Tag: Italy

4Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics to drive €5.3bn economic impact in Italy

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are set to become one of the most powerful tourism and economic catalysts in Italy’s modern history, with new analysis revealing that the Games will generate €5.3 billion in value for the Italian economy. The findings, published by Banca Ifis, highlight a three-tier economic surge driven by tourism, visitor spending and major infrastructure legacy. The bank forecasts €1.1bn in direct expenditure during the Games period, including hospitality, food and beverage, retail, transport and on-site visitor services. A further €1.2bn is expected to flow into Italy within 12-18 months after the Closing Ceremony as travellers return or extend their trips, signalling long-tail tourism growth well beyond the competition fortnight. Most impactful of all is t...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: ‘Italian Swing’ golf trip on La Dolce Vita Orient Express

For golf travellers who believe the journey should be every bit as memorable as the destination, the “Italian Swing” voyage aboard the La Dolce Vita Orient Express is a bucket list experience like no other. This four-day, three-night adventure fuses world-class golf with the romance of slow luxury travel – a rolling celebration of Italy’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture. Unveiled as part of the La Dolce Vita Orient Express’s series of curated Italian itineraries, the Italian Swing offers an indulgent round trip from Rome to Apulia, Siena, and Perugia, showcasing Italy’s finest fairways in cinematic style. Think golden Tuscan hills, medieval towns, coastal vistas, and evenings of exquisite dining – all wrapped in the timeless elegance of a train that redefines old-world glamour. Onbo...

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20Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Como 1907: luxury football travel on Italy’s Lake Como

In May, Italian football club Como 1907 officially unveiled SENT Tourism, its in‑house luxury tour operator designed to bring football fans closer to the emotional, cultural, and aesthetic world of Lake Como. The initiative seeks to extend the club’s identity beyond Serie  A by crafting immersive travel experiences that merge matchday excitement with Italian elegance. Rooted in the club’s transformation under Djarum Group/Sent Entertainment Ltd and president Mirwan Suwarso, SENT Tourism represents the next chapter of Como’s ambition to become a premier football tourism destination, leveraging its stunning lakeside stadium and localised brand ecosystem. New stadium plans unveiled  SENT Tourism is not the only big announcement made in recent months by Como 1907 – the redevelopment o...

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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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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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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Rome: a sports city travel guide

Rome, Italy’s capital city, is a dream destination for sports lovers, blending a rich athletic culture with breathtaking historical attractions. Known for its passionate football fans, venues, and international events, Rome is an exciting destination for sports travellers.  Whether you’re catching a match at the legendary Stadio Olimpico, watching the world’s top tennis players at Foro Italico, running a marathon through the ancient streets, or simply exploring the city’s rich cultural sites, Rome has it all.   In this guide we look at everything you need to know about Rome’s sports scene, plus the top hotels to stay at, key attractions to see, and the city’s transport options. Sports teams in Rome Football  AS Roma: one of Italy’s most historic football...

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30Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Dolomiti Valtellina Winter Youth Olympic Games 2028 to be a legacy of Milano Cortina 2026

Dolomiti Valtellina, in the Italian Alps, has been elected by members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the next Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2028.  Following a presentation by the project leaders during the 143rd IOC Session in Lausanne, it was confirmed that Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 will be the fifth edition of the Winter YOG. Competitions will take place only in existing venues across three clusters in Valtellina, Trentino and Cortina, returning to some of the venues that will be used for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The 2028 YOG will be part of the Milano Cortina 2026 legacy, and will reinvest in communities with strong winter sports traditions.  The project is led by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), and the governments of...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Sardinia to host Synergy – The Retreat Show in 2025

The fourth edition of Synergy - The Retreat Show will take place in Sardinia, Italy, from 7-10 October 2025. A historic island known for its beautiful beaches and fascinating rock formations, Sardinia also reflects the art and culture that Italy is known for, and the 2025 Synergy show will focus on showcasing how the arts can intersect with wellness and healing.  Following previous successful shows in Ibiza (2022), Mexico (2023) and Bali (2024), Synergy has firmly cemented its place as a key event in the trade show calendar. Recognised as the only trade show servicing the wellness travel and retreat industry, Synergy brings together like minded individuals working in wellness travel, from wellness experts and practitioners to instructors and coaches, as well as travel designers and...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Courmayeur Mont Blanc set for 2024-2025 ski season 

