant and the terrace overlooking the ...
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel co-venture plans Madrid, New York, Manchester and Paris openings
9Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts

Cristiano Ronaldo’s hotel co-venture plans Madrid, New York, Manchester and Paris openings

It’s not just Cristiano Ronaldo’s football career that is a major success at the moment - but also his career as a hotelier.   Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels - the hospitality partnership between the superstar footballer and the Pestana Hotel Group - is planning to add a number of new hotels to its portfolio. The group already has properties in Ronaldo’s hometown of Funchal, on Portugal’s island of Madeira, and in the Portuguese capital city Lisbon. And it was also announced that Pestana CR7 Lifestyle Hotels is also planning to launch properties in Madrid, Marrakech, New York City, Paris and Manchester. Pestana CR7’s Manchester hotel, the brand’s seventh in total, is in the city where Portugal captain Ronaldo made his name playing for Manchester United. It was also where Ronaldo first wor...
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2020: the year of sports tourism in Catalonia 
6Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Europe

2020: the year of sports tourism in Catalonia 

As a region that boasts world-class football clubs, beaches, mountains and an action-packed events calendar, it’s no surprise that Catalonia is positioning itself as a major sports travel destination.  At the end of 2019 the Catalan Tourism Board declared 2020 to be “the year of sports tourism”. With Tokyo hosting the Olympics Games in 2020, the Catalonia sports tourism year has an aim to promote the Pyrenees-Barcelona candidature to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2030.  On its website the Catalan Tourism Board says of the sports tourism push in 2020: “This thematic year is regarded as an opportunity to position Catalonia as a leading destination for sports tourism around the world.  “The quality of the tourist attractions and its excellent sports facilities, coupled with its climate ...
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February 2020 sports events: F1 pre-season testing, Wilder vs. Fury II, Women’s T20 cricket
2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Events

February 2020 sports events: F1 pre-season testing, Wilder vs. Fury II, Women’s T20 cricket

The sporting year ramps up in February with Six Nations rugby union, a world heavyweight boxing title contest and the ICC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup on the schedule.  It’s also a big month for motor sport. NASCAR’s Daytona 500 takes place at Daytona International Speedway in Florida while Formula 1 returns with two pre-season testing sessions at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Here we look at the February 2020 sports events calendar. 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details February 2020 sports events   2020 Ladbrokes Masters  What: PDC darts event featuring the world’s top 16 players  When: 31 January-2 February 2020 Where: Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes Tickets: See Tickets Australian Open 2020 What: first tennis gr...
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February 2020 sports business events and conferences
2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

February 2020 sports business events and conferences

In February 2020 there's many sports business and sports tourism events being held across the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. There's also a new addition on the #SportsBiz event circuit with Global Sports Week Paris taking place in the French capital city for the first time. Here we look at the conferences, exhibitions and events in February. Related articles 2020 sports business and sports tourism calendar: events, conferences, exhibitions 2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details February 2020 #SportsBiz events ICE London When: 4-6 February Where: Excel, London, UK Website: icelondon.uk.com Global Sports Week Paris Theme: Making the future of sport When: 5-7 February Where: Les Salles du Carrousel, Louvre Museum, Paris Website: globalsport...
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Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more
1Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Europe, Events

Italy sports events in 2020: Giro D’Italia, F1 Italian GP, Euro 2020 and more

As a travel destination Italy is one of the most popular in the world. It may be famous for its culture, architecture, fast cars and food, but Italy is also a big favourite for sports fans.   The European nation has a thriving sports industry with major events held throughout the year. Events to look forward to in Italy in 2020 include the Rome Marathon, Giro D’Italia cycling race and of course the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.  Also this year, football’s European Championship kicks off with the opening match between Italy and Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Here we look at the top sporting events in Italy in 2020... Newsletter: sign up for the latest updates from Sports Tourism Media Italy sports events in 2020 Rome Marathon When: 29 March 2020 Website: maratonadiroma.it Abou...
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Rugby World Cup 2023: Groupe Couleur to manage official travel agent selection process
23Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2023: Groupe Couleur to manage official travel agent selection process

World Rugby and the France 2023 organising committee have announced that Groupe Couleur has been appointed as exclusive global rights holder for the Rugby World Cup 2023 official travel programme. Groupe Couleur will manage the official travel agent appointment process, which kicks off with agents around the world invited to register their interest from now until 31 March 2020. Rugby World Cup 2023 official travel agents will be appointed in September 2020, marking a major milestone for fans planning on attending rugby’s showcase event. Ticket-inclusive packages sales will be launched in early 2021.  Groupe Couleur will manage all operational responsibilities of the official travel programme, from appointing the official travel agents to delivering the tickets and ensuring all marketing...
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Endeavor buys majority stake in NFL On Location Experiences 
7Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Endeavor buys majority stake in NFL On Location Experiences 

