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Sports travel bucket list: Cycling Scotland’s new Gallovidian Gravel route 
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Cycling Scotland’s new Gallovidian Gravel route 

Launched to coincide with the opening of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel long distance cycling route in Dumfries and Galloway, Saddle Skedaddle’s seven-day, guided gravel riding holiday explores Scotland’s newest cycling adventure. Following most of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel route, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided holiday – the Galloway Gravel Escape – breaks up the long-distance way into manageable riding days.  Starting in Dumfries, also known as “Scotland’s Queen of the south”, the riding begins at the start of the new Gallovidian Gravel route. Exploring Mabie Forest and Lochaber Loch, cyclepaths and singletrack take riders through open countryside past Loch Arthur, the hamlets of Beeswing and Corra, and the coastal village of Rockcliffe. Venturing into dense woodla...
Sports travel bucket list: Caribbean Premier League cricket in Jamaica
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: Caribbean Premier League cricket in Jamaica

Cricket fans, listen up... who wants to watch Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches in Jamaica this summer? We do for sure! This August, cricket fans can see the Jamaica Kingsmen make their home debut at the legendary Sabina Park before swapping the stadium for white-sand beaches, Blue Mountain hikes, reggae culture and authentic Caribbean cuisine.  Taking place from 11-18 August, the CPL offers the perfect excuse to turn a week of thrilling T20 action into an unforgettable sports holiday on one of the world's most vibrant islands. "Cricket has always been part of Jamaica's soul, and the CPL gives us an incredible opportunity to showcase the very best of our island to the world,” says Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica. “We are proud to welcome UK fans this August,...
Ski mountaineering confirmed for Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games
Events, Sports Business

Ski mountaineering confirmed for Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games

Ski mountaineering has been officially included as an additional sport on the programme for the Alpes 2030 Olympic Winter Games. The decision was taken by the 146th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Lausanne. This decision by the session follows a recommendation from the IOC Executive Board, based on a proposal submitted by the French Alps 2030 Organising Committee (OCOG) and reviewed by the IOC’s Olympic Programme Working Group (OPWG). OPWG Chair Karl Stoss said: "We recognised the sport's potential to add meaningful value to the programme, supported by its strong presence in Alpine regions, and its ability to enhance diversity, authenticity and appeal, while building on its growing Olympic momentum. “The emphasis for the French Alps [OCOG] is on the individual dis...
World Cup’s £3.1bn economic boost for UK sports and recreation sector
Sports Business

World Cup’s £3.1bn economic boost for UK sports and recreation sector

New analysis indicates that the UK sports and recreation sector is set to be one of the key beneficiaries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with gyms, sports facilities and recreational venues expected to see a significant uplift in activity during the summer months. Analysis from money.co.uk business banking experts forecasts that the sector will generate an additional £3.1 billion in revenue over the wider May-July 2026 window – an 18.8% increase compared with a typical non-World Cup year. The figures are based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) turnover data and historical spending patterns from previous World Cup tournaments, modelling how major sporting events influence participation, facility usage and consumer engagement with sport and fitness. The analysis suggests that maj...
NRL Travel: National Rugby League launches new fan travel programme
Sports Business

NRL Travel: National Rugby League launches new fan travel programme

The National Rugby League (NRL) has launched NRL Travel, a new dedicated travel and experiences offering designed to enhance how fans attend the game’s biggest events.  NRL Travel will provide exclusive access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to make it easier and more exciting than ever for fans to travel to attend marquee rugby league events such as Grand Final, Magic Round, and the State of Origin Series.  This new initiative represents an important step in elevating the overall fan experience while also  supporting increased interstate and international visitation to NRL events, expanding on tourism and economic benefits to cities around Australia and internationally.  To support delivery of the programme, the NRL is partnering wit...
Sports travel bucket list: padel with Martita Ortega at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: padel with Martita Ortega at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

What could be better than a luxury escape to the Maldives? How about spending it on court with one of the world's greatest padel players? This August, guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will have the rare opportunity to train alongside former world No.1 Martita Ortega during an exclusive two-day residency in partnership with LUX Tennis. Taking place from 18-19 August 2026, the limited-availability experience combines elite coaching with one of the world's most spectacular island destinations, giving padel enthusiasts the chance to sharpen their game while learning directly from one of the sport's biggest stars. Ortega made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest player ever to reach the World No.1 ranking on the World Padel Tour, a record she still holds. Known for her...
Santorini Experience 2026

