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Latest news and events

Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: derby experiences at the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby returns in 2026 as one of the most iconic dates on the global sporting calendar, blending elite thoroughbred racing with a spectacle of Southern culture, fashion and tradition.  Taking place on 2 May 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the race is widely known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and forms the opening leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown alongside the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is expected to attract more than 150,000 spectators, alongside millions of viewers worldwide, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event in the sports tourism landscape. With a purse typically exceeding $3 million, the Derby brings together the top three-year-old thoroughbreds from across the United States and beyond, ea...
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Tennis tourism: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Tennis tourism: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella

With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.  In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.  At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_-Sb5VAjA Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spa...
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Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway

With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.  This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice. To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs. Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal r...
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Seat Unique acquires P1 Travel: ‘Demand for premium experiences has never been stronger’
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business

Seat Unique acquires P1 Travel: ‘Demand for premium experiences has never been stronger’

Seat Unique has acquired P1 Travel, a provider of premium tickets and hospitality packages for sporting events worldwide.  The acquisition creates one of the most comprehensive global platforms for premium live experiences, accelerating international growth, enabling rightsholders to reach wider audiences, while giving fans access to more official packages than ever before. The agreement comes at a time of rapid growth in the premium live events market, fuelled by accelerating demand within the experience economy. Consumer spending on luxury experiences continues to rise, with prices in the ultra-luxury segment increasing by 90% globally since 2019, highlighting a strong shift towards experience-led spending. This trend is further reflected in consumer behaviour, with 78% of mille...
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Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Porto Elounda x Common Bond fitness retreat in Crete

As the peak summer crowds begin to fade and temperatures soften across the Mediterranean, early autumn is emerging as the ideal window for fitness-focused travellers seeking a more restorative escape. One for the sports travel bucket list is an exclusive fitness and wellness retreat held at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort in Crete – part of the Elounda Collection – in partnership with Common Bond from 13-20 September 2026.  Guests will take part in a fitness and rejuvenation retreat led by Common Bond’s team of expert trainers across Barrecore, KOBOX, Triyoga and Reformcore, offering participants a premium and well-rounded fitness and wellness experience. New for this year’s retreat will be the incorporation of Reformer Pilates, combining high energy with low impact to deliv...
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Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Events

Sports travel bucket list: running the inaugural Amazon Marathon

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of the inaugural Amazon Marathon, a new endurance event taking runners deep into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon in September 2026. Taking place on Wednesday 9 September, in Puerto Maldonado on the edge of the Peruvian Amazon rainforest, the Amazon Marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to race in one of the most biodiverse and remarkable regions in the world. The event blends trail running with cultural immersion and adventure, providing access to a part of the world that few people would ever be fortunate enough to experience in their lifetime. There will be distances to suit all runners; with marathon, half marathon, and 10.5km, all taking place on a looped jungle trail course. With race capacity intentionally limited, esti...
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Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Designs unveiled for world-class sports enclave in Indian city Ahmedabad

A major new sports enclave is set to transform Ahmedabad into one of Asia’s leading sports tourism destinations, following the unveiling of a landmark masterplan led by a consortium of BDP, Cox Architecture and Collage Design. Located along the Sabarmati River, the development will create a dynamic, multi-use sports district that blends elite competition venues with public spaces, positioning the city as a year-round hub for both international events and community activity. The timing of the project aligns with Ahmedabad’s growing global sporting ambitions. Also known as Amdavad, the city has been confirmed as host of the Commonwealth Games centenary edition in 2030, while Gujarat will also stage the 2029 World Police & Fire Games. Together, these events are expected to accelerat...
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Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Qiddiya City to develop new horse racing venue that will host the Saudi Cup

Development plans have been unveiled for a landmark horse racing venue in Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City. A part of the long-term plans, the venue will become the new permanent home of the US$20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race.  Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences." Featuring a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, the venue is designed to support a broad range of intern...
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Simone Biles named Mandarin Oriental’s first global wellness ambassador
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

Simone Biles named Mandarin Oriental’s first global wellness ambassador

Mandarin Oriental has made a golden appointment in its wellness team. The hospitality giant has announced Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, as its first-ever global wellness ambassador.  Regarded as one of the defining athletes of her generation, in her new role Biles will collaborate with Mandarin Oriental's wellness board, sharing her insights and perspectives with the group's recognised specialists in lifestyle performance, meditation, movement, nutrition and sleep to help shape future programmes and experiences.  She will support and participate in global storytelling, campaign activations and the development of innovative wellness initiatives aligned with Mandarin Oriental's evolved wellness strategy, integrating mental, emotional, and physical bala...
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Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures

Walking tour operator Ramble Worldwide has expanded its portfolio of “Weekend Adventures” – a range of UK and European short breaks for experienced walkers which were launched in 2025.  A further four high-impact escapes in spectacular mountain settings across Mont Blanc and the Alps have been released. A choice of 17 Weekend Adventures are now available.  Here we take a look at the new weekend options…  Matterhorn Weekend: Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Grade 7)  Set amongst the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, this unforgettable trip is designed for walkers seeking breathtaking scenery and exhilarating mountain trails. With expert Ramble leaders guiding the way, travellers follow rugged paths through glacier-polished valleys dotted with wildflowers and panoramic...
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How ‘darecations’ are set to become a defining sports travel trend
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