Entertainment giant Endeavor has completed its takeover of NFL-backed On Location Experiences (OLE).  The deal sees Endeavor acquire a majority equity ownership stake while the NFL, through its strategic investment arm 32 Equity, will continue to be a minority shareholder and retain its seat on the board of directors. According to a news release, ex-Bloomberg, Westwood One and Time Inc executive Paul Caine will lead the newly-integrated entity. John Collins, OLE’s CEO for the past four years, will serve as an advisor to the company and Endeavor through the integration period.  Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor said: “By bringing together a leader like On Location with Endeavor’s access and reach, we can advance the way consumers and brands think about money-can’t-buy experiences.  “Partne...
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Rugby union in England 2020: international fixtures, Twickenham events, tickets
4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Events

Rugby union in England 2020: international fixtures, Twickenham events, tickets

After finishing runners-up in the Rugby World Cup in Japan Eddie Jones’s England team will go into 2020 hoping to impress in the Six Nations championship.  Featuring England, Wales, France, Italy, Ireland and Scotland, the 2020 Six Nations starts on 1 February and finishes on 14 March.  It’s not just the Six Nations England rugby fans have to look forward to this year, there’s also the women’s Six Nations, autumn international fixtures, London Sevens, The Clash and the Premiership final.   Here we take a look at the major rugby union events taking place in England in the next 12 months.  2020 sports calendar: UK and global major sporting events and ticket details Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media Guinness Six Nations 2020  What: international rugby union cha...
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Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London: 2020 sports events and venue guide
4Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Destination Guides, Events

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London: 2020 sports events and venue guide

London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) is gearing up for a huge 2020 with many national and international sporting events on the agenda.  Home to venues such as the London Stadium, Copper Box Arena and London Aquatics Centre, QEOP’s 2020 sports calendar includes Premier League football, Tokyo 2020 qualifiers and Major League Baseball.     Peter Tudor, director of visitor services at QEOP, said: “In 2020 we will have a fantastic array of sport on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with something to inspire everyone. Not only do we have four different Olympic qualifying events but fans can also watch the world’s best athletes play netball, hockey and baseball – all in fantastic venues set in over 500 acres of wonderful parkland.” QEOP factfile Opened: April 201...
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Event focus: International Sports Convention London | June 2020
22Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Event focus: International Sports Convention London | June 2020

The International Sports Convention (ISC) will be held for the first time in London in 2020.  Previous editions of the event have taken place in mainland Europe, but from Wednesday 17 June to Thursday 18 June the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium makes its debut as host venue. Headlined as the “meeting place for sports business”, ISC London 2020 will feature seven conferences and three masterclasses.  Organisers predict there will be 1,500 delegates attending the event at the new Spurs stadium and more than 150 speakers will take part in the various conferences, masterclasses, round tables and networking sessions.  Nigel Fletcher, CEO of ISC, said: “The move to this unique entertainment and sporting venue will provide delegates around the world with the best possible sports business event expe...
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Four million grand prix fans attend Formula 1 races in 2019
22Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Four million grand prix fans attend Formula 1 races in 2019

Formula 1 has announced that 4,164,948 spectators attended at least one of the 21 grands prix during the 2019 season.   According to data supplied by race promoters, 2019 had a +1.75% attendance increase compared to the previous season, despite the Saturday cancellation of the Japanese Grand Prix due to Typhoon Hagibis.  Adding to this total the 80,118 F1 Paddock Club ticket holders (+7.15% compared to 2018), the average attendance per race was 202,146 (+1.85%).  Three GPs had an attendance of more than 300,000 spectators over a race weekend – Great Britain (351,000), Mexico (345,694) and Australia (324,100) – while a total of eight attracted crowds of more than 200,000, including Singapore and USA (268,000 each), Belgium (251,864), Hungary (230,000) and Austria (203,000).  Five circui...
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Clarity Sports named official team travel partner of the Football Association of Wales
15Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Clarity Sports named official team travel partner of the Football Association of Wales

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Clarity Sports have announced a new partnership that will see Clarity provide all domestic and international travel for the Welsh national teams.  Clarity Sports, who also work with a number of top-flight English and Scottish football teams, has signed a three-year contract that will see the business provide its best-in-class services at an exciting time for the FAW, with Euro 2020 on the horizon. Wales have been drawn against Italy, Switzerland and Turkey and will play games initially in Baku and Rome.  The women’s international team will continue their 2021 European Championship qualifying campaign, where they currently sit second in the table, in April 2020.  Rob Slawson, director of sports travel at Clarity, said: “The role we play is to t...
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