Santorini Experience 2026

Few sporting events in the world begin quite literally from a volcano. Santorini Experience does exactly that for the 12th year. From 16-18 October 2026, athletes from around the globe will swim through the deep waters of the Caldera and run across Santorini’s volcanic slopes, in one of the world's most iconic travel destinations. Set against a landscape where volcanic terrain meets history and the island’s singular natural identity, the Caldera, the Volcano, Ancient Thera, and the island’s coastal settlements create an extraordinary backdrop that blends sport, culture, and authentic local experiences. Santorini’s past remains ever-present, coexisting with the physical challenges of the routes and races, transforming the island once again into a vibrant meeting point of people, stories,...
Man City’s new museum to form part of £300m Etihad Campus expansion
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Man City’s new museum to form part of £300m Etihad Campus expansion

Manchester City has revealed the first details of a major new museum attraction that will form part of the English Premier League football club’s ambitious £300 million Medlock Square development, creating a year-round visitor experience at the Etihad Campus. Scheduled to open later in 2026, the Manchester City Museum Experience has been designed to immerse visitors in the history, culture and defining moments of the club. The attraction will complement the club’s award-winning stadium tour, which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK on TripAdvisor. Located at the heart of the new Medlock Square entertainment district, the museum will span more than 1,700 square metres across ten themed spaces, blending cutting-edge immersive technology with historic m...
Cape Town Marathon to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027
Events, Sports Business

Cape Town Marathon to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the eighth member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) from 2027. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only for the race itself but for African sport and tourism, with Cape Town becoming the first city on the continent to host an Abbott World Marathon Major. The 2027 edition, scheduled for 23 May, will join an elite calendar that includes the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. The decision follows Cape Town’s successful completion of the AbbottWMM candidacy process, including a second evaluation at the 2026 race. The assessment examined every aspect of the event, from athlete ...
Tywi Valley Path: new hiking and biking pathway opens in west Wales
Trends

Tywi Valley Path: new hiking and biking pathway opens in west Wales

The county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales has a new accessible and scenic trail for cyclists, walkers and families – the 13-mile Tywi Valley Path. The fully tarmacked pathway is designed for relaxed explorations and provides a traffic-free route for both the community and visitors alike through a swathe of Carmarthenshire's spectacular scenery. Expect panoramic views across the Tywi Valley peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton's Tower and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic West Wales countryside.  The path's opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for four weeks. Tipped as West Wales's answer to the Camel Trail in Cornwall and following the river and the former railway line which closed in the 1...
Tennis travel: Europe’s best resorts and hotels for tennis holidays
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Tennis travel: Europe’s best resorts and hotels for tennis holidays

Tennis is no longer just a sport people play when they arrive at a resort. Increasingly, it is the reason they book the trip in the first place.  As sports-focused travel continues to grow, tennis holidays are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the luxury travel market. From dedicated coaching programmes and professional-level academies to tournament experiences and wellness-focused recovery facilities, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the quality of the courts as much as the quality of the hotel.  Industry reports point to a rise in destination-driven travel centred around sport, with tennis joining golf as one of the key activities inspiring holiday decisions. The growing popularity of racket sports has not gone unnoticed by the h...
Europe’s most affordable adventure travel destinations for 2026
Holidays & Trips, Trends

Europe’s most affordable adventure travel destinations for 2026

Europe has never been short of adventure, from alpine ridges to the Adriatic sea, volcanic islands and forested mountain ranges. And, as internal data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct shows a 182% increase in adventure travel and Pinterest predicts “darecations” as the travel trend of 2026, it’s shaping up to be the summer of adventure.  But, as rising fuel costs and wider geopolitical uncertainty push up the cost of travel, affordability is becoming just as important as adrenaline. To help budget conscious thrill seekers plan their summer trips, SportsCover Direct has analysed popular European adventure destinations, ranking them on the cost of flights, accommodation, food and leisure to reveal the best value spots for affordable thrills this summer.  ...
How World Cup qualification has put Cape Verde and its islands in the spotlight
Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

How World Cup qualification has put Cape Verde and its islands in the spotlight

Cape Verde's growing visibility on the international football stage, including recent success and qualification for the FIFA World Cup, is driving fresh interest in the Atlantic nation as a year-round holiday choice, according to UK specialist operator Cape Verde Experience. With increased global attention on the islands the operator says more travellers are looking beyond Cape Verde's well-known beach offering and discover its wider appeal, including volcanic landscapes, Creole culture, live music, hiking and island-hopping experiences. Cape Verde Experience product manager Suzanne Brown said the destination's profile is shifting among UK holidaymakers. “Cape Verde has always had a unique identity, shaped by African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, alongside warm hospitality...
Las Vegas’s F1 GP hosting deal extended for another 10 years until 2037
Events, Sports Business

