Tag: Adventure

6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

Rise of ‘sportcations’: Trip.com reports double-digit growth in active travel bookings

Active travel and “sportcations” are continuing to be one of the biggest trends in tourism, with Trip.com Group seeing a strong double-digit increase in booking GMV (gross merchandise value).  From cycling through mountain passes to joining diving camps and wellness retreats, active travel is becoming a defining part of how people experience the world. This shift is gathering pace across the full travel journey, with searches for active sports experiences growing by more than 30% year on year, according to Trip.com, with markets witnessing substantial increases: 80% in Singapore, 65% in Malaysia, and 50% in the United Kingdom, while France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all recorded triple-digit growth. Total travel booking GMV has increased by almost 40%, with markets such as So...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

The best destinations in Europe for an active “coolcation” have been revealed, with France's Mont Blanc region taking first place. In new research from SportsCover Direct, the sports travel insurance provider analysed 30 of Europe's most popular adventure destinations, ranking each on average summer temperature and humidity, hiking and cycling trail density, and travel time from the UK. Following another summer of record-breaking temperatures across Europe, online searches for coolcations have risen 74% year-on-year, with 65% of holidaymakers now saying they'd rather avoid travelling during the hottest time of year.  But, rather than giving up on travel altogether, many are simply choosing to visit somewhere cooler instead, and for a growing number, it’s not just about swappi...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a ‘SwimHike’ holiday on Marettimo island in Italy

Open-water swimming tour operator SwimTrek has expanded its selection of multi-activity trips with the launch of a “SwimHike” holiday on the Italian island of Marettimo.  Continuing the trend of combining swimming with other activities and experiences – such as YogaSwims, which pair open-water swimming with yoga – SwimTrek created its dedicated SwimHike portfolio with new trips in the mythical island of Ithaca, Greece, and the remote Solund archipelago, Norway's westernmost islands. Following the popularity of these trips, Marettimo is the latest addition, combining daily guided open-water swims and hikes with authentic Sicilian experiences.  “Swimming will always be at the heart of SwimTrek, but we’re excited to give people new ways to experience the places we visit,” s...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: pedal kayaking at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan

A new water activity, the "pedal kayak", has been introduced at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan, offering guests a fresh way to explore the water.  This innovative kayak allows forward movement simply by pedalling with the feet, removing the need for a traditional paddle. Designed for ease and accessibility, the pedal kayak glides smoothly across the water, making it especially suitable for first-time kayakers, children, and older guests. Its intuitive operation allows participants to focus less on technique and more on the experience of being on the water.  Guests can enjoy the quiet rhythm of pedalling while taking in the surrounding natural scenery, creating a relaxed yet active outdoor experience. A two-hour pedal kayak trip is priced from ¥9,500 / £44 per person.  About Hanz Out...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

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...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

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.  ...

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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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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

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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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Trends, Trips & Experiences

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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25Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, 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...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

Home to 30,000 islands and islets, Stockholm’s archipelago is a unique mix of nature and culture – which makes it an ideal addition to any sports travel bucket list. Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday hops between islands by ferry and bike to explore a landscape shaped by land and sea. Starting in Sweden’s capital Stockholm – a city built across 14 islands and connected by a network of bridges – the riding begins with a relaxed spin around Royal Djurgården, a leafy island right in the heart of the city. After travelling by ferry to Bogesundslandet, peaceful forest tracks, gravel tracks and quiet roads lead the way to the harbour town of Vaxholm, often referred to as the ‘capital of the archipelago’. There’s a choice of two different routes on the ride to Fa...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: horse trekking into Mongolia’s untamed wilds

For travellers seeking a truly off-grid adventure, World Expeditions’ newest experience – the Central Mongolia Horse Trek Expedition – is one to add to your sports travel bucket list. Launching in June 2026, this remote expedition blends endurance travel, cultural immersion and wilderness exploration, offering an extraordinary chance to retrace the ancient riding trails of the Mongol Empire.  Spanning sweeping steppe, forested valleys and rugged mountain passes, the journey takes travellers deep into the Khentii Mountains, birthplace of Genghis Khan and heartland of Mongolia’s nomadic civilisation. This is a region where roads fade into rivers, where horizons seem endless, and where the horse remains central to daily life.  Across multiple days of point-to-point riding, guests p...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

With travellers already mapping out their 2026 ski escapes, Norway has emerged as one of the world’s trending luxury destinations – ranking third among the “on the rise” hotspots in the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report.  As active travel continues to surge, a new ski touring weekend in the Lofoten Islands by high-end Norwegian travel brand Norrøna Adventure is the kind of bucket list experience drawing global attention. For sports travellers seeking pristine slopes, rugged landscapes and authentic Nordic culture, this four-day journey offers a rare chance to ski where mountains meet the sea. Set for 12-15 March 2026, the experience in northern Norway blends world-class ski touring with the storied charm of Henningsvær, a fishing village known for its colourful houses, artistic heritage and ...

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16Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry, Venues & Stadiums

URWLD to make Middle East debut with new sports-lifestyle venue in Riyadh 

Indoor adventure and sports-lifestyle destination company URWLD (‘Your World’) has confirmed that its first Middle East venue will be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at the inaugural TOURISE Summit held in Saudi’s capital city from 11-13 November 2025. Boasting more than a dozen adventure sports and experiences in one indoor facility, URWLD combines elevated hospitality with lifestyle-inspired food and drink experiences, appealing to both adventure-seeking participants and non-participants alike. For the past two years URWLD has been working closely with key government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, including, among others, the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Set to open ahead of 2030, Riyadh marks the first step in URWLD...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Picos de Europa walking holiday in Spain

The spectacular skyline of the Picos de Europa region of northern Spain has held a special draw for centuries, signalling to sailors that they were nearly home, and now beckoning hikers from around the world. A new route offered by walking trip specialists On Foot Holidays maintains this sense of anticipation, starting in the green foothills to the east and journeying westwards to the higher wilderness. First you'll become acquainted with the quiet farm tracks scattered across the Polaciones and Liébana valleys. Stop at tiny villages to stay in wayside inns and small hotels where you can enjoy a glass of orujo (the local firewater) with your hosts and sample the hearty Lebaniego stew. After the bustling little town of Potes, follow the final section of the Camino Lebaniego pilgrimage...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Intrepid Travel unveils new premium walking and trekking trips

Adventure travel company Intrepid Travel has unveiled its range of new premium walking and trekking trips to some of the world's best hiking trails. Departing from January 2026 and led by Intrepid's most experienced local leaders, Intrepid's premium range is the company's most comfortable travel offering, where travellers can expect handpicked accommodation, premium service and exceptional included experiences. Spanning five continents and ranging from three to nine days, the 10 new premium trips feature hikes through Italy, Madeira, Vietnam, Nepal, Morocco, Peru, Jordan and the United States. Since its 2022 launch, premium has become Intrepid's fastest growing travel style, while sales of its well-established walking and trekking range have also grown. Intrepid has seen an 89% incre...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends, Trips & Experiences

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...

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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...

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27Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry, Trips & Experiences

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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27Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Trips & Experiences

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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