How ‘darecations’ are set to become a defining sports travel trend

The era of the “fly and flop” holiday may be losing ground as a new breed of experience-led travel takes off.  According to data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct, so-called “darecations” – trips centred around adrenaline, challenge and personal achievement – are rapidly reshaping the global sports tourism landscape.  The company reports a 182% increase in travellers purchasing sports travel insurance policies over the past two years, signalling a sharp rise in demand for active, risk-involving holidays. The trend is being mirrored across the wider travel sector, with Pinterest naming “darecations” as one of its top trends for 2026, alongside a 75% surge in searches for adventure tourism.  This shift aligns with the continued expansion of spor...
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Surfing, cycling, climbing: Much Better Adventures sees 200% surge in ‘skillcation’ bookings
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Surfing, cycling, climbing: Much Better Adventures sees 200% surge in ‘skillcation’ bookings

Upskilling holidays – or ‘skillcations’ – are set to become one of 2026’s biggest travel trends with people using their annual leave to develop new skills. Adventure travel company Much Better Adventures has reported a 200% increase in bookings for certain skills-based trips over the past year, including winter mountaineering, surf schools and off-road cycling adventures, highlighting a growing appetite for more purposeful travel. A ‘skillcation’ is an emerging travel trend where holidays are centred around learning something new, from cooking and foraging to mastering hands-on outdoor skills. Blending travel with personal growth, curiosity and shared experiences, these trips offer a deeper and more rewarding alternative to traditional holidays. Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Bette...
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Messinia Challenge 2026

Set against the scenic backdrop of Costa Navarino and the wider Messinia region in Greece, the Messinia Challenge returns from 8-10 May 2026 with a refreshed programme built around wellness, inclusion and lifestyle. Featuring more than 70 activities, the three-day multisport event invites participants of all ages and abilities to take part in a non-competitive celebration that blends sport, culture and gastronomy under its core message: “Sports Unites People”. The 2026 edition expands its endurance and outdoor offering with a series of trail races, including a half marathon, a 10km route and a 5km run through Messinia’s olive groves. These are complemented by a variety of inclusive events such as a 1km “Run For All” and family-friendly children’s races, reinforcing the event’s focus on a...
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The Killers to headline 2026 Champions League final kick off show in Budapest
28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Events, Sports Business

The Killers to headline 2026 Champions League final kick off show in Budapest

The Killers will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi on 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.  Pepsi and UC3 will once again mark the final with its eagerly anticipated curtain raiser, with the event set to be an unforgettable experience just minutes ahead of the match. Since arriving on the world stage in 2004, the American rock band have sold more than 35 million albums, including multi-platinum hits like 'Mr. Brightside', 'When You Were Young' and 'Human'.  Eugene Willemsen, CEO, International Beverages at PepsiCo, said: "Pepsi has a proud history of bringing big cultural moments in sports and music to fans around the world, and this year is no different. Through Pepsi Football Nation, our fan platform celebrating the cultur...
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Anglo American Padel Cup heads to South Florida for Ryder Cup-style return
26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Editor's Pick, Events, Venues & Stadiums

Anglo American Padel Cup heads to South Florida for Ryder Cup-style return

Can Great Britain avenge the inaugural Anglo American Padel Cup defeat by Team USA, in Padel’s version of the Ryder-Cup? To find our fans will have to wait until 4-6 February 2027 for the reigniting of rivalries, which will take place on US soil in Palm Beach County, South Florida. The aptly named "Replay Club" will host the tournament’s second edition after a thrilling London debut in October 2025, when Team USA edged out GB in a down-to-the-wire finish. If you’re a padel fan, there’s a lot to be excited about. Organisers are expanding the Cup significantly: the Open, 40s, 50s and 60s categories will each add an extra pair per nation, pushing the total field to more than 100 players. That means deeper draws, more matches (players can expect to play four times over the weekend) and s...
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2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar
26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Calendars, Events

2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the upcoming travel and tourism industry events and conferences for 2026. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends.  Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to enhance travel exp...
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2026 sports business events and conferences calendar
26Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Calendars, Sports Business

2026 sports business events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2026. The global sports business calendar is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration.  These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and dates ...
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Sports travel bucket list: a guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains
1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Bucket List, Editor's Pick

Sports travel bucket list: a guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains’ growing appeal as one of Europe’s best winter sports destinations is gaining momentum year-on-year. Inviting thrill-seekers and families to experience resorts like Tatranska Lomnica and Strbske Pleso, which are ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, to the family-friendly slopes of Stary Smokovec rated as easy-to-moderate and all connected via the Tatra Electric Railway line and Jasna, one of central Europe’s best and largest ski resorts, catering for all levels of skier. However, this bucket-list guide to winter in the Tatra Mountains will give a different perspective of this spectacular region, one which will inspire, educate, explore and ultimately encourage you to add these life experiences to your memory banks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--0mH...
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Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya secures Formula 1 future through to 2032
18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya secures Formula 1 future through to 2032

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has confirmed its continuity on the Formula 1 calendar. The renewal, signed between Circuits de Catalunya and Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC), will see a grand prix hosted in Barcelona in 2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032. The races in Barcelona will be in rotation with the grand prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031. A significant evolution for the event is its rebranding. Starting with the race held from 12-14 June 2026, the event will be officially known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This change marks a new era under the management of Fira Circuit, a partnership designed to diversify the track's usage and transform the infrastructure into a multi-purpose venue for large-scal...
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Milano Cortina 2026: the power of the Olympic House
16Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Milano Cortina 2026: the power of the Olympic House

Ramy James Salameh feels the emotions and understands the many benefits of Austria's Olympic House in Cortina d'Ampezzo. A place of celebration, promotion and dialogue during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Imagine having representatives of your embassy, departments of culture, media and sport, as well as national sporting federations, Olympic committee members, key corporate stakeholders, VIPs and athletes all under one roof, during one of the world’s great sporting festivals. Welcome to the Austrian Olympic House at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. These venues are hubs for dialogue between business and industry, tourism and sports, politics and media. They are also platforms to showcase national pride, culture and promotion in-between the thrilling spectacl...
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