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Lions partner with British Airways for rugby tour of South Africa
19Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Lions partner with British Airways for rugby tour of South Africa

British Airways has been named as the global airline partner of the 2021 Castle Lager Lions Series. The airline will fly the British & Irish Lions rugby squad to South Africa for the summer tour and both the Lions and Springboks will be carried across the country to matches by BA’s franchise partner, Comair.  The Lions play Japan at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh on 26 June and a day later the 37-man squad will board a BA charter flight from the Scottish capital to Johannesburg. In South Africa the Lions will play five warm-up matches and then three Tests against the Springboks.  Sean Doyle, British Airways’ chairman and CEO, said: “We are honoured to be flying the British & Irish Lions to South Africa ahead of their tour. After a difficult year, we look forward to uniting the n...
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Sport + Travel interview: Holger Gassler, head of markets & events, Tirol Tourist Board
14Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sport + Travel interview: Holger Gassler, head of markets & events, Tirol Tourist Board

Holger Gassler is head of markets & events at the Tirol Tourist Board in Austria. He grew up in the Alpine village of Nassereith in the Tyrolean “Lake District”, right on the border to Bavaria. Travelling the world for Holger, continues to be a lifelong passion, in order to "learn about new cultures and gain new insights"; he has lived and worked in Chicago and Melbourne too. With nearly 20 years' experience under his belt with the Tirol Tourist Board and a passionate sportsman who hikes, mountain bikes, road cycles, swims, skis, ski-tours and dives, we are delighted he has found time to be our next interview guest. Here at Sports Tourism Media we love to cover anything related to Austria, one of Europe's great active, adventure and sports travel destinations and have found the ri...
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Lionel Messi signs for Hard Rock International as a brand ambassador
11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Lionel Messi signs for Hard Rock International as a brand ambassador

Hard Rock International is 50-years-old this year and to celebrate its milestone anniversary the restaurant, entertainment and hospitality brand has announced a partnership deal with superstar footballer Lionel Messi. The Argentina and FC Barcelona forward has become a brand ambassador for five years - the first athlete to partner with Hard Rock.  “I am honoured to partner with such a renowned brand as Hard Rock, and even more so at this historic moment – its 50th anniversary!” Messi said. “Sports and music are an integral part of my life, a perfect combination between my profession and my leisure time. Uniting both is a great success, and I am very happy that they have counted on me for this special outcome. It is an honour to be the first athlete to partner with a brand who has a hist...
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2021 Florida Cup: Arsenal, Inter, Everton and Millonarios FC to play in July tournament
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

2021 Florida Cup: Arsenal, Inter, Everton and Millonarios FC to play in July tournament

English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton will take their pre-season preparations Stateside by competing in the 2021 Florida Cup. Taking place on 25 July and 28 July at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, the tournament will see the English sides joined by Italy’s Inter Milan and Colombia’s Millonarios FC.  The first night of action on Sunday 25 July will see reigning Serie A champions Inter take on Arsenal and in the other match Everton face Millonarios FC in the semi-finals. The two winners will then meet for the Florida Cup title on Wednesday 28 July with the remaining two clubs facing off in the third-fourth placed game the same night.  How to buy Florida Cup tickets  Single-day tickets for either date include both contests and start at $44 plus taxes a...
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Cycling for Softies: take a two-wheel foodie tour of the Cotswolds, France and Italy
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling for Softies: take a two-wheel foodie tour of the Cotswolds, France and Italy

Cycling for Softies, a travel company specialising in luxury cycling tours to destinations renowned for their fantastic food, has picked out the perfect trips for foodie cyclists. On the menu are self-guided tours in Italy, France and the Cotswolds in England. Self-guided cycling: A Taste of Italy Famed for its gastronomy, where better to head for an appetising adventure than Italy’s Emilia Romagna region. Combine history, art and culture with locally-produced food and drink, all leisurely explored from the seat of a bicycle. By day, explore gastronomic history in Bologna, the elegant centre of Modena and visit an “acetaia” to discover how the deliciously sweet, rich vinegar is made. During the evenings, savour gourmet evening meals that include some of the finest traditional fayre ...
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‘Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow’ exhibition to open at Japan House London
5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

