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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...
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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.
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Sports travel bucket list: Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa, Sicily
22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa, Sicily

The recently launched Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa Monasteri Golf & Spa in Sicily is a must‑visit for sports travellers seeking a blend of heritage and activity. Its 18‑hole, par‑71 championship golf course offers a memorable and challenging experience for both seasoned golfers and newcomers.  After a round of golf, guests can relax in the resort’s spa, take a dip in one of the pools, or stay active with fitness and cycling. Just moments from Siracusa’s historic sights and beaches, this resort delivers the ideal balance of sport, relaxation, and exploration. History Set amid fragrant citrus orchards just outside Siracusa, a UNESCO World Heritage city, this enchanting 102‑room resort is a serene and captivating retreat.  Its rich heritage stretches from its beginnings as a...
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Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland
22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland

Lost Shore Surf Resort, in the village of Ratho near Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, deserves a spot on any sports traveller’s bucket list. As Europe's biggest inland surf resort, it delivers guaranteed, world‑class surfing for all levels – from first‑timers to seasoned pros – in the heart of Scotland.  The resort features a state‑of‑the‑art Wavegarden-powered surf lagoon, which creates perfect, customisable waves every time, making it a unique experience regardless of weather or tides. Beyond surfing, Lost Shore offers surfskate training, a spa and sauna for recovery, and access to Edinburgh’s rich culture and nearby sights.  Opened in 2024 and costing £60 million, this is Scotland’s largest sports and leisure investment since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's anticipat...
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‘Seat Unique Ultimate Experience’: Everton’s new stadium to feature cinema-style seating
16Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

‘Seat Unique Ultimate Experience’: Everton’s new stadium to feature cinema-style seating

English Premier League football club Everton have announced ticketing and hospitality platform Seat Unique as a founding partner of their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.  The agreement will see Seat Unique become Everton’s official premium experiences platform, providing premium match-by-match and event sales for the bars, restaurants and experiences at the club’s new iconic home on Liverpool’s waterfront. The 52,888-capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium, which opens in August 2025, will become a world-class destination for sport, music, entertainment and cultural events. As part of “The Seat Unique Ultimate Experience”, and for the first time in UK football, fans will be able to buy match-by-match access to cinematic "loge" seating – enclosures with four reclining cinema-style seats and priva...
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Austrian Alpine Open: Kitzbühel to host DP World Tour golf event in 2026
16Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events

Austrian Alpine Open: Kitzbühel to host DP World Tour golf event in 2026

The DP World Tour is making its way to Kitzbühel in 2026, with the Austrian Alpine Open setting the stage for a new era of alpine golf. Following its successful debut at Gut Altentann, the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 will be held at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course, marking a significant milestone for Austrian sport and year-round tourism in Tyrol.“The DP World Tour is, next to the PGA Tour, the world’s largest professional golf series,” said Karin Seiler, managing director of Tyrol Tourism. “We’re therefore very pleased to have brought this international sporting event to our region in cooperation with SalzburgerLand – and to have Kitzbühel, an experienced partner with an outstanding golf offering, on board. By hosting the event in early summer, we are strengthening the shoulder s...
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Dublin: a sports travel city guide
15Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Guides

Dublin: a sports travel city guide

Dublin is the beating heart of Irish sport, boasting iconic venues like Croke Park, the spiritual home of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Ireland's Gaelic Games, and the Aviva Stadium, a world-class arena where Ireland’s international football and rugby union teams play.  Whether it’s the roar of a Six Nations rugby clash, the fierce pride of an All-Ireland final, or the charm of a greyhound race at Shelbourne Park, Dublin delivers unforgettable sporting experiences year-round.  But it’s not just about the stadiums. Dublin's pubs double as lively sports bars and the city’s compact size makes it easy to combine match days with cultural must-sees, from the historic grounds of Trinity College to the buzzing streets of Temple Bar. Add in top-notch hotels, scenic coastal es...
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Sailing: Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia

Hamilton Island Race Week celebrates 40 years this August – marking four decades of world-class sailing, exceptional food and wine, and sun-soaked revelry on Australia's tropical island. Presented by American Express, the 2025 regatta runs from 16-23 August with a lineup of unmissable world-class experiences and events on water and on shore. What began as a niche offshore sailing regatta in 1984 has evolved into a week-long festival of sport, style and island culture – attracting crews, chefs, celebrities, and spectators from around the country and abroad.  While the regatta remains the focal point – with some of the world's best crews competing in spectacular Whitsundays conditions – this is by no means a week just for sailors. Guests can wander the buzzing marina village, relax wi...
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‘Sports-tripping’: Hyatt survey reveals British sports travel trends  
13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

‘Sports-tripping’: Hyatt survey reveals British sports travel trends  

British travellers love to take part in sporting events so much that one in six (16%) admit they’d be willing to travel thousands of miles to do so, according to a new survey by Hyatt. This growing trend – dubbed “sports-tripping” – sees people combine their love of taking part in sport with ticking off bucket list destinations. The survey of 2,000 Brits, commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2025, also reveals that typically people plan to take part in five sporting events in the next 12 months, with two in five saying this is more than previous years. Football tournaments (48%), cycling races (20%) and swimming competitions (18%) topped the list of favourite events. More than a quarter of people are planning to turn their marathon race calendars into tr...
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Headwater Active Holidays launches new self-guided cycling tours  
13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Holidays & Trips

Headwater Active Holidays launches new self-guided cycling tours  

Headwater Active Holidays has unveiled a series of new cycling holidays. Designed to inspire travellers to embrace the joy of two-wheeled exploration, the self-guided cycling tours cater to a range of abilities and interests, offering flexible itineraries that combine scenic routes with cultural immersion. The new offerings include tours through the picturesque landscapes of the UK, including the Scottish Highlands and the Channel Islands. For those looking to venture further afield, Headwater's expanded portfolio features routes along the fjords of Norway, follows routes of the Tour de France and offers e-biking tours across Southern Albania. Here we take a look at some of the highlights... E-bike across Southern Albania For travellers seeking a cycling adventure off the beaten t...
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Luxury sports tourism: a key trend driving luxury travel in 2025
13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Luxury sports tourism: a key trend driving luxury travel in 2025

Following an in-depth customer survey, ultra-luxe experiential travel company, Ultimate Driving Tours, has unveiled some exclusive insights into what is shaping the luxury travel industry in 2025.  Here are five of the key luxury travel trends that have emerged from the survey… Luxury sports tourism Ultimate Driving Tours has seen a surge in demand for its F1 hospitality packages and tours – immersive destination experiences that combine supercar exploration with exclusive access to Grand Prix weekends across Europe. This appetite reflects a broader trend: sporting-inspired travel continues to be a driving force in the luxury market, with 60% of travellers planning to take at least one trip for a sporting event in 2025, according to the AMEX 2025 Global Travel Trends Report. ...
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Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 
13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Much Better Adventures expands cycling portfolio with new tour of Sicily 

Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has launched a new cycling tour in Sicily to meet the growing demand for immersive exploration. This small-group adventure invites travellers to pedal through Sicily’s rugged landscapes, charming villages, and coastal paths, blending physical challenges away from the typical hotspots. The Sicily tour takes riders along the coastline, where they can take a dip in the cool waters of the Vendicari Nature Reserve, and relax on the beaches of Portapalon and Avola. Cyclists will explore the Baroque towns of Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Noto, and descend the Cavagrande canyon with panoramic views, while savouring traditional Sicilian cuisine.  “More travellers are turning to self-powered adventures that tread lightly and offer deeper connectio...
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Sports travel bucket list: cycling the Northumberland Coast in England
13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: cycling the Northumberland Coast in England

Cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has shared details of its self-guided family cycling tour of the Northumberland Coast in north east England. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the UK, the Northumberland coast is the perfect introduction to the county’s award-winning beaches, stunning landscapes, and centuries of history.  Starting in the market town of Alnwick, there’s a chance to test out the family’s broomstick skills before jumping on the bikes. Alnwick Castle – famous as a filming location for two of the Harry Potter movies – hosts regular broomstick training lessons in the Outer Bailey for aspiring witches and wizards. There’s also nearby Alnwick Garden, which is home to Lilidorei – the world’s largest play structure.  Transferring to ...
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Seat Unique continues partnership growth with three-year Polo in the Park deal
18May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Seat Unique continues partnership growth with three-year Polo in the Park deal

It’s been a very busy few months for Seat Unique, an online platform that offers official hospitality packages and premium tickets for live events. Founded in 2018 by Robin Sherry and Phillipa Hicks, Seat Unique has secured partnerships with a range of major UK venues, clubs, and promoters, including London’s Wembley Stadium and the Co-op Live in Manchester, as well as the Welsh Rugby Union and Jacksonville Jaguars UK. Backed by high-profile investors and ambassadors, including British Lions and Wales Rugby captain Sam Warburton OBE, England cricketers Stuart Broad and Lauren Bell, and rugby legends Sir Clive Woodward and Matt Dawson, Seat Unique also announced in March 2025 that England men’s football captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane had become a shareholder in the firm.&nb...
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Sports travel bucket list: ‘Run for the Rainforest’ Odzala Marathon 
17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Run for the Rainforest’ Odzala Marathon 

Organised by Kamba Africa – the only private operator granted concessions in the Republic of the Congo’s (ROC) National Parks – the ‘Run for the Rainforest’ Odzala Marathon may just be one of the most impactful endurance running events, and one of the most exclusive, with entries limited to just 50 runners.  Taking place next on 11 October 2025, the event raises vital funds for African Parks to continue their protection of the world’s second largest rainforest by allowing participants to fundraise among their network while experiencing one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The day will feature three distinct race categories to engage a diverse range of participants. The main 42km Odzala Rainforest Maratho...
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EVENTS IN FOCUS