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Latest news and events

Women’s Rugby World Cup set to be postponed until 2022
2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Women’s Rugby World Cup set to be postponed until 2022

World Rugby has recommended the postponement of the 2021 Rugby World Cup until next year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.  The women’s international rugby union event was due to take place in New Zealand in September and October. The recommendation will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee on 8 March and 9 March respectively. In a statement World Rugby said: “While appreciating the recommendation is extremely disappointing for teams and fans, it has their interests at heart, and gives the tournament the best opportunity to be all it can be for them, all New Zealanders and the global rugby family. “The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global Covid-19 landscape. It has become clear in recent disc...
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World Surf League and Rip Curl announce deal for new Rip Curl WSL Finals
2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

World Surf League and Rip Curl announce deal for new Rip Curl WSL Finals

The World Surf League (WSL) and Rip Curl have announced a three-year partnership of the Rip Curl WSL Finals - the new one-day competition that will decide the men’s and women’s world surfing champions.  The inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals will take place in San Clemente, California at Lower Trestles. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top five men and top five women on the Championship Tour (CT) rankings will head to Orange County for this one-day, winner-take-all shot at the world title. The Rip Curl WSL Finals waiting period will run from 8-17 September 2021, a choice time of year for solid Southern Hemisphere swells to light up the cobblestone point. “I am a huge fan of the decision for the new CT format, it’s like multiple games throughout the year,” said Tyler Wright, tw...
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Cancun to host World Travel & Tourism Council 2021 global summit in April
1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Cancun to host World Travel & Tourism Council 2021 global summit in April

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that its 20th global summit will now be held in April - a month later than originally scheduled.  Organised in partnership with the Government of Quintana Roo in Mexico, the global summit will take place in Cancun from 25-27 April and have a hybrid format, allowing those unable to attend to benefit from the content virtually. WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, has taken the decision to move its global summit from March into April to coincide with the expected relaxation of travel restrictions and the beginning of the sector’s recovery. Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said: “While Cancun is ready to host our global summit as planned, we believe that moving the event back by just a ...
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England’s roadmap out of lockdown: key dates for sport, travel and major events
28Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

England’s roadmap out of lockdown: key dates for sport, travel and major events

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the roadmap to "cautiously" ease lockdown restrictions in England and confirmed key dates for sport, travel, events and outdoor activities.  Speaking in Parliament on 22 February, Johnson said the roadmap outlines four steps for easing restrictions and before proceeding to the next level, the government will examine the data to assess the impact of previous steps. From 29 March outdoor sport facilities will reopen and from 12 April self-contained holiday accommodation, outdoor attractions, indoor sports and leisure facilities are permitted. From 17 May the remaining holiday accommodation and indoor areas of hospitality venues can reopen. While from 21 June it is hoped all legal limits on social contact can be removed and capacity crowds can ...
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Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures: France vs. All Blacks in blockbuster opener
28Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures: France vs. All Blacks in blockbuster opener

World Rugby and the France 2023 Organising Committee have announced the match schedule and venues for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The expanded eight-week international rugby union festival, which takes place across nine cities, will kick-off with a blockbuster opening clash between host nation France and three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France on 8 September 2023. Rugby World Cup 2023 will be a “truly nationwide tournament involving all of France”, World Rugby said in a news release. “Each host city will host a minimum of four games and welcome at least one RWC 2019 quarter-finalist, reinforcing its commitment to unite the whole country through rugby fever.” In line with the mission to make the tournament the most accessible Rugby World Cup to date and attr...
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Icons of F1: online auction of rare collectibles to start on 1 March
27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Icons of F1: online auction of rare collectibles to start on 1 March

A new “Icons of F1” online auction will begin on 1 March featuring some extremely rare Formula 1 collectables and more than 50 items celebrating 15 world champions. Organised by F1 Authentics, the official online F1 memorabilia store, the auction includes a pair of signed Ferrari race boots from seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher; a 1994 replica of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna’s Williams race suit; a trophy belonging to two-time world champion Jim Clark; as well as race-used bodywork and vintage photographs signed by a selection of F1 legends from over the decades.  Philip Danglidis, commercial director at The Memento Group, operator of F1 Authentics, said: “This is one of our most prestigious and exciting auctions to date on F1 Authentics, with some of the rarest...
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IOC selects Brisbane as preferred host of the 2032 Olympic Games
27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

IOC selects Brisbane as preferred host of the 2032 Olympic Games

Brisbane is in pole position to host the 2032 Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited the Australian city to enter “detailed discussions” for the mega-event.  Following the recommendation of the Future Host Commission for the Games, the IOC Executive Board will enter into a “targeted dialogue” with the Brisbane 2032 Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) about their potential to host the Olympic Games 2032. The IOC said the decision to advance the process “was taken at this particular moment, given the uncertainty the world is facing right now”. A statement said: “This uncertainty is expected to continue even after the Covid-19 health crisis is over. The IOC is considering seizing the momentum offered by the excellent project of Brisbane 20...
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PDC Unibet Premier League darts: 2021 opening dates and 2022 schedule confirmed
27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

