Sport travel guides and sports events news

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

13Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel, Venues & Stadiums

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has unveiled plans for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex. Initial enhancements will debut at the 2026 edition in February, with the full transformation completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. Designed to elevate the player experience and enhance fan engagement, the expansion marks the most significant upgrade to the Al Garhoud venue in its 30-year history. The redesign, which is being led by specialist stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern and with Turner & Townsend as project managers, positions the Championships as a tournament reflective of Dubai’s global reputation as a world-class host city for international sporting events. ...

London tops 2026 sports-tripping index ahead of Dubai and Tokyo

13Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

London tops 2026 sports-tripping index ahead of Dubai and Tokyo

London has been crowned the world’s best city for sports-tripping in 2026, according to a global study by luggage storage network Stasher. The research found that nearly 30% of people have travelled – or would consider travelling – abroad for a major sporting event, reflecting the continued rise of sports tourism as a mainstream travel driver. According to UN Tourism, sports tourism now accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending, with projections suggesting the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. Scoring 7.6 out of 10, London’s appeal lies in the sheer density of elite teams and global events across the so-called ‘big five’ sports – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket. The city is home to 20 world-class teams, including football heavyweights Arsenal...

Priority Pass report: sports and wellness drive experience-led journeys

13Feb

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Trends

Priority Pass report: sports and wellness drive experience-led journeys

A fundamental shift is reshaping global travel, as travellers increasingly prioritise purpose, passion and personal wellbeing over traditional sightseeing. According to Priority Pass’ latest global research report – From Stadiums to Spas: Unlocking the Explosive Growth of Sports and Wellness Travel – sports and wellness are no longer niche motivations but central pillars of how people plan and experience trips. The report, based on a survey of more than 12,000 travellers across 20 international markets, highlights a clear move towards experience-led itineraries, where travel is shaped around activities that align with lifestyle, identity and self-improvement rather than destinations alone. Two of the fastest-growing forces behind this shift are sports tourism and wellness travel. Spo...

World of Hyatt named hospitality partner of new Audi Revolut F1 Team

25Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business

World of Hyatt named hospitality partner of new Audi Revolut F1 Team

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed World of Hyatt as the official hospitality partner of the newly launched Audi Revolut F1 Team. The partnership will see the global loyalty brand connect luxury travellers with the world of elite motorsport through a curated programme of premium hospitality and once-in-a-lifetime Formula 1 experiences. World of Hyatt members can enjoy access to the sport’s most iconic moments. From behind-the-scenes paddock tours and driver meet-and-greets to private hospitality lounges and luxury weekend itineraries, members will have the opportunity to experience the world of Formula 1 like never before. In addition, members will be able to earn and redeem points for bespoke travel experiences surrounding key Grand Prix events, blending high performance with high ...

PURE ONE Travel launches ‘Learn to Surf’ adventure packages

25Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

PURE ONE Travel launches ‘Learn to Surf’ adventure packages

PURE ONE Travel has launched its new “Learn to Surf” adventure packages, designed specifically for beginners and early-stage surfers who want to experience the thrill of riding waves in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. These expertly curated adventures focus on building confidence, having fun, and creating unforgettable memories from the very first wave. Participants are guided to stunning coastal destinations known for gentle, forgiving waves and welcoming surf communities, providing the perfect environment to learn and grow. “Learning to surf is about so much more than just catching waves,” said Wesley Baker, CEO of PURE ONE. “It's about embracing the surf lifestyle, connecting with others, and enjoying every moment, both on and off the board. We want ever...

Ramble Worldwide’s top 10 walking holidays for beginners in 2026

25Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Ramble Worldwide’s top 10 walking holidays for beginners in 2026

Ramble Worldwide has revealed its top 10 walking holidays for beginners – a curated selection of gentle to moderate breaks designed specifically for newcomers to walking adventures, and those wanting to explore at a gentler pace, including small group, guided tours of the UK, Greece and Portugal. Walking holidays have been widely recognised as a rapidly growing travel trend, increasingly being chosen by travellers of all ages, seeking meaningful experiences which support both physical and mental wellbeing. Gentle exercise in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, support cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness, making these trips ideal for those wanting a restorative break with a sense of achievement. Walking in small groups also fosters connection and communit...

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

25Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: an epic cycling holiday from Barcelona to Porto

Adding to Saddle Skedaddle’s growing list of iconic cycling journeys, the new 22-day guided road cycling holiday from Barcelona in Spain to Porto in Portugal takes riders on an epic 935-mile adventure along the Iberian Peninsula. Starting in Barcelona, the route leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind to reach the wide-open skies of southern Catalonia. After weaving through endless vineyards in the Penedès wine region (homeland of Cava), the scenery transforms into oak and pine forests in the foothills of the Prades Mountains. Crossing the River Ebro for the first time, the quiet village of Bot marks the gateway to the rugged Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountains as the scenery changes again, with jagged limestone cliffs rising against the open sky. Passing through an...

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia: the stadiums and host cities

24Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Venues & Stadiums

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia: the stadiums and host cities

Eight world-class stadiums across seven cities in Australia have been selected to host games at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, fans can expect venues with cutting-edge facilities, perfectly suited for this expanded edition featuring 24 teams. Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup in Australia, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium. Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while North Queensland Stadium in To...

Saint Lucia’s sporting pedigree creates sports travel legacy

21Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

The Americas, Trips & Experiences

Saint Lucia’s sporting pedigree creates sports travel legacy

Some destinations defy their size, bursting with sporting legends and adventure. Saint Lucia is one such nation and island that may be small, but its influence in sports and active-adventure is immense. Ramy James Salameh visited to explore and discover what makes this Caribbean paradise a true sports travel powerhouse. Wherever I found myself in Saint Lucia, I was never far from a vibrant billboard celebrating Julien Alfred's historic victory in the 100m sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She not only brought home the island’s first ever Olympic medal but dazzled the world with a gold in the 100m and a silver in the 200m, both blue-ribbon events of the Summer Games. The impact of her achievements is as powerful as Saint Lucia’s volcanic landscape, and the seismic reverberations are ...

Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

10Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Sports Business

Sport propels Europe’s event-driven tourism growth in 2025

Europe’s event-driven tourism sector grew by 7% in 2025, with sport emerging as a central engine of growth, driving significant economic impact for destinations and local communities across the continent. According to a comprehensive analysis by Mabrian and Data Appeal, both Almawave Group companies, the sports category accounted for the largest share of event-related tourism expenditure, highlighting professional matches and major competitions as major tourism magnets. Across the 12 European markets studied – including Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Greece, the UK, Germany, and France – sports accounted for 41.4% of all event-driven tourism spending, outpacing other event types. Markets such as Spain, Belgium, Sweden and Greece stand out for their heavy reliance on sports events, where the...

Marriott Bonvoy and International Cricket Council sign global partnership

10Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Marriott Bonvoy and International Cricket Council sign global partnership

Marriott Bonvoy and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have signed a strategic partnership which will see Marriott International’s travel platform appointed as the ICC's official accommodation partner through to 2029. The deal gives Marriott Bonvoy’s 260 million members the opportunity to embrace the excitement of the game across continents and showcases Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive offerings to cricket’s passionate global fan base. Peggy Roe, EVP and chief customer officer, Marriott International, said: “Cricket continues to grow as a global sport, with rising fan engagement worldwide and momentum. With more than two billion fans globally, we are proud to serve as the ICC’s official accommodation partner and look forward to delivering exclusive access and once-in-a-lifetime expe...

Golf 2026 events calendar: majors and biggest tournaments

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, Golf

Golf 2026 events calendar: majors and biggest tournaments

Golf fans around the world can look forward to a packed international calendar in 2026. At the heart of the season are the four men’s majors and five women’s majors, each offering its own legacy and challenge. On the men’s major schedule the Masters Tournament returns to Augusta National in April, followed by the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open Championship in July, where golf’s oldest major will again draw massive global attention. The women’s game takes centre stage across five majors, reflecting its rapid international growth. The Chevron Championship tees off the major season, while the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, Amundi Evian Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open continue to elevate the global reach of elite women’s golf, att...

Rugby union 2026 calendar: international Tests and club finals

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

Rugby union 2026 calendar: international Tests and club finals

The 2026 international rugby union calendar promises a packed year of elite competition, major tournaments, and high-stakes Test matches across both hemispheres. With World Cup cycles resetting and new formats emerging, the global game will showcase rising nations, historic rivalries and expanded international windows designed to grow rugby’s reach. The year begins with the traditional northern hemisphere showpiece, the Six Nations Championship (February-March 2026). England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy will battle across five intense rounds, with France and Ireland expected to continue their rivalry at the top of European rugby. Running parallel in Asia and the Americas are key regional championships and qualification fixtures as unions prepare for the next Rugby World C...

Formula 1 2026 race calendar: grand prix dates and circuits

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, F1 & Motorsport

Formula 1 2026 race calendar: grand prix dates and circuits

The 2026 Formula 1 World Championship features an expansive, 24-race calendar that runs from early March through early December, spanning five continents and blending classic venues with fresh additions. The season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (6-8 March), followed closely by China in Shanghai and Japan at Suzuka in March, establishing a thrilling early-season rhythm. Across the spring and summer, the grid races at traditional European highlights including Monaco, Barcelona-Catalunya, Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps, and Zandvoort, with fans also treated to stops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Miami, and Montreal. One of the biggest talking points of 2026 is the introduction of a second Spanish round in Madrid, hosted on the new Madring stree...

Snooker 2026 events calendar – biggest UK tournaments

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

Snooker 2026 events calendar – biggest UK tournaments

Snooker in 2026 promises another outstanding year, with its major tournaments continuing to anchor the global calendar. At the heart of the season is the 2026 World Snooker Championship, returning once again to the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Since 1977, the Crucible has been synonymous with snooker’s greatest moments, and in 2026 it will again host 17 days of high-pressure drama as the world’s best players battle through its marathon format to be crowned world champion. With its intimate arena, intense atmosphere and history of unforgettable matches, the Crucible remains the sport’s most prestigious stage. The 2026 UK Championship, held at the Barbican Centre in York, will provide another highlight in the Triple Crown Series. As one of snooker’s oldest and most respected tour...

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

World’s best half marathons in 2026

Running a half marathon, a 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, has become one of the most popular goals for runners seeking a manageable yet highly rewarding challenge. It strikes the perfect balance between shorter distances such as 5km races and the full marathon, offering a substantial test of endurance without requiring the extensive time commitment demanded by marathon training. For many, the half marathon represents an achievable step into the world of long-distance running, providing both the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of reaching a meaningful milestone. Training for a half marathon typically spans eight to 12 weeks and follows a structured plan designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Weekly schedules usually include a combination of long runs, speed or ...

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

4Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events

World’s best marathons and running festivals in 2026

Running a marathon is a monumental achievement that demands months of disciplined preparation, strategic training, and unwavering mental resilience. Covering the classic distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometres), the marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance events in sport, testing an athlete’s physical capability, mental strength, and capacity to push through fatigue. Preparing for such a demanding race typically follows a structured training plan that gradually increases weekly mileage, incorporates interval and tempo workouts to build speed and stamina, and features regular long runs to develop endurance. Equally important is proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery, all of which play vital roles in optimising performance and reducing the risk of injury...

Boston takes centre stage for the UK’s home nations in FIFA World Cup

1Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Football, The Americas

Boston takes centre stage for the UK’s home nations in FIFA World Cup

It’s getting mightily close and excitement is building for the greatest football festival on earth, so here at Sports Tourism News we thought we would wet the appetite with a FIFA fan’s guide to Boston. Boston is gearing up to steal the show as one of the lead host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the city will be pulsing with football from June 13 to July 9. Seven matches land in the region, including two Scotland group games, an England group game, and a quarterfinal, all at the iconic Boston Stadium in Foxborough. But the party won’t be confined to the pitch. Boston City Hall Plaza will transform into the Official FIFA Fan Festival™: 16 days of free, public celebrations showcasing the city’s creativity and community. Expect live match screenings, appearances by FIFA legends,...

2026 FIFA World Cup guide: day-by-day fixtures and host cities

1Jan

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Guides, Football

2026 FIFA World Cup guide: day-by-day fixtures and host cities

The FIFA World Cup 2026 brings together 48 nations across three host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico – from 11 June to 19 July. Expanded from 32 teams to 48 for the first time, the tournament will feature a record 104 matches played in 16 host cities before ending with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on 19 July. The competition begins with 12 groups of four teams, with 32 nations progressing to the knockout rounds as the race to become world champions unfolds across North America. Host cities US: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey Canada: Toronto, Vancouver The groups and team...

22Dec

By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

A day in the sporting life of Somabay

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing life as a professional athlete? Follow in Ramy Salameh's footsteps and travel to Somabay, a premier sports tourism destination on Egypt’s Red Sea featuring world-class facilities. Imagine a day which starts by watching an ATP tour tennis tournament and ends on horseback viewing the sun melt below the Red Sea Mountains. And in-between getting to play a nine-hole Par 3 golf course, snorkel above a family of turtles gliding passed a coral reef, before slipping into the Red Sea’s only Thalasso Tonic seawater-based therapy pool to pummel your every sinew into a more relaxed state. This was a day I experienced during a stay in Somabay, one of the most beautiful peninsula’s on Egypt’s dazzling Red Sea coastline and one which continues to e...