Wednesday, April 8Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Latest news and events

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams
15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Travel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...
Read More
Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide 
13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Vilamoura, Portugal: a sports travel guide 

Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast, Vilamoura is a premier sport and golf travel destination resort where elite facilities, wellness escapes, and world-class events attract both professional athletes and active holidaymakers alike.  From championship golf courses and top-tier tennis academies to cutting-edge retreats and water-based adventures, Vilamoura offers a perfect balance of performance and pleasure. The resort will also soon be home to a new sports centre – an elite campus designed to cater to both professional athletes and the wider community. The centre will feature official-size football fields, a world-standard athletics track, and a wide range of multi-sport facilities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYNMtHXdxKg Most popular attractions in Vilamoura ...
Read More
Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions
13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Trends

Demand grows for active travel in Spain’s lesser-known regions

Spain is seeing a surge in demand for active travel experiences, as three UK independent tour operators – Headwater, Pura Aventura and Naturetrek – report a marked shift in booking trends toward more immersive, activity-based holidays. Travellers are increasingly drawn to Spain’s lesser-known regions, seeking out walking, cycling and nature-focused adventures that go beyond the traditional sun-and-city breaks. In response, the operators have expanded their offerings to include immersive nature-based, cultural, and active adventures – from scenic cycling routes through Extremadura to wildlife-focused treks in Andalucia and multigenerational activity family escapes in the Pyrenees. Sharon Zanni, product manager for mainland Spain and the Balearics at Headwater, said: “We have seen a go...
Read More
Sports tourism global value to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032 – World Economic Forum report
13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports tourism global value to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032 – World Economic Forum report

A new report published by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney, has positioned sports tourism as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel economy, with a projected value of more than US$1.7 trillion by 2032. According to the report – Travel & Tourism at a Turning Point – sports tourism is one of several segments emerging as “significant growth drivers”, expanding at rates “exceeding sector averages”, and driven by rising global interest in live events, active travel experiences, and the power of digital engagement. Valued at US$609 billion in 2023, the sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, reaching more than US$1.7 trillion in less than a decade. The report defines sports tourism as “where the tourist either obse...
Read More
CR7 Life Museum: Cristiano Ronaldo attraction opens in Hong Kong
13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Sports Travel, Venues & Stadiums

CR7 Life Museum: Cristiano Ronaldo attraction opens in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has strengthened its position as a global sports tourism destination with the launch of the CR7 Life Museum, the first of its kind in Asia dedicated to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.  Located within the K11 Art & Cultural Centre, this immersive, state-of-the-art attraction offers visitors a unique window into the career and life of one of the greatest players in football history. Elevating Hong Kong’s sports tourism portfolio, the museum features Ronaldo’s most iconic memorabilia, from match-worn kits and golden boots to his impressive trophy collection, alongside immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits. Visitors can trace Ronaldo’s journey from his early days in Madeira to his global superstardom – a powerful narrative that appeals to both sports enthusia...
Read More
Somabay: sport and adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea
13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Somabay: sport and adventure on Egypt’s Red Sea

Located on a private peninsula along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Somabay is a luxury destination resort offering year-round sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and world-class amenities just 45 minutes from Hurghada International Airport. The resort is home to a collection of top-tier accommodations, including The Cascades Golf Resort, Kempinski Soma Bay, Sheraton Soma Bay, and The Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge, each offering distinct styles – from family-friendly luxury to boutique surf culture.  A haven for active travellers, Somabay offers golf on a Gary Player-designed course, diving at its pristine house reef, and perfect kitesurfing conditions. Wellness is central, too, with the expansive Cascades Spa & Thalasso offering rejuvenation through hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy ...
Read More
Event in focus: The Ocean Race Europe 2025
10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Guides

Event in focus: The Ocean Race Europe 2025

The final preparations are taking place ahead of the 2025 edition of The Ocean Race Europe, which will see seven mixed-gender crews made up of sailors from across 13 nations take on the 4,500-nautical mile multi-stage offshore challenge. This year’s edition is built on the foundations of the inaugural race in 2021 and is held under the banner of “Connecting Europe”. Starting in Kiel, Germany on 10 August, the race takes the fleet around Europe, with stops in England, Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy, before the teams arrive in Boka Bay, Montenegro, around 15-16 September and the Final Scoring Race on 20 September. The finish in Montenegro marks the first time in its over 50-year history that crews from The Ocean Race will compete on the Adriatic Sea. All seven teams will compete in...
Read More
Marathon travel: 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon in South Australia 
10Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Holidays & Trips

Marathon travel: 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon in South Australia 

Marathon Tours & Travel (MTT) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Kangaroo Island Marathon – scheduled for Sunday 24 August 2025 in the heart of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Originally launched in 2015 and acquired by MTT in 2024, the Kangaroo Island Marathon now forms a key part of its global Seven Continents Club adventure series. The course offers runners a spectacular journey through regenerating flora and fauna in this beautiful post‑bushfire landscape, undulating roads and trails, dramatic Southern Ocean coastlines, and the iconic Remarkable Rocks boardwalk. To ensure competitors have a seamless journey to the event, Marathon Tours and Travel offer flexible travel options, including: 3‑night Premium Packages (AU only): with...
Read More
Elevate Golf: Northern Ireland to host golf tourism event in 2026 
9Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Elevate Golf: Northern Ireland to host golf tourism event in 2026 

Golf tourism’s newest B2B event Elevate Golf is to be held in Northern Ireland for the first time in 2026. Taking place from 25-30 October, Elevate Golf 2026 will see the finest golf courses, resorts and accommodation providers connect with high-class international tour operators during tailor-made appointments, and in more casual surroundings on the golf course and at evening receptions. Elevate Golf – which will be in its third edition in 2026 – is held in two stages, with the first half of the six-day event in Northern Ireland. Here, a carefully selected pool of the best golf tour operators from across the globe will be hosted at the luxurious Galgorm Resort in County Antrim, experiencing the hotel's premium hospitality. Leanne Thorpe, director of Elevate Golf, said: “At Elevate G...
Read More
2025 Global F1 Fan Survey: women, Gen Z and US fans power new era 
5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

2025 Global F1 Fan Survey: women, Gen Z and US fans power new era 

Formula 1 fandom is evolving – and it’s younger, more diverse, and more plugged-in than ever. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, released by Formula 1 and Motorsport Network, the sport is in the midst of a generational and cultural shift, with women, Gen Z, and US fans emerging as powerful forces shaping the future of the grid. Conducted every four years, the survey gathered insights from more than 100,000 self-identified F1 fans across 186 countries. The results confirm what has been building over recent seasons: Formula 1 is no longer just a motorsport, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Women are leading the next wave of fandom, with female fans making up three in four of all new fans in the survey. Among Gen Z respondents, nearly half identify as female – highlighting the sport...
Read More
Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 
5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Trends

Adventure travel trends 2025: fuelling a new wave of sports tourism 

The global adventure travel industry has entered a new era – stable, focused, and increasingly connected to the fast-rising world of sports tourism. That’s one of the big takeaways from the 2025 Adventure Travel Trends & Insights Report, the annual benchmark study released by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Now in its 18th year, the report reveals how active, immersive travel experiences are not just bouncing back from the pandemic, but helping define a more meaningful future for global tourism. Drawing from multilingual survey responses between February and April 2025, the report reflects the real-world data and insights of hundreds of tour operators worldwide, based on their business activity during 2024. It’s a clear snapshot of what today’s adventure traveller wan...
Read More

Dubai Sports World 2025

Dubai Sports World is back for its 2025 edition, running from 3 August to 2 September at a brand-new location inside the Sheikh Saeed Halls at Dubai World Trade Centre – just steps away from World Trade Centre Metro Station. This one-month sporting extravaganza transforms the summer heat into a season of indoor adrenaline, offering residents and visitors a packed schedule of activities, leagues, and tournaments in a fully air-conditioned environment. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, weekend warrior, or just looking for a fun way to stay active with friends and family, Dubai Sports World 2025 delivers something for everyone. The event kicks off with a major new highlight: the Dubai Sports World Run IN, Dubai’s first-ever indoor half marathon on 3 August – a landmark event for runner...
Read More
Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  
3Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Guides

Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  

Sun-soaked, laid-back, and brimming with sporting pride, Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for sports travel. With a strong calendar of major events, top-tier teams across multiple codes, and a stunning subtropical setting, Brisbane combines elite sport with an outdoorsy lifestyle, scenic river views, and easy access to beaches, islands, and hinterland hikes. And with the 2032 Summer Olympic Games on the horizon, the city is investing billions into sports infrastructure and tourism – making now the perfect time to visit. The Lions head to the Suncorp  One of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events in 2025 will be hosting the 1st Test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from Englan...
Read More
Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’
2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’

With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest. A court-building boom Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Po...
Read More

World Sports Summit 2025 Dubai

Dubai will host the World Sports Summit from 29-30 December 2025. Organised by the Dubai Sports Council, the event will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah and feature a comprehensive programme including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops and meetings.  Participants representing various sporting bodies, teams and federations will discuss the future of the sports industry in the context of economic, legislative, regulatory, and social frameworks. Key topics of discussion at the summit will include avenues to enhance audience engagement and economic viability of sporting events, besides assessing the latest technologies impacting the industry’s future given the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Read More
Sports travel bucket list: Maldives best sports resorts
2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Maldives best sports resorts

The Maldives, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned as a haven for luxury, wellbeing and sport. Its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and overwater villas create an idyllic backdrop for those seeking an opulent escape. Luxury in the Maldives is synonymous with personalised service, private islands, and lavish resorts that cater to every desire, from gourmet dining experiences to bespoke spa treatments. For sports enthusiasts, the Maldives offers a range of water- and land-based activities. The turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling, diving, and paddle boarding, providing access to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Surfing is also popular, with world-class breaks attracting surfers from around the globe. Additionally, many resorts offer tennis courts,...
Read More
Active ‘coolcations’: Heidi launches summer mountain holidays
27Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Active ‘coolcations’: Heidi launches summer mountain holidays

The “coolcation” trend of choosing milder holiday destinations looks set to continue in 2025, after first gaining momentum last year following record-breaking high temperatures across popular Mediterranean hot spots. According to the Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel 2025 Report published by the European Travel Commission 15% of travellers are now actively seeking out milder climates, and 14% are avoiding destinations with extreme heat. In response to the growing “coolcation” trend, ski holiday operator Heidi has expanded its portfolio of travel itineraries to now include summer mountain holidays. In a survey of 900 UK skiers conducted on behalf of Heidi, 50% chose “summer mountain holidays” when asked: “What type of holiday are you planning to book - or have booked - in th...
Read More
Sports travel bucket list: KE’s 2026 adventures to Svalbard, South Africa and Rwanda
27Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: KE’s 2026 adventures to Svalbard, South Africa and Rwanda

If a stunning adventure is on your travel agenda for 2026, then keep on reading. KE Adventure Travel has added three new itineraries for next year – to Svalbard, South Africa and Rwanda – as part of its KE Pioneer Collection. The unique expedition-style trips are limited to just one exclusive departure. Svalbard Crossing: A self-supported expedition  This extreme Arctic wilderness expedition is a self-supported journey on snowshoes, pulling 15-20kg of survival gear on a pulk. You’ll trek approximately 20km each day and it includes the chance to summit Newtontoppen (1713m), the highest peak in Svalbard. Teamwork is everything on this trip, and you'll share daily tasks like setting up camp, cooking and keeping watch for polar bears. To prepare, a compulsory UK-based training w...
Read More
Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x United Fitness luxury wellness retreat
22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x United Fitness luxury wellness retreat

If your post-summer fitness regime needs a kick-start then check out this exclusive luxury wellness retreat at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete, Greece. Taking place from 14-21 September 2025, the seven-night retreat will be held in partnership with United Fitness at the Elounda Collection property.   Available for just 30 people and offering an all-inclusive experience, the retreat will be led by United Fitness’s team of expert trainers across Reformcore, Barrecore, KOBOX and Triyoga, providing a holistic approach to wellness bringing together both restorative and invigorating sessions. With tailored activities designed to cater to all fitness levels, the comprehensive programme will give guests the opportunity to enjoy a range of wellness activities, including: Sun...
Read More
Event in focus: 2025 Tug of War World Championships, Nottingham
22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Event in focus: 2025 Tug of War World Championships, Nottingham

The charmingly unorthodox spectacle that is the World Outdoor Tug of War Championships is returning to England this autumn – this time on the lush turf of Nottingham’s University of Nottingham Highfields Sports Complex from 4-7 September 2025.  What may look like a simple backyard game is, in fact, a high-stakes, meticulously organised test of team strength, strategy, and stamina. And what better way to embrace the quirky and communal spirit of this ancient contest than to gather around a giant rope, cheering as nations and clubs alike battle it out? History and heritage Tug of war isn’t just kids playing in their backyard – it boasts a serious pedigree. With roots stretching back to ancient Egypt (over 2500 BCE), ancient China and Greece, the sport was practiced both ceremonially...
Read More

EVENTS IN FOCUS