‘Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow’ exhibition to open at Japan House London

Tokyo 1964: Designing Tomorrow, an exhibition exploring the cultural and design legacy behind the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, will open at Japan House London on 5 August 2021. Sharing stories and artefacts never seen before in the UK, the exhibition will run until 7 November. The 1964 Games were Japan’s first, large-scale engagement with the world after the Second World War. They presented a chance to tell a fresh story and showcase Japanese creativity and design thinking across the globe, an opportunity elevated by the 1964 Games being the first to be broadcast in colour on TV to a world-wide audience via satellite. Exhibits on display include: Original 1964 posters designed by Kamekura Yūsaku and the award-winning team of post-war designers, marking the first time that photography...
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10,000 fans allowed at each Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games venue
1Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

10,000 fans allowed at each Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games venue

The spectator numbers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have been announced. Each venue will have a 50% capacity limit, up to a maximum of 10,000 people.  In March it was confirmed that overseas spectators would not be able to enter Japan for the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games due to Covid-19 restrictions. Only Japanese residents will be allowed to attend the summer games. In a joint statement, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Government of Japan announced the following decisions:  In light of the government’s restrictions on public events, the spectator limit for the Olympic Games will be set at "50% of venue capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 people” at a...
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An in-depth guide to… Uefa Euro 2020
1Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

An in-depth guide to… Uefa Euro 2020

An in-depth guide to... EURO 2020 Delayed for 12 months because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 16th edition of Uefa’s European Championship will be held in the summer of 2021. Still marketed as Euro 2020, the tournament will see 51 matches played in 11 host cities across Europe. The Stadio Olimpico in Rome will host the opening match on 11 June - a group A clash between Turkey and Italy. London’s Wembley Stadium will host both semi-finals on 6 and 7 July and also the Euro 2020 final on Sunday 11 July.Portugal go into the tournament as the defending champions and for British football fans a highlight will be the group D game between England and Scotland at Wembley on Friday 18 June.Here we look at the groups, fixtures and host venues (all times BST). ...
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An Ocean Independence conversation with Rafael Nadal
31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

An Ocean Independence conversation with Rafael Nadal

Images: Ocean Independence We are definitely kicking-off a summer of tennis in style! Our friends at Ocean Independence (OI) had a conversation with 20-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal to find out a little more about one of the world's greatest ever tennis players, especially as he kicks off his French Open title defence in Paris. Through Ocean Independence, Sports Tourism Media (STM) jumped at the chance to feature a chat with Nadal about his affinity with the ocean and his treasured yacht. An experienced boat owner, Nadal has been passionate about yachting since childhood, and seizes every opportunity to be on the sea with friends and family. The idea to build a customised catamaran has been part of the superstar athlete’s plans for a while. Seduced by both the yacht’s design an...
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#12NightsOutIn1Year: Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey launch ‘bikepacking’ challenge
26May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips

#12NightsOutIn1Year: Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey launch ‘bikepacking’ challenge

Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey have announced details of a year-long “bikepacking” challenge to help more people discover and enjoy the great outdoors. The #12NightsOutIn1Year challenge will encourage entrants to head out on their bike and experience a night beneath the stars, in a tent, bivi bag or hammock, at least once a month over the course of a year and to photograph their experiences. Each month, participants who have posted their photos and experiences on Instagram using the #12NightsOutIn1Year hashtag will automatically be entered into a monthly competition to win a range of cycle and navigation related prizes. Nick Giles, managing director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, said: “We passionately believe in the benefits the great outdoors can bring to us all. Through our app, O...
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Valentin Popescu interview: an expert look at sports marketing in Romania
23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Valentin Popescu interview: an expert look at sports marketing in Romania