PDC Unibet Premier League darts: 2021 opening dates and 2022 schedule confirmed

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has issued an update on the delayed 2021 Unibet Premier League season.  Traditionally, the ten-player tournament takes place at some of the UK’s biggest arenas and in 2021 it was also planned to visit Dublin, Rotterdam and Berlin on a 17-night tour. However, due to the pandemic and restrictions for indoor events, the PDC has confirmed that the opening phase this year will now be held behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. In a statement the PDC said: “The first half of the season will see the ten players face each other once across nine nights from 5-9 April and 19-22 April, before the bottom two players in the league table are eliminated following Judgement Night.  “A further seven league nights will then ...
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Wilderness England: new adventure travel tour operator is launched
23Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Wilderness England: new adventure travel tour operator is launched

Wilderness England, a new tour operator offering adventure holidays in England’s National Parks and wildest areas, has launched this month.  A sister company to Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland, Wilderness England will tempt guests to the great outdoors with a programme of guided or self-guided small group trips, self-drive itineraries or private holidays explored on foot or by bike. Launching with 17 new adventures in some of the country’s remotest and most iconic corners, the programme will feature the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Cotswolds and Northumberland, even sneaking into Wales for outdoor and cultural experiences. Accommodation is hand-picked: small hotels and inns with first rate customer service and fantastic local food. Paul Easto, man...
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Head to BikePark Wales for the UK’s ultimate mountain bike experience
22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Head to BikePark Wales for the UK’s ultimate mountain bike experience

Two major trends which have blossomed over the last few years and certainly risen to greater prominence during the pandemic, is the "staycation" and "biking" in all its forms. Feeding off both of these, BikePark Wales has launched an all-new mountain bike experience for beginner riders at its purpose-built resort in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. The new package is the perfect way to celebrate the easing of lockdown this summer, and it's ideal for families and novice mountain bikers looking for a fun introduction to the sport. As well as a personal guide, the park will provide guests with everything one needs including bikes and all the kit, plus lifts back to the top of the hill.  Located in the beautiful Gethin forest, BikePark Wales is home to the UK's greatest and...
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Entries now open for the 2021 World Golf Awards
22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Entries now open for the 2021 World Golf Awards

Golf tourism constitutes a vital segment of the global sports travel marketplace. And the success of the World Golf Awards over the past seven years has created much excitement within golf tourism, ensuring year-on-year growth for the industry event. World Golf Awards has announced its annual call for entries for inclusion in its 2021 programme. The best golf brands and products from across the world are invited to submit their applications to participate and stand a chance to win the ultimate industry accolade. This year’s programme celebrates the full spectrum of the global golf tourism sector. Categories include Best Golf Course, Best Golf Hotel and Golf Course Designer of the Year, and winners range from small companies to global brands. Voting runs from 23 February to 1 S...
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Flanders by Bike: VisitFlanders tourism board to launch new cycling website
20Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Flanders by Bike: VisitFlanders tourism board to launch new cycling website

The VisitFlanders tourism board in Belgium will launch a dedicated cycling website - flandersbybike.be - at the end of March. It will feature information about new routes, bike rental, luggage transport (for cycling holidays) and resting points. Some of the local themed routes include the Zenne cycle route close to Brussels’ green belt and home to a number of the region’s Gueze breweries and castles. The Voer Valley Cycle route will start and finish in Leuven and take in a number of beautiful castles and landmarks like Tevuren Park (home of the Africa Museum). Elsewhere, the Scheldeland (River Scheldt region) will offer a scenic route via the asparagus (also called "White Gold") growing region of Flanders.  Another route follows a former Vagrant colony route with fascinating sto...
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The Ocean Race Europe: Genoa, Italy, will host event finale in June
20Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

The Ocean Race Europe: Genoa, Italy, will host event finale in June

Organisers of The Ocean Race Europe have confirmed that the inaugural edition of the sailing event will finish in Genoa in June this year.  The historic Italian maritime city (Genova in Italian) is already the home of The Grand Finale - the finish of the next edition of the round-the-world race in 2022-23. Now, Genoa will also host The Ocean Race Europe.  Richard Brisius, race chairman, said: “In The Ocean Race Europe we are realising a dream of many - a race between European cities with engaged fans and athletes achieving the extraordinary while driving change for a healthier planet.  “We understand the importance of teamwork, and collectively we back the EU work for Green Transition, digitalisation and unity. Our friends and partners in Genova also really understand the val...
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Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: iconic surfing event cancelled for 2021 – will return in 2022
18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: iconic surfing event cancelled for 2021 – will return in 2022