Courmayeur Mont Blanc, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, will launch its eagerly awaited 2024-2025 ski season on 5 December 2024.  A charming ski resort boasting a rich calendar of events set against a backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, Courmayeur is an ideal destination for sports travellers in search of adventure and outdoor experiences. Activities in Courmayeur include heliskiing, off-piste and cross-country skiing, ice skating, fat biking in the scenic Val Ferret, hiking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and climbing. The Italian ski resort is conveniently accessible from major international airports in Geneva, Turin, and Milan. With more than 43km of pistes and elevations approaching 2,800 metres, it features enticing ski packages from top tour operators like Mome...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Wildfitness Retreat 2025 at Forte San Giorgio in Italy

Forte San Giorgio, a private fort situated on the Italian island of Capraia, will host a Wildfitness Retreat in 2025. This secluded island escape, set in the Tuscan archipelago, sleeps 20 people, with Mediterranean views and an authentic local cultural scene, and can be booked as part of a retreat or for private group hire.  Wildfitness is a UK-based retreat experience that runs courses in Somerset, Menorca and Capraia, based on three core principles: respecting the body's natural rhythms, healthy eating and a holistic approach to movement, using the local environment as a natural gym. The team runs several retreats over the year, staying at the fort and taking full advantage of the island's unique natural character.  How to book  In 2025, two seven-day courses will take plac...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills

Famous as the destination that produces one of the world’s most popular drinks, Italy’s Prosecco hills are also a Unesco World Heritage Site (awarded in 2019).  Saddle Skedaddle’s gentle, seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the vineyards of Prosecco begins with a ride favoured by the locals in the foothills of the Montello, before climbing to the town of Asolo; designated one of Italy’s most beautiful.  Crossing the Piave River into the heart of the Prosecco region, the route passes vineyard after vineyard, including Conegliano Valdobbiadene which produces Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and the exclusive DOCG Cartizze sparkling wine. After exploring the lakes around Revine, Lago di St Maria, and Lago di Lago, the final few days in the saddle takes riders past some of t...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Italy golf holidays: the ‘ultimate golf getaway’ to Rome 

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the “Ultimate Golf Getaway” in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. The new three-night experience blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome.  Comprising The First Musica, Rome by The Pavilions; The First Dolce, Rome by The Pavilions; and the recently refurbished The First Arte, Rome by The Pavilions, The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offers a unique deconstructed urban resort experience that highlights the sights, tastes and sounds of Rome as part of each guest’s journey. Each of the three hotels is an elegant retreat in the heart of the city, com...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort makes major investment in golf facilities

Golfers at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, can enjoy an enhanced luxury experience with the acclaimed Sicilian venue having undertaken a further upgrade of its award-winning golf facilities, including a major new investment in its golf academy. A new fitting and coaching centre with advanced technology is at the forefront of an array of improvements that the Rocco Forte resort has made in 2024 as part of an overall investment of more than €1m in its golf offering.  Having undertaken a major remodelling of its East and West courses and a significant investment in a course maintenance programme, which features a new sustainable irrigation system, Verdura Resort has carried out several additional new upgrades to the facilities and services it offers to all visiting golfers. As we...

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28Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Winter in Trentino, Italy: 2023-2024 ski resort openings and new facilities

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the region of Trentino provides the perfect winter escape for travellers seeking an authentic Italian alpine experience. This season the region, which at this time of the year is recognised for its interconnected pistes and beautiful scenery, has revealed several world-class additions to its facilities and infrastructure. Ski resorts: early opening Following a flurry of early November snow, ski resorts in Trentino are now anticipating an earlier-than-expected opening to their slopes. The popular resorts of Madonna di Campiglio in the Trentino Dolomites, Presena Glacier-Tonale (Val di Sole), Val di Fiemme and Paganella plan to open early while all remaining resorts will open in December. Updated ski resort facilities The Trentino region has r...

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28Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Hotels & Resorts

Villa La Massa Excellence: Tuscany hotel launches new supercar event

Villa La Massa, a stunning Medicean villa on the