Valentin Popescu is the director of sports marketing for the Alexandrion Group. Alexandrion is a global producer of Spirits & Wines, with divisions and investments in the renewable energy, agricultural, tourism and real estate sectors. Under the stewardship of the founder and president Nawaf Salameh and his philanthropic pursuits, the company inaugurated the Alexandrion Foundation in 2003 which supports the Cultural, Creative and Sporting endeavours of Romanian nationals. Three major gala events have evolved under the patronage of the foundation: the ‘Constantin Brâncoveanu Awards Gala’, the ‘Matei Brâncoveanu Awards Gala’ and the ‘Alexandrion Trophies Awards Gala’. The latter supports and rewards sporting achievement at the highest level. Sports Tourism Media puts some questions to Ro...
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British & Irish Lions: fixtures and venues confirmed for tour of South Africa
15May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

British & Irish Lions: fixtures and venues confirmed for tour of South Africa

The schedule has been confirmed for the British & Irish Lions’s tour of South Africa this summer. Warren Gatland’s side will play five warm-up matches before taking on the Springboks in three Tests.  All eight games will be played in Gauteng or Cape Town, the Lions said. This is to “minimise the risks of disruption that could be caused by the Covid-19 pandemic” and the schedule “accommodates stable team bases and training venues and significantly reduces travel”. SA Rugby will organise all scheduled tour games “on the basis they will take place behind closed doors”. Lions managing director Ben Calveley said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption to the global sporting calendar, but after discussions with our partners at SA Rugby, we are very pleased to be...
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Chess & Company: newly launched sports agency will focus on chess talent and events
15May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Chess & Company: newly launched sports agency will focus on chess talent and events

Whether you are a chess player or not, it is most likely you have watched or at least heard of Netflix’s hit show The Queen’s Gambit. Released in October last year, the series amassed a staggering 62 million viewers in its first 28 days  and set in motion a renewed passion for chess. In November The Guardian reported that the show, based on the 1983 novel by Walter Tevis, had “sparked a huge boom in people playing the game in the US and around the world". Similarly, Bloomberg also reported a “surging popularity of chess spurred on by the success of The Queen’s Gambit and this has has spilled over from retail to websites and streaming services, adding to the growth of chess content online during the pandemic”. Image: chessandcompany.com Following the huge success of the show it is ...
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Flying high: professional sport fuels trend towards private jet use
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Flying high: professional sport fuels trend towards private jet use

Whilst the majority of us were unable to travel further than our home office, elite athletes and professional sport continued behind closed doors in the past year, despite a series of lockdowns. To enable teams to do this in the safest and most efficient way, many have taken to the skies through private jet charters. Sports Tourism Media spoke to Clive Chalmers, VP Charter UK, at Air Partner to find out more about the rising demand in sports travel and overall trend pointing towards greater private jet travel from other industries too. Private jets have largely been the preserve of royalty, high-net-worth individuals, CEOs and superstars – but are you seeing new clients and demand especially from the sports sector and first-time users?   Over our 60 years in aviation we have worked w...
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£30m relaunch: Apes Hill in Barbados aims to become ‘the best golfing experience in the Caribbean’
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

£30m relaunch: Apes Hill in Barbados aims to become ‘the best golfing experience in the Caribbean’

A golf performance and teaching centre featuring a state-of-the-art Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the first of its kind in the Caribbean, will open at Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club in Barbados in January 2022.  Utilising the latest technology and a science-based approach, Apes Hill's Golf Performance and Teaching Centre will evaluate every aspect of a player's game to perfect their swing and unlock their full potential. Apes Hill has worked with experts Dave Phillips and Tim Cutshall in designing and fitting the centre. Key features will include a specialised swing analysis teaching bay with a PuttView ball tracking green and an agnostic club fitting system with trackman technology. Currently undergoing a £30m renovation, Apes Hill Golf & Beach Club is relaunchin...
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Alicante in Spain named as a host city for The Ocean Race Europe 2021
3May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