Las Vegas’s F1 GP hosting deal extended for another 10 years until 2037

Formula 1 will continue racing in Las Vegas through to 2037, following a new 10-year extension. Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc, Clark County officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), have all committed to the long-term future of one of the standout events on both the US and global sporting calendar. Since debuting on the Formula 1 calendar in 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has delivered $3.2 billion in cumulative economic impact for Southern Nevada, with all three races from 2023 through 2025 selling out and helping position Las Vegas among the sport's marquee destinations worldwide.  In 2025 alone, the race generated $43 million in state and local tax revenue, including $15 million allocated to support local K-12 education. Beyond its economic impact,...
Nashville lands first Super Bowl as NFL awards 2030 showpiece to new Nissan Stadium
Events, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Nashville lands first Super Bowl as NFL awards 2030 showpiece to new Nissan Stadium

Nashville has secured one of the biggest prizes in global sport after the NFL confirmed that Super Bowl LXIV will be played at the new Nissan Stadium in February 2030, marking the first time the city has hosted the league’s championship game.  The announcement comes even before the Tennessee Titans’ new home has opened its doors. The state-of-the-art venue, currently under construction on Nashville’s riverfront, is scheduled to welcome fans for the 2027 NFL season before hosting the Super Bowl at the end of its third year of operation. NFL owners approved Nashville as the host city during the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando, with the city becoming the latest destination to leverage a new stadium to attract one of the world's most watched sporting events. For sports touri...
FIA and UN Tourism announce inaugural Sustainable Sports Tourism Award winners
Sports Business

FIA and UN Tourism announce inaugural Sustainable Sports Tourism Award winners

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport, has announced the winners of the first UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, powered by the FIA.  Announced at a ceremony in Madrid, the winners demonstrated leadership and innovation across key areas in sustainable tourism, showcasing environmental, social and economic impact, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.  Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, said: “The diversity and quality of our inaugural winners highlights the growing global momentum behind sustainable sports tourism.  “These awards celebrate sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development,...
Tennis 2026 events calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments
Calendars, Events

Tennis 2026 events calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments

In this 2026 tennis events calendar we start by taking a look at the dates of the four grand slams – plus the big ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 tournaments and the team competitions being held around the world. The next tennis grand slam, the third of 2026, is The Championships at Wimbledon from 29 June to 12 July at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London, England. The ATP and WTA tours span the globe with key stops like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome, along with thrilling year-end championships: the ATP Finals in Turin and the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Team competitions will add to the drama, with the United Cup in Australia kicking off the year, followed by the Billie Jean King Cup, Laver Cup and Davis Cup. Top image: PxHere.com Other sports calendars Sports...
Sports travel bucket list: 22-day UK e-bike cycling trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: 22-day UK e-bike cycling trip from Land’s End to John O’Groats

With its dramatic coast-to-coast landscapes and status as one of Britain's most iconic cycling adventures, the journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats has long been a bucket-list challenge for riders.  Now, thanks to Saddle Skedaddle’s dedicated e-bike trip, this legendary route is more accessible than ever.  Drawing on more than 20 years of experience guiding cyclists across the length of the UK, Saddle Skedaddle has carefully refined its itinerary to showcase the very best of the journey. By hand-selecting quiet roads, spectacular scenery and rewarding riding experiences, the company has created an unforgettable way to tackle this classic challenge.  The introduction of a dedicated e-bike departure allows even more cyclists to experience the achievement of riding...
Sports travel bucket list: The Mark Hotel’s $1m NYC World Cup final ‘extravaganza’
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: The Mark Hotel’s $1m NYC World Cup final ‘extravaganza’

If money is no object, this may be the ultimate World Cup bucket list experience. As New York gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, The Mark Hotel has launched a US$1 million package for up to six guests that combines luxury accommodation, VIP access and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  Dubbed "The Mark World Cup Extravaganza", the exclusive offering is designed to deliver the tournament's biggest weekend from one of Manhattan's most sought-after addresses. Set across the entirety of The Mark’s top two floors, The Mark Penthouse transforms into a private headquarters for the World Cup weekend, where the energy of the tournament meets the exclusivity of Manhattan's Upper East Side. Designed for an intimate group of six guests, the experience feels like inhabiting one of...
Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay 
Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Five Iron Golf opens second Dubai venue in Business Bay 

Indoor sports and entertainment company Five Iron Golf has announced the opening of its second Dubai venue – in the city’s Business Bay area.  Located near DIFC, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, the new 6,500sqft venue at Damac Towers by Paramount is designed to serve residents and visitors seeking a high-quality environment for recreation, networking, and events in the heart of the city.  The new venue features five Trackman-powered simulators with multi-angle swing analysis and access to hundreds of world-renowned courses, providing opportunities to practise, play, and compete year-round – regardless of weather conditions. Complementing the golf experience, the venue includes three multisport simulators offering interactive gameplay across sports such as football and disc golf, a...