Thursday, April 30Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Latest news and events

World Surf League: 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals to be held in September
11Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

World Surf League: 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals to be held in September

The World Surf League (WSL) has announced an updated events calendar for the remaining 2021 Championship Tour (CT) leading into the 2021 Rip Curl WSL Finals in September. The tour includes a stop in Mexico for the first time in 15 years and the women surfing Teahupo’o for the first time since 2006.  Following the fourth and final event of the current Australian leg, the CT will continue as follows (all tour stops and dates subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including global travel restrictions):  Jeep Surf Ranch Pro: California, USA (25-27 June 2021) Corona Open Mexico presented by Quiksilver: Barra de La Cruz, Mexico (5-15 July 2021) Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona: Saquarema, Brazil (11-16 August 2021) Outerknown Tahiti Pro: Teahupo’o, Tahiti (22...
Read More
World Sports Tourism Congress: Catalonia event confirmed for November 2021
5Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

World Sports Tourism Congress: Catalonia event confirmed for November 2021

After being postponed in May last year, it has now been confirmed that the World Sports Tourism Congress is rescheduled for 25-26 November 2021. Organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Catalan Tourist Board (Agència Catalana de Turisme), the event will be held in Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, Spain. In a statement on its website, the UNWTO said: “Sports tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism. More and more tourists are interested in sport activities during their trips whether sports are the main objective of travel or not. Sport events of various kinds and sizes attract tourists as participants or spectators and destinations try to add local flavours to them to distinguish themselves and provide authentic local experiences. Sports events can be a catalyst ...
Read More
Regeneration and sustainability the core messages of AdventureELEVATE Virtual Europe
5Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Regeneration and sustainability the core messages of AdventureELEVATE Virtual Europe

By Ramy James Salameh On 24-25 March 2021 Sports Tourism Media attended a travel industry conference developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) called ‘AdventureELEVATE Virtual Europe’. This powerful two-day conference brought together key players from the adventure travel community, both in Europe and further afield. It was billed as being "focused on moving the industry forward with a regenerative eye in order to build healthy and future-proof tourism".  Whilst Covid-19 continues to impact every part of our lives, it has also highlighted the fragility of our existence and environment, bringing into sharp focus our own communities, the need to support people within those communities and find innovative ways to protect, preserve and promote areas close to home an...
Read More
British & Irish Lions intend to tour South Africa as planned in 2021
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

British & Irish Lions intend to tour South Africa as planned in 2021

After months of speculation the British & Irish Lions rugby union team have confirmed they intend to tour South Africa as planned this summer.  There had been reports that the series could be moved to the UK or even played in Australia. However, in an update issued on 23 March the Lions and SA Rugby said they are “aligned on delivering the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa in the scheduled playing window”.  Jason Leonard, chairman of the British & Irish Lions, said: “After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the board’s intended position is for the tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021. “We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to d...
Read More
World Rally Championship: Acropolis Rally Greece added to 2021 WRC calendar
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

World Rally Championship: Acropolis Rally Greece added to 2021 WRC calendar

Greece will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time in eight years after the fabled Acropolis Rally Greece was added to the 2021 calendar. The gruelling gravel road event forged a reputation as one of the WRC’s iconic fixtures after joining the inaugural season in 1973, and WRC Promoter has finalised a multi-year agreement with the Greek government for the Acropolis to return. It will form round ten of the 2021 season on 9-12 September, replacing Copec Rally Chile which has been cancelled due to continued travel and other governmental restrictions amid the pandemic. The Acropolis was first held in 1951. It became regarded as one of the WRC’s toughest rounds, as twisty and rocky mountain roads combined with intense heat and choking dust to provide a fier...
Read More
Follow in the snowy footsteps of Petra Vlhova in Slovakia’s Liptov Region
23Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Follow in the snowy footsteps of Petra Vlhova in Slovakia’s Liptov Region

It reads like a Hollywood movie script. "Hometown girl skies to victory on the very slopes where she learnt to ski as a child, before going on to become the Alpine World Cup ski champion." Well this is not fiction but the true story of Petra Vlhova, who made history by becoming the first person in Slovakia to win the overall title. Having snaked to victory in the Giant Slalom at the Audi FIS Ski World Cup competition on the slopes of the Jasna Ski Resort, in the Low Tatras Mountains of Slovakia she was well on her way to collecting the world title just a couple of weeks later. She is a super star in Slovakia, not just for her prowess on the slopes, but also for never forgetting her roots and this was most evident with her emotional victory in the Giant Slalom on 7 March 2021. As she ...
Read More
LaLiga and Rafa Nadal Academy sign three-year collaboration deal
23Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

LaLiga and Rafa Nadal Academy sign three-year collaboration deal

Spanish football’s LaLiga and the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar have signed a collaboration agreement to share experience and knowledge and mutually reinforce the reputation of both brands nationally and internationally. The alliance, which covers the next three years, will see the football and tennis organisations offer two-way support and launch a series of joint projects and initiatives. Javier Tebas, LaLiga president, said: “Our alliance with the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar represents another step forward in our bid to expand the world of sport. Rafa and his team will help to promote the values that are fundamental to us and to give even greater visibility to the LaLiga brand.” Men’s tennis world No.3 Rafa Nadal added: “Since we opened the Academy in 2016, we’ve grown consist...
Read More
British Rally Championship 2021 season to start at Oulton Park Circuit
21Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

British Rally Championship 2021 season to start at Oulton Park Circuit

The iconic Oulton Park Circuit in Cheshire will provide the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship with a history-making opening round of the 2021 season as the series commences with the Neil Howard Stages in association with Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors on 31 May. Despite announcing its six-round calendar of events recently, British Rally Championship organisers have since been offered the opportunity to open the season at the Cheshire circuit in May, bringing an additional asphalt event to the schedule. The impressive circuit played host to the opening special stage of Wales Rally GB in 2019 which provided a unique and challenging backdrop for the best rally drivers in the world. That setting will now provide the starting point for the BRC elite in what is sure to be a c...
Read More
BTCC 2021 calendar: TOCA confirms minor revisions
21Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

BTCC 2021 calendar: TOCA confirms minor revisions

TOCA, organiser of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, has confirmed minor revisions to the previously issued 2021 BTCC calendar as a result of the government recently issuing its roadmap for the easing of restrictions. While the opening race weekend – at Thruxton on 8/9 May – remains unchanged and will unfortunately take place behind closed doors, amendments have been made to the scheduling of the next two events in order to further maximise the opportunity for spectators to attend. The revised calendar sees the Snetterton event now scheduled for 12/13 June. The Brands Hatch Indy circuit event will be two weeks later, on 26/27 June, as all substantial spectator restrictions are expected to have been lifted by then. No further changes have been made to the previously is...
Read More
A Question of Sport Live UK tour: tickets, event dates and cities
15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

A Question of Sport Live UK tour: tickets, event dates and cities

The BBC’s popular sports quiz show, A Question of Sport, will celebrate its 50th year by going on an all-new live tour around the United Kingdom in 2021.  Starring long-time host Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – along with a host of big-name guests from across the sporting world – A Question of Sport Live is the perfect way for fans to see the hit show up close and say farewell as the trio depart from their roles.  A Question of Sport Live follows the popular format of the TV show and features many of the rounds and challenges. It is also truly interactive as audience members will be able to get involved in some rounds, including the traditional “Sprint Finish” finale. “I cannot believe 2021 marks 24 years since I first joined A Question of Sport and I c...
Read More
2021 Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix confirmed for 2 May
14Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

2021 Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix confirmed for 2 May

Formula 1 has announced that the Heineken Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão will return this season between 30 April and 2 May, as part of the record breaking 23-race 2021 FIA F1 World Championship.  Last October, Portugal returned to the F1 calendar for the first time in 25 years, with Lewis Hamilton winning ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen.  Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing again in Portimão after the huge success of the race last year. We want to thank the promoter and the Portuguese Government for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.  “We are confident and excited about our 2021 season, having shown last year that we could deliver 17 races safely and ...
Read More
Golf in Scotland | Gifts and experiences
14Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Scotland | Gifts and experiences

Scotland is the home of golf and boasts some of the best courses in the world. Here, we pick out some of the best Scottish golf breaks and experiences on offer from our affiliate partners such as BuyAGift.com, Red Letter Days, Expedia and LastMinute.com.  Editor’s note: Sports Tourism Media works in partnership with a number of affiliate companies, so we may earn a commission should you choose to book any deals or packages. All details are provided by affiliate partners. Prices subject to change and correct at the time of publishing.  Scotland holidays and hotels LastMinute.com Scotland holidays: lastminute.com/holidays/scotland Scotland hotels: lastminute.com/hotels/scotland The Kingdom of Fife Tee off at over 45 golf courses in The Kingdom of Fife Hotels in Fi...
Read More
African Sports Tourism Week to stage sports tourism masterclass in Nigeria
13Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

African Sports Tourism Week to stage sports tourism masterclass in Nigeria

African Sports Tourism Week, the premier pan-African sports travel trade event, will be staging a sports tourism masterclass from 21-24 April 2021 in Nigeria. Taking place at Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resorts in Uyo, the masterclass will attract delegates from sports commissions, ministries and associations as well as tourism boards and ministries. Organisers of the event said: “The masterclass was conceived out of the concern for how opportunities in sporting events, especially, aren’t being maximised, because sports and tourism have always stood aloof to each other, in Nigeria.”  Held under a theme of "Understanding How Collaboration between Sport and Tourism Works, for Socioeconomic Benefits To Destinations", the event will seek to address strategies, framework for collab...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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 ...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More

EVENTS IN FOCUS