Alicante in Spain named as a host city for The Ocean Race Europe 2021

The inaugural edition of The Ocean Race Europe will be heading to Alicante after the popular Spanish destination was added as a host city for the sailing spectacular taking place in May and June. Starting in Lorient, France, on 29 May, The Ocean Race Europe will then go to Cascais, Portugal, and Alicante before finishing in Genoa, Italy.  Alicante is very familiar territory for The Ocean Race, as the home of both the race headquarters and the venue for each of the around the world race starts since 2008. “We are very excited that Alicante, the current headquarters of The Ocean Race and the home of The Ocean Race Museum, will host the penultimate stop of this new event, The Ocean Race Europe,” said Antonio Rodes, general director of Sociedad Proyectos Temáticos of the Valencian Region...
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The Jockey Club gets ready to welcome back horse racing fans in May
13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

The Jockey Club gets ready to welcome back horse racing fans in May

The Jockey Club, owners of 14 racecourses across the UK, has announced that tickets are now on sale for 16 horse racing fixtures in May.  England’s roadmap out of lockdown will see a limited number of fans return to sporting events from 17 May at the earliest - this is the same day that Carlisle Racecourse will host its Flat Speed Ahead event.  Tickets are also available for May race days at Nottingham, Kempton Park, Warwick, Market Rasen, Sandown Park, Haydock Park and Newmarket. To buy tickets for the below events see thejockeyclub.co.uk Flat Speed Ahead at Carlisle RacecourseWhen: 17 May Tickets: from £15; under-18s go free Afternoon Racing at Nottingham RacecourseWhen: 18 May Tickets: from £15; under-18s go free Floodlit Racing at Kempton Park RacecourseWhen: 19 May Tick...
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Barbarians to face Samoa in the Killik Cup at Twickenham
13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Barbarians to face Samoa in the Killik Cup at Twickenham

Rugby union fans will get the chance to watch some free-flowing attacking rugby this autumn when the Barbarians take on Samoa in the Killik Cup.  The match takes place at Twickenham Stadium in London on Saturday 27 November and tickets go on general sale at 10am on Thursday 15 April. Available from Ticketmaster, ticket prices start from £35 for adults and £15 for children. VIP and hospitality packages will be available from £119 per person via twickenhamstadium.com It will be just the second time the teams have met, the first being at London’s Olympic Park ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015, which marked the first-ever rugby match at the venue.  John Spencer, president of Barbarian FC, said: “We are very happy to announce our 2021 Killik Cup fixture this November and look forward ...
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Qatar promotes sand dunes experiences to entice skiers and snowboarders
11Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Qatar promotes sand dunes experiences to entice skiers and snowboarders

Skiers and snowboarders who missed out on their annual snow holiday are being offered an alternative: the desert sand dunes of Qatar. Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has launched a partnership with Q Explorer Tourism to give ski and snowboard fans the opportunity to get their annual adrenaline fix - with the tour company offering up to a third off the price of sand sports experiences until September 2021. The spectacular dunes of Khor Al Adaid, otherwise known as the Inland Sea, offer a mesmerising alternative to tried and tested ski slopes and are waiting to be discovered by adventure-loving travellers. Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to pack their sunscreen - to avoid goggle marks from the warm winter sun. Q Explorer Tourism is promoting three package deals for day tr...
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2021 French Open tennis grand slam in Paris now set to start on 24 May
11Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

2021 French Open tennis grand slam in Paris now set to start on 24 May

The start of the 2021 French Open tennis grand slam has been postponed by a week due to the Covid-19 situation in France. Now set to take place from 24 May to 13 June, the decision to delay the clay court major at Roland-Garros has been made in order to accommodate more fans. Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, said: “I am delighted that the discussions with the public authorities, the governing bodies of international tennis, our partners and broadcasters, and the ongoing work with the WTA and ATP, have made it possible for us to postpone the 2021 Roland-Garros tournament by a week. I thank them for this.  “It will give the health situation more time to improve and should optimise our chances of welcoming spectators at Roland-Garros, into our newly-transforme...
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