World Surf League (WSL) has announced that the 2021 edition of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has been cancelled for 2021 but will return in 2022 after a new three-year deal was agreed with partners Rip Curl and the Victorian Government in Australia.  The WSL was unable to secure a pre-approved bubble in Victoria ahead of the event, leaving significant risk attached to sudden public health measures in reaction to Covid-19 such as lockdowns, state border restrictions, and event cancellations. The WSL respects and understands the decision of the Victorian Government in this challenging time. Andrew Stark, WSL Asia Pacific general manager, said: “It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel one of the most iconic events on the Championship Tour.  “However, we are genuinely exc...
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Women’s cricket in England prepares for a ‘truly memorable summer’
18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Women’s cricket in England prepares for a ‘truly memorable summer’

Women’s cricket in England is set for a “new era” this summer with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy returning to the schedule alongside the new Women’s Regional T20 tournament.  The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the fixtures for the summer and there will be 56 matches played across both tournaments.  The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will begin on 29 May with each of the eight teams to play each other once in the group stage. The final is to be held on 25 September. The Women’s Regional T20 will start on 26 June with the eight teams split into two groups of four. Each team will play three home and three away matches during the group stage before Finals Day on 5 September.  Clare Connor, ECB managing director of women’s cricket, said: “This promises to be a truly...
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LaLiga Exhibition: Spanish football to be showcased on world tour
17Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

LaLiga Exhibition: Spanish football to be showcased on world tour

LaLiga will later this year launch LaLiga Exhibition - an interactive and immersive experience showcasing Spanish football’s top division and its clubs.  The exhibition will travel around the world, beginning in Latin America in the second half of 2021. The launch marks the next step in LaLiga’s commitment to support its clubs in their international expansion and to bring the competition closer to fans. Fans will have access to two experiential areas at LaLiga Exhibition. The first is a free access area, with no time limits, where they can enjoy a range of different games plus a hospitality area. The second is a closed tour, with specific time slots for each group of visitors, where they can experience the clubs’ changing rooms, the tunnel leading to the pitch, the pressroom and inte...
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2021 Sports ETA Annual Symposium rescheduled to October
16Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

2021 Sports ETA Annual Symposium rescheduled to October

Sports ETA, the trade association for the sports events and tourism industry in the United States, has confirmed that its three major spring events - Women’s Summit, Facilities Summit, and Annual Symposium - will now be rescheduled for the autumn.   The Sports ETA Annual Symposium will take place in Birmingham, Alabama from 25-29 October 2021. While the Women’s Summit and Facilities Summit will be delivered as live events in Birmingham, adjacent to the Annual Symposium. Schedule, details, and registration information will be announced in due course. Al Kidd, president and CEO of Sports ETA, said: “By co-hosting these three annual events, we can continue to deliver networking opportunities and educational programming for our membership while being sensitive to travel and budget expens...
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Scottish Golf Tourism Week’s next edition will now be held in autumn
16Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Scottish Golf Tourism Week’s next edition will now be held in autumn

The staging of the 5th Scottish Golf Tourism Week, which was rearranged from November to this spring, has now been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.  Organised by PSP Media Group, the event had originally been scheduled to take place at Fairmont St Andrews from 5-11 November 2020, but was then postponed to 31 March-1 April 2021. However, the recent developments and subsequent announcements early in 2021 relating to the pandemic’s continued impact has led to the cancellation of the rescheduled event. Organisers will now focus their efforts and work in tandem with partners VisitScotland on the return of Scottish Golf Tourism Week later this year with the 2021 event taking place as normal in the autumn. Dates will be announced in due course. Tom Lovering, PSP Media commerc...
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#ILOVEUNITED: Man Utd to host global live virtual fan event for Chelsea clash
15Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

#ILOVEUNITED: Man Utd to host global live virtual fan event for Chelsea clash

#ILOVEUNITED, Manchester United’s live virtual fan event, is going global for the Premier League fixture against Chelsea on 28 February and it will have a huge focus on the USA.  The latest edition of the event - which will be streamed worldwide across United’s website, app, MUTV channel, Facebook and YouTube platforms - will feature bespoke content aimed at the club’s fanbase in the US and include exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insight into the first team. The 90-minute pre-match programme will be hosted by MUTV presenter Mark Sullivan, who will be joined at Old Trafford by co-host and NFL legend Osi Umenyiora, and live from Los Angeles by Lord of The Rings actor Dominic Monaghan. Both lifelong fans of the club, they will be sharing their best United memories and pre-match a...
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Sailing: 17 events in 2021 World Match Racing Tour season
14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

Sailing: 17 events in 2021 World Match Racing Tour season

Seventeen events in 11 countries have been confirmed for sailing’s World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) 2021 world championship. The season will start in Szczecin, Poland, at the end of April and finish with the inaugural WMRT Final in Shenzhen, China, in December.  James Pleasance, WMRT executive director, said: “Last year was challenging for all international sports. We were very fortunate to be able to award the WMRT championship in Bermuda in October due to the fantastic efforts of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. We are very hopeful 2021 will allow for a full tour season however, understandably, organisers and sailors are cautious of ongoing restrictions, which is why we have set the tour schedule not to start before the end of April.” As with last year, the 2021 WMRT season will...
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