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South Africa wins right to host the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022
30Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Travel

South Africa wins right to host the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022

The Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 will be held in South Africa after the World Rugby Council awarded the hosting rights for the tournament at a meeting in Tokyo.  In September 2022 the eighth edition of the showcase event will take place in Cape Town in what will be the first time that Rugby World Cup Sevens has been hosted on the African continent.  The world’s best 24 men’s and 16 women’s rugby sevens teams will take to the field at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point where they will compete for world champion status over three days of exhilarating action.  The 55,000-capacity stadium is the same venue that has hosted the HSBC Cape Town Sevens since 2015, and for the first time this year will host both men’s and women’s teams across three days of competition as part of the new-lo...
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Interview: StubHub president Sukhinder Singh Cassidy talks NFL, London, Brexit and ticket trends
23Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Trends

Interview: StubHub president Sukhinder Singh Cassidy talks NFL, London, Brexit and ticket trends

Hosting major US sporting fixtures has cemented London’s position as an international sports hub - and the perception of the UK has improved for fans who attended the events.   That’s according to a study published in October by online ticket company StubHub which looked at sales data ahead of the 2019 NFL London Games. This year London hosted the NBA regular-season match between the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks at The O2 in January. And for the first time baseball arrived on UK soil with the Boston Red Sox taking on rivals New York Yankees in two MLB matches at the London Stadium in June. In October and November American football has once again been on the London sporting calendar. Two NFL games were played at Tottenham and two are taking place at Wembley.    The StubHub stu...
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Charlotte Hornets star Willy Hernangomez urges NBA to host a game in Spain
22Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Charlotte Hornets star Willy Hernangomez urges NBA to host a game in Spain

Charlotte Hornets centre Willy Hernangomez has urged the NBA to expand its international series by hosting a future match in his homeland Spain.  Madrid-born Hernangomez and his French team-mate Nicolas Batum will line up for the Hornets against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Paris Game 2020 on 24 January.  The 25-year-old is looking forward to the game in France, but is pleading with the NBA to start planning for further events. He said: “Personally, I think it’s great for me and Nico Batum, the European players to have the opportunity to play an NBA game in Europe. “Hope it will be in Spain soon, but it will be great to see my family and friends, they want to fly there for sure. But for the NBA, I think it’s great to show the world how the NBA works and the game.  “I ...
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MLB World Series to generate $6.5m economic impact for Washington DC
22Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

MLB World Series to generate $6.5m economic impact for Washington DC

Washington Nationals’s qualification to the 2019 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series is set to generate a $6.5m economic impact for Washington DC. Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for the US capital city, has announced that the impact will come from two World Series home games against the Houston Astros on Friday 25 October and Saturday 26 October.  Both matches will be played at Nationals Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighbourhood in south-east DC with the potential of a fifth game on Sunday 27 October. “The World Series is an amazing opportunity for the Washington Nationals, their fans and the economic impact for the nation’s capital,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC.  “We’re excited to showcase Washington DC ...
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Runnin’City wins 1st UNWTO Sports Tourism Start-up Competition
17Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Runnin’City wins 1st UNWTO Sports Tourism Start-up Competition

Smartphone app Runnin’City has been named the winner of the 1st United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Sports Tourism Start-up Competition. Launched in partnership with the Barca Innovation Hub and supported by the Qatar National Tourism Council, the competition saw hundreds of start-ups enter. Five companies - Runnin’City; Fly-Foot; Kamui Daisetsu Barrier-free Institute; Oevit; and WeFish - were then shortlisted for the final. In October, the five finalists took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, with the first SportsTech edition of the WTO’s Tourism Tech Adventures initiative celebrating the most disruptive ideas and innovators from around the world.  Within the framework of the Forum, the five finalists were invited to Macau for a special masterc...
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Man Utd and Marriott Hotels unveil the ‘Seat of Dreams’ at the Theatre of Dreams 
17Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Man Utd and Marriott Hotels unveil the ‘Seat of Dreams’ at the Theatre of Dreams 

Manchester United and Marriott Hotels have unveiled the “Seat of Dreams” - a new concept that will be launched at the club’s Old Trafford stadium. United’s Premier League clash against rivals Liverpool on Sunday 20 October will see the Seat of Dreams used for the first time. This unique matchday experience allows supporters to watch the action from a coveted vantage point in the ground while also enjoying special perks such as complimentary food and drinks, early entry to the stadium, and the opportunity to meet Man Utd legends. The new addition at the Theatre of Dreams will be awarded to four fans at random through a complimentary upgrade to their existing match ticket. Official hotel partner The debut of the Seat of Dreams concept also marks the kick-off of a larger relationship be...
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F1 Miami GP economic impact: $400m, 35,000 room nights and 4,000 new jobs
16Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

F1 Miami GP economic impact: $400m, 35,000 room nights and 4,000 new jobs

Formula 1 has announced that it has agreed in principle a deal with the Hard Rock Stadium to host the first-ever F1 Miami Grand Prix. Should it join the United States Grand Prix on the F1 calendar, it’s predicted that the F1 Miami GP could have an economic impact of more than $400m (£311.8m) and bring in 35,000 hotel room nights in South Florida.  The event would also create 4,000 new jobs, according to the organisers. F1.com reports that should the race be given the green light in a vote by the Miami-Dade County on 28 October, it would see Formula 1 return to the state of Florida for the first time since the 1959 United Stated Grand Prix at Sebring. Announcing the agreement, Hard Rock Stadium vice-chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel and F1’s managing director commercial operations Sean Bra...
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Clarity Sports is launched after recruitment of 17 Thomas Cook Sport staff
12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Clarity Sports is launched after recruitment of 17 Thomas Cook Sport staff

Clarity has launched a new sports travel division - Clarity Sports - after recruiting the entire Thomas Cook Sports team travel management team. Within 48 hours of the collapse of Thomas Cook on 23 September, Manchester-based business travel firm Clarity stepped in and employed the Thomas Cook Sport staff. The new division was then created.  Pat McDonagh, CEO of Clarity, said: “Players, fans and officials of multiple teams across football, rugby and cricket have all been left in a very difficult situation following the demise of Thomas Cook Sport.  “The logistics of moving sports teams from game to game is a complex operation and because we were already working with many of these clubs, we were able to move quickly to offer jobs to those impacted by the Thomas Cook situation. They quick...
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2021 World Athletics Championships: an ‘unparalleled opportunity’ to showcase Oregon
12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

2021 World Athletics Championships: an ‘unparalleled opportunity’ to showcase Oregon

Following the conclusion of the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, the countdown is now on to the next edition of the event which takes place for the first time in the United States.  The 2021 World Athletics Championships will be held from 6-15 August in Eugene, Oregon - better known as “TrackTown USA”. Hayward Field at the University of Oregon will welcome thousands of athletics fans and nearly 2,000 competitors from more than 200 countries for one of the biggest sporting events in 2021. Oregon governor Kate Brown said: “We could not be prouder to bring the World Championships to the United States for the first time ever, and it is only fitting that TrackTown USA serve as the host.  “Oregon is a running mecca, and we are excited to bring the globe’s elite athletes...
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Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’
7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Holidays & Trips

Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’

Greek basketball stars Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are excited about returning to Europe to play in the NBA’s first ever regular-season match in France in January 2020.  The brothers will feature for the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural NBA Paris Game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday 24 January at the AccorHotels Arena.  When asked about playing in the French capital city Thanasis Antetokounmpo said: “It’s amazing for the sport. We’re European, so we understand how huge this is, having a game in a place like Paris.  “It’s going to be really exciting for fans all over the world to come watch. I know people are travelling from all around Europe, from Africa, to come see the game in Paris, so it’s an exciting thing. It’s amazing.”  Giannis Antetokounmpo added: “It’s going to...
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Grandstand Motor Sports release travel packages for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP
7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Grandstand Motor Sports release travel packages for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

Grandstand Motor Sports is offering two standard travel packages for the 2019 F1 Abu Dhabi GP - the final race of the Formula 1 season. British driver Lewis Hamilton is on track to win a sixth career F1 world title and he will go head-to-head with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 1 December. Four-night package Grandstand Motor Sports’s standard four-night package includes return flights from London to Abu Dhabi International Airport with four nights staying at the Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi (on a B&B basis). This hotel has direct access to the shops and attractions of Abu Dhabi Mall which is adjacent to the hotel.  The package also includes transfers to Yas Marina Circ...
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SwimTrek unveils swimming and sailing trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020
30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips

SwimTrek unveils swimming and sailing trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020

SwimTrek’s collaboration with the Lady of Avenel ship will continue into a fourth year with three swimming and sailing trips on offer for guests in 2020.   The swimming holiday operator’s week-long trips combine wild swimming around Scotland and Ireland and walks on the islands. Guests will also have the opportunity to try their hand at crewing on a traditional tall ship.  SwimTrek is offering three trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020: the Outer Hebrides (Scotland); Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Scotland); and the Donegal Atlantic Way (Ireland).  About the Lady of Avenel The Lady of Avenel is a 102ft Brigantine square rigged ship with 12 guest berths and staff quarters. Originally built in Poland in 1969 as a tug vessel, she was refitted in 1992. She is a majestic ship and travel...
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Tuscan Tennis Holidays launch hosted trips to 2020 Rome Masters
30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Tuscan Tennis Holidays launch hosted trips to 2020 Rome Masters

Tuscan Tennis Holidays has announced details of its hosted trips to the Rome Masters in May 2020. Hosted by company founder Ian Campbell and Laura Middleton, there will be two tennis tours to the Italian capital city where guests can play at a local clay-court club and also watch the ATP Tour stars in action at the tournament. Tuscan Tennis Holidays say that option number one (10-14 May) will allow guests to watch the early rounds of the Rome Masters and have the opportunity to watch the players practice. Option two (14-18 May) will include tickets to the latter stages of the tournament.  Flights and transfers are not included so guests just need to get to Rome.  Once there Ian and Laura, who are both fluent Italian speakers, will take care of everything else. Local accommodation touri...
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Mischa Zverev to host tennis camp at Amilla Fushi resort in the Maldives
29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Mischa Zverev to host tennis camp at Amilla Fushi resort in the Maldives

Guests at Amilla Fushi luxury resort in the Maldives will be served up a sporting treat in November with a tennis camp hosted by Mischa Zverev. The German ATP Tour professional will provide guests with a daily programme of high-energy drills, technical skills and competition tactics during the camp from 23-27 November 2019. Aimed at players aged 12 and above, and open to all skill levels from beginners to budding professionals, the camp will see the 32-year-old lead daily two-hour group sessions focussing on aspects such as groundstroke, forehand and backhand training; volley and tactics strategy sessions; and footwork practice.  The Tennis Camp by Mischa Zverev is complimentary and exclusive to guests of Amilla Fushi. The resort has two floodlit hard courts, complimentary equipment hire a...
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Event focus: FIBO Southeast Asia 2020 | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Event focus: FIBO Southeast Asia 2020 | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Southeast Asia, one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, will be the next destination for the FIBO global fitness event series. With exhibitions already in Cologne (Germany), China, Mexico, Africa and the United States, FIBO Southeast Asia (FIBO SEA) is the new addition to the portfolio. Organised by Reed Exhibitions Singapore in collaboration with Reed Exhibitions Deutschland, FIBO SEA will take place in Singapore from 24-26 September 2020 at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. FIBO SEA will bring together brands, manufacturers, distributors, licensors, intermediaries, buyers and trainers from the Southeast Asia and international fitness industry. Highlights from the event will include:  Business matchmaking Trade show Keynote speakers FIBO academy Innovation The trade show w...
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BLAST Pro Series 2019 global final can bring ‘lasting esports legacy’ to Bahrain
29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

BLAST Pro Series 2019 global final can bring ‘lasting esports legacy’ to Bahrain

Bahrain’s minister of youth and sports affairs, Ayman Tawfiq Almoayyed, believes the BLAST Pro Series global final can have a lasting legacy on the country’s esports industry.  It’s been announced that the 2019 final of the esports tournament will be held in Bahrain from 13-14 December and it is expected to be the biggest esports event ever in the Middle East region. Almoayyed said: “Esports is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Bahrainis are passionate fans and players, and we are excited by the opportunity to bring this world-class tournament to the kingdom.  “We look forward to hosting the teams and their fans from around the world, and building a lasting legacy for the sport in Bahrain and beyond.” ‘Engaging and interactive’ The 2019 BLAST Pro Series fea...
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Boston the ‘perfect setting’ for the 2020 Laver Cup tennis event
29Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Boston the ‘perfect setting’ for the 2020 Laver Cup tennis event

Tennis legend John McEnroe has described Boston as a “phenomenal sports town” after it was announced that next year’s Laver Cup will be held at TD Garden from 25-27 September 2020. The Laver Cup is a men’s tennis competition featuring two six-player teams, Europe and the World. Played over three days, each day sees four matches on court (three singles and one doubles).  After Team Europe beat Team World 13-11 in Geneva, Switzerland, in September 2019 it was confirmed that the 2020 edition will be heading Stateside for a second time. The inaugural event was held in Prague in 2017, followed by Chicago (2018) and Geneva (2019). Home to the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics, the 19,600-seat TD Garden arena welcomes more than 3.5 million people at its 200 annual sporting, music an...
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Sport and adventure tourism a major focus at TTG Travel Experience in Italy
25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sport and adventure tourism a major focus at TTG Travel Experience in Italy

This year's TTG Travel Experience in Italy will have a new major addition - the Be Active exhibition focusing on adventure, sport and wellness. Taking place from 9-11 October at the Rimini Exhibition Centre, and organised by the Italian Exhibition Group, the 56th edition of the B2B expo runs simultaneously with the SIA Hospitality Design and Sun Beach & Outdoor Style events. Be Active According to figures released by CST, in 2016 18.6% of foreign tourists stated that sport was the motivation for travelling to Italy.  The Be Active section will be dedicated wholly to active tourism and designed to promote and develop active holidays. Exhibitors will include specialist tour operators, major sports events, Italian and international destinations, accommodation facilities and serv...
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NFL stadium tours start at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October
25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

NFL stadium tours start at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October

American football fans in the UK can now book the chance to go on an NFL stadium tour at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.  The “NFL Experience” - the first NFL stand-alone visitor attraction outside of the United States - starts on 7 October and bookings can be made for selected dates and times throughout October and November.  NFL fans can enjoy a 90-minute guided tour, which includes access to the NFL Locker Room and the opportunity to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the NFL Commissioner's Suite. Booking for the NFL Experience can be made at tottenhamhotspur.com 2019 NFL London games This year the new Spurs stadium will host NFL London games for the first time.  On Sunday 6 October the Chicago Bears play the Oakland Raiders and on Sunday 13 October the Carolina Panthers fa...
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Bermuda Championship: PGA Tour golf event to have ‘significant economic benefit’
12Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Travel

Bermuda Championship: PGA Tour golf event to have ‘significant economic benefit’

PGA Tour golfers will head to Bermuda in October for the inaugural Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.  The first annual PGA Tour golf event to be held on the island will take place from 31 October to 3 November and tickets are now on sale.  At the announcement in June it was confirmed that the Bermuda Tourism Authority has signed a five-year agreement as the title sponsor.  Economic benefit Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said: “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is thrilled to have secured this pinnacle event in golf for Bermuda’s tourism industry and community.  “We’ve had our sights set on a PGA Tour partnership because of the significant economic benefit the event itself will generate for Bermuda’s economy as well as t...
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