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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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Beijing 2022: IOC marks one-year countdown to next Winter Olympics
14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

Beijing 2022: IOC marks one-year countdown to next Winter Olympics

To mark one year until the start of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has shone the spotlight on the athletes preparing for next year’s games.   Formally inviting the National Olympic Committees (NOC) and their winter sports athletes to participate in the 2022 mega-event, IOC president Thomas Bach said: “One year from now, Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. These games will connect the Chinese people with the world.  “Having seen how China is overcoming the coronavirus crisis, we are very confident that our Chinese hosts will ensure safe and secure Olympic Games in full cooperation with the IOC. “Every time that I have visited China, I am so impressed by the e...
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Sport Liverpool board is created to oversee major events push
13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Sport Liverpool board is created to oversee major events push

Liverpool is famous for its music, history and culture, but for many visitors it is sport and in particular football that is the real heartbeat of the north-west English city.   Home to two Premier League clubs, major stadia and arenas, Liverpool’s standing as a sporting destination has grown with events such as the Grand National horse race at Aintree and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series. Liverpool will also host Rugby League World Cup 2021 fixtures at Anfield and the M&S Bank Arena while next year the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships will be held in the city.  Major sporting events are such a key driver for business and tourism that the city’s destination marketing organisation, Marketing Liverpool, has recently launched the Sport Liverpool board.  Cha...
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European Tour golf 2021 schedule: tournaments, majors and big events
13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

European Tour golf 2021 schedule: tournaments, majors and big events

After a stop-start year in 2020, the European Tour is looking forward to an action-packed 2021 for men’s golf.  Announcing the 2021 calendar, the European Tour confirmed a minimum of 42 tournaments in 24 countries and 18 returning tournaments which were postponed or cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19.  As well as the regular Race to Dubai events, the 2021 season will also include four Rolex Series tournaments, the four majors, WGCs, Olympics and Ryder Cup. The 2021 campaign will conclude with the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from 18-21 November. Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “There is no question that the challenge of reshaping our 2020 season in many ways informed our approach to 2021. One of the key learnings w...
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What is Europe’s oldest marathon?
29Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

What is Europe’s oldest marathon?

I suspect the majority of even seasoned marathon runners would think London, Paris or Berlin to be the oldest marathon in Europe, making the answer even more intriguing. In fact Slovakia’s second largest city Kosice holds this accolade; so how did this come about? Ramy James Salameh finds out... In 2024 the Kosice Peace Marathon will celebrate its 100th anniversary, a milestone that Cassovians are extremely proud of. The marathon is the headline act for a city where sport is part of the very fabric and feeds into a truly diverse range of sporting experiences. The International Peace Marathon was inaugurated in 1924 and really is the torch bearer for sport in this fascinating city, and has given rise to many more sporting activities, clubs and titles. Kosice was awarded the status of ...
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February 2021 sports events: what’s on the month’s sporting calendar?
26Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

February 2021 sports events: what’s on the month’s sporting calendar?

The sporting year ramps up in February with many major sports events on the calendar. They don’t come much bigger than the NFL Super Bowl which takes place on Sunday 7 February at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. See an event guide to Super Bowl LV here. Other major sporting events in the second month of 2021 include the Australian Open tennis grand slam in Melbourne, the Fifa Club World Cup in Qatar and the opening three rounds of the Six Nations rugby union championship.  Here we look at the big sporting events taking place in February 2021. Main image credit: raymondjamesstadium.com Related articles 2021 UK and global major sports events: month-by-month calendar2021 sports business events and conferencesSix Nations 2021: fixtures, venues and times ...
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February 2021 sports business industry events and conferences
24Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

February 2021 sports business industry events and conferences

With the Covid-19 pandemic still affecting meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), virtually all sports business industry events in early 2021 will be held online.  February kicks off with the Golf Industry Show, Global Sports Week and ISPO Munich taking place in the first week of the month.  Other #SportsBiz events in February include the National Sports Forum Virtual Winter Summit, Women in Sport Digital Conference and fourth Japan Sports Week.  Related articles February 2021 sports events: what’s on the month’s sporting calendar?Sports business 2021 calendar: industry events and conferences2021 sports events calendar: month-by-month guideSport + Travel Magazine: sign up for the free monthly digital publication February 2021 sports business...
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A guide to… NFL Super Bowl LV
15Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

A guide to… NFL Super Bowl LV

A sports event guide to... NFL SUPER BOWL LV Tampa Bay in Florida will have the sporting world’s spotlight shining on it when the NFL’s showpiece event, the Super Bowl, is held at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday 7 February. Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the stadium usually has a capacity of 65,890. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the attendance has been limited to only 22,000 spectators. Of the 22,000, the NFL says 7,500 will be vaccinated health care workers who are invited as guests to “thank and honour them for their continued extraordinary service during the pandemic”. After the completion of the NFC and AFC conference championship matches, it’s the Buccaneers and reigning champions Kansas City Chiefs who will play in Super Bowl LV. Tom Brady’s Bucs will be aiming to wi...
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