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The Sports Tourism Blog: how to reach fans with ‘experiential’ sports marketing
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

The Sports Tourism Blog: how to reach fans with ‘experiential’ sports marketing

During the MICE expo IBTM World Virtual 2020, Sports Tourism Media had the chance to listen to an interesting presentation by Juli Ferré Nadal, principal of Thinking Heads Sports. The talk focused on building a distinctive and exciting brand experience in the context of a sport event; establishing an emotional connection with fans and potential customers; and to assess how digital fits into an 'experiential' sports marketing campaign.  During the Covid-19 pandemic and various lockdowns in 2020, one area which left a big hole in our lives was when elite sports competitions were cancelled and there was no chance to be a spectator in a stadium or even to view on TV. We all came to realise just how important sport is and its ability to generate much emotion. When the English Premie...
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Dominican Republic golf travel guide: best golf courses and resorts
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Dominican Republic golf travel guide: best golf courses and resorts

With 30 top-class golf courses the Dominican Republic is regularly dubbed the “golfing capital of Latin America and the Caribbean”.   Some of the industry’s top architects and designers - including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Gary Player and Tom Fazio - have built golf courses in the Caribbean nation. Named Latin America and the Caribbean golf destination of the year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2019, the Dominican Republic welcomes more than 200,000 golf tourists every year. Golf tourism and events generate an economic impact of almost €300m (£251m) on an annual basis.  While the courses are open year-round, the best time to play is from December to March when the weather is a little cooler and less humid. There is a benefit to playing in...
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Great Lakes USA golf guide | Ryder Cup 2021
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides, Sports Travel

Great Lakes USA golf guide | Ryder Cup 2021

The Great Lakes USA will once again host golf’s biggest event, the Ryder Cup, with the biennial competition taking place from 24-26 September 2021 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. This is the fourth time since 2004 that the Ryder Cup has been held in the Great Lakes region, which consists of the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio.  In 2016, the Ryder Cup was held at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota, which hosts it again in 2028. Medinah, Illinois was the destination in 2012 and in 2004 Oaklands Hills in Michigan hosted the event.   Wisconsin golf guide The 2021 Ryder Cup is expected to be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in the state of Wisconsin and Whistling Straits is the first public course in a generation to host the golfin...
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Edinburgh: a sports travel city guide
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides

Edinburgh: a sports travel city guide

A sports travel guide to... EDINBURGH Scotland’s historic capital city Edinburgh is not just home to a world-famous castle and arts festival, but also the national rugby union stadium and many superb golf courses. BT Murrayfield Stadium plays host to Scotland’s home international rugby fixtures as well as club games for Edinburgh Rugby. The city also has three main football clubs: Hibernian FC, Heart of Midlothian FC and Edinburgh City. One must-do activity for visitors to Edinburgh is take a walk and climb Arthur’s Seat. Teams, stadiums, golf and events in Edinburgh Teams, stadiums and venues Sports teams Football: Hibs, Hearts, Edinburgh City   Rugby union: Edinburgh Rugby  Ice hockey: Edinburgh Capitals Ameri...
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Cardiff: a sports travel city guide
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides

Cardiff: a sports travel city guide

A sports travel guide to... CARDIFF If you plan to visit the Welsh capital then try and get a ticket to watch the national team in an international rugby union match at the Principality Stadium. Rugby weekends in Cardiff are superb and the Welsh rugby fans are as good as any sporting crowd anywhere in the world. Cardiff’s not just a rugby city though - there’s also football, ice hockey, cricket, golf and plenty of major sporting events to enjoy throughout the year. Teams, venues and major events Stadiums, venues and teams Sports teamsRugby union: Cardiff Blues, Cardiff RFC Football: Cardiff CityIce hockey: Cardiff Devils  Cricket: Glamorgan CCCStadiums and venues Principality Stadium (rugby union, football; 74,500 capacity)Cardiff Ci...
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Sport and travel-related 30-day challenges for New Year 2021
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Sport and travel-related 30-day challenges for New Year 2021

Getting out to watch live sport or travelling to a sporting destination may be off limits for many of us in early 2021, but that doesn’t mean you can’t set yourself some new year resolutions. From fitness and yoga to photography and reading, here’s some sports travel ideas for your 30-day challenges in January.  By Mike Starling  Running and walking You don’t need to go all Rocky and be up at 4am for a 10-mile run through the snow. Just put your trainers on and go for a 10- or 15-minute run or jog outside. It will be tough at first, but take it slow and build it up. If running isn’t your thing, then just make walking a daily routine.  Download an exercise or fitness app This is one thing I will be doing in the new year. I’m not a big fan of the gym (except for the t...
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NFL 2020-2021 schedule: conference championship games and Super Bowl LV
1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Sports Travel

NFL 2020-2021 schedule: conference championship games and Super Bowl LV

The NFL’s 2020-2021 regular season is over and the playoffs are in full swing. After the completion of the Wild Card and divisional rounds, it's now time for the AFC and NFC conference championship games on Sunday 24 January. The winners of the championship games will then proceed to Super Bowl LV. This year's Super Bowl will be held on Sunday 7 February 2021 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. NFC Conference Championship  Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers When: Sunday 24 January 2021 Start time: 8.05pm (GMT) UK TV coverage: Sky Sports NFL and Sky Sports Main Event AFC Conference Championship  Who: Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs When: Sunday 24 January 2021 Start time: 11.40pm (GMT) UK TV coverage: Sky Sports NF...
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Sport in Wales: events, activities and things to do
20Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Sport in Wales: events, activities and things to do

Wales is a passionate sporting nation - especially when it comes to rugby union. Cardiff's Principality Stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team and every year it hosts games in the Six Nations championship.  While the capital Cardiff offers a big city vibe and many attractions, visitors are recommended to explore the rest of the country and enjoy Wales's outdoor activities. Trekkers, walkers and bikers should head to Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons for their outdoor fix.  For golfers why not play one of Wales’s top coastal courses or tee it up at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor?  If you fancy something a bit different (or crazier) then the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Man vs Mountain event or the Tenby Boxing Day Swim could be for you. Here we pick out some of th...
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Cricket: England to play home fixtures against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in summer 2021
25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

Cricket: England to play home fixtures against Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India in summer 2021

The England men's one-day and Test cricket teams are set for an action-packed summer in 2021 after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a provisional schedule of fixtures.  In June and July Sri Lanka will visit England to play three one-day internationals (ODIs). Also in July Pakistan are England’s opponents for three ODIs and three Twenty20 (IT20) games. Then in August and September five Test matches will be played against India.  After playing matches this year behind closed doors the ECB hope that fans will be able to enjoy the action in 2021.  Tom Harrison, ECB chief executive officer, said: “We had an amazing summer of international cricket this year with some memorable performances, and we know how much enjoyment it brought to people whilst stay...
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Pictures: Qatar Airways unveils first aircraft with Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 livery
23Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Pictures: Qatar Airways unveils first aircraft with Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 livery

To mark the two-year countdown to the kick-off of football’s biggest tournament Qatar Airways has revealed a specially-branded Boeing 777 aircraft painted in Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 livery.  Qatar Airways is the official partner and official airline of world football’s governing body Fifa and its Boeing 777-300ER has entered service operating flights QR095 and QR096 between Doha and Zurich.  Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group chief executive, said: “We are tremendously excited to celebrate our partnership with Fifa and Qatar’s status as host of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 by introducing this unique aircraft to our fleet. We can feel the excitement building with two years to go until we will welcome the world to our beautiful country.” Fifa director of marketing, Jean...
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Sport + Travel interview: Petra Vlhova, World Cup alpine ski racer and one of Slovakia’s top sporting stars
21Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

Sport + Travel interview: Petra Vlhova, World Cup alpine ski racer and one of Slovakia’s top sporting stars

Petra Vlhova, one of Slovakia’s most recognisable sporting faces, is a World Cup alpine ski racer specialising in the slalom and giant slalom. She is the current world champion in giant slalom. Fiercely proud of her Liptovsky Mikulas roots, the mountainous region of her birth set her on skis from an early age and she has never looked back, continuing to compete at the very highest level across the world. When did you start skiing? I was born in Liptovsky Mikulas, in the town which is the centre of the picturesque Liptov region, full or mountains, hills and picturesque landscape. My parents were running a small refreshment booth (buffet) in Jasna – Liptov's and Slovakia's biggest ski resort, so I spent a lot of time in Jasna since my early childhood. Natural...
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2020 sports calendar: major UK and global sporting events
13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

2020 sports calendar: major UK and global sporting events

The impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has seen many major sporting events cancelled or postponed this year. However, many events and tournaments are now back on the 2020 sports schedule, with most being held behind closed doors. Here we look at the monthly schedule for sport in 2020. Also, check out the sports events calendar for 2021 here...    Sport + Travel Magazine: sign up for the free monthly digital publication December 2020 2020 Betway UK Championship Snooker When: Saturday 28 November to Sunday 6 December 2020 Where: York Barbican, York Rugby Union: Autumn Nations Cup finals weekend 5 December: Georgia vs. Fiji (Murrayfield) 5 December: Ireland v Scotland (Aviva Stadium) 5 December: Wales v Italy (Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli) 6 December: England v Franc...
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F1 Saudi Arabian GP will be ‘biggest sports event in country’s history’
6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

F1 Saudi Arabian GP will be ‘biggest sports event in country’s history’

Formula 1 will be heading to Saudi Arabia after it was confirmed that Jeddah will host a grand prix in November 2021.  The city on the Red Sea will be home to the inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and take place at night on a street circuit on Jeddah’s corniche. Chase Carey, chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said: “Saudi Arabia is a country that is rapidly becoming a hub for sports and entertainment with many major events taking place there in recent years and we are very pleased that Formula 1 will be racing there from next season.  “The region is hugely important to us and with 70% of the population of Saudi being under 30 we are excited about the potential to reach new fans and bring our existing fans around the world exciting racing from an incredible and historic loca...
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Client news: Enjoy Tatras DMC launch sports travel guide for UK market
6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

Client news: Enjoy Tatras DMC launch sports travel guide for UK market

Ahead of WTM Virtual 2020, Enjoy Tatras DMC in Slovakia commissioned Sports Tourism Media to create a bespoke and dedicated “sports travel guide” to the Tatras and Liptov mountain region, which brings to life one of Europe’s most enthralling natural environments. The guide is full of inspirational ideas and ways to spend a vacation through active adventure, health and wellness and of course a unique mountain culture with incredible stories to tell.  There are articles on hiking and cycling in a region that is still the habitat for around 150 brown bears, and a focus on the latest health and wellness trends such as “cryotherapy”. There’s also interviews with some of Slovakia’s leading sports stars and a range of “top things to do” lists.   The sports travel guide wil...
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High and Low Tatras: a natural playground for every season
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras, Guides

High and Low Tatras: a natural playground for every season

By Ramy James Salameh In 2019, the High Tatras in Slovakia were voted No.1 destination to visit on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Europe” list. The Tatra National Park is bursting with active adventures and wellbeing opportunities the year round. If broken down by numbers the region reads like this: 1,150km of biking trails; 1,800km of hiking trails; 50 peaks at more than 2,000m high, with the highest being Mt. Gerlach at 2,655m and the highest peak in the Low Tatras, Mt. Dumbier, at 2,042m. However, it is not until one is immersed in this wondrous nature surrounded by grand edifices can one really appreciate its true benefits on body and soul.  High Tatras Mountains (Image: Visit Košice) There are rare moments in life where you can tangibly see the enormity of “Mother Nature” and...
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Chill out with ‘cryotherapy’ in the Tatras and Liptov region
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

Chill out with ‘cryotherapy’ in the Tatras and Liptov region

Is cryotherapy crazy or on trend? You decide, but either way freezing oneself in the name of health seems to work. Ramy James Salameh stepped into temperatures of -125°C and felt better for it, even though a pair of shorts and clogs was his only protection. Slovakia’s Tatras and Liptov region always finds quirky ways to increase your feeling of wellness, without breaking the bank to do so.  “You look nervous?” stated the doctor’s assistant at AquaCity, as I stood beside the cryotherapy chamber waiting to enter; my answer was unequivocally “yes!”. The resort is one of Slovakia’s premier health and wellbeing complexes based in Poprad, a city nestled beneath the High Tatras Mountains.  I was just about to walk into two chambers, the first at an eye-watering temperature of -60°...
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Interviews: what Slovakian sport stars say about the High Tatras and Liptov region
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

Interviews: what Slovakian sport stars say about the High Tatras and Liptov region

In this series of Q&A interviews three Slovakian sports stars discuss their region’s top sport and travel attractions. Here's what pro-trials bike rider Jan Kocis and professional swimmers Miroslav Cmel and Tamara Potocka had to say... Jan Kocis (Image: Martin Krystynek) Jan Kocis (pro-trials bike rider) As a champion trial rider and cyclist from this region what are your favourite routes, which you would recommend for cycling tourists visiting the Tatras & Liptov region?   “As a peak ‘trials bike rider’, I do not usually use the classic cycle paths, but I mostly go to the more challenging ‘terrain’ so as to cycle on unmodified routes. But I like training at the Kvetnica cyclo-trails, single trails at Lechnica (Pieniny National Park), or – traditionally I go t...
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Interview: Gabriela Kohuthova, executive director of Enjoy Tatras DMC
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

Interview: Gabriela Kohuthova, executive director of Enjoy Tatras DMC

In your opinion, what are the top sports/adventure activities in the High Tatras and Liptov region? In the Tatras/Liptov mountain region, the best things happen outdoors in all weathers and year round. There are 50 peaks more than 2000m in the region, it means a diverse, far-reaching landscape of breathtaking views and fresh air. The majority of visitors come mainly for some hiking – it’s an integral part of the right “Tatras holiday” – making it the top sport activity, in all forms, even for the most laid back person. Mountains and winter sports inherently belong together, the Tatras region is no exception. We have different ski resorts, small and large, each with its own specific character. They offer excellent conditions for beginners to professionals. I suggest trying the steepest s...
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High Tatras voted No.1 for ‘Best in Europe’ by Lonely Planet
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

High Tatras voted No.1 for ‘Best in Europe’ by Lonely Planet

When Lonely Planet voted the High Tatras as the No.1 European destination to visit in 2019, it was definitely something to shout about.  This is most definitely a stamp of approval and badge of honour, but also the encouragement you need to put Slovakia’s mountainous region on your bucket list and get active in pristine nature. Lonely Planet described the region as a “mythical” and “rugged” landscape, with the real possibility of spotting rare species eradicated from most other parts of Europe, before going on to say… “Away from the wildlife watching, there’s plenty to keep travellers busy. With hikes to the summit of Slovakia’s highest peak, 2655m-high Gerlach (also known as Gerlachovský Štít), boating on the glacial lake of Štrbské Pleso, and traditional hospitali...
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Pictures: Eight Instagram-worthy viewpoints in the Tatras and Liptov region
5Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Enjoy Tatras

Pictures: Eight Instagram-worthy viewpoints in the Tatras and Liptov region

There are simply too many great viewpoints in the Tatras and Liptov region - but we pick out eight of the best to inspire visitors and aspiring photographers. You are guaranteed picture-perfect scenery across the whole region, so, whether you are a professional snapper, accomplished amateur or simply collecting memories for Instagram, you have come to the right part of Europe.  There are even dedicated photographic tours if you want to take visual art to another level.  Did you know? Jasna Ski Resort was voted within the top 10 most Instagram-tagged resorts in Europe, amongst some of the best resorts on the continent Hut - Chata pri Zelenom Plese High Tatras Hiking trail in the High Tatras Lomnicky Peak Marina Liptov Liptovska Mara Dam Svaty Kriz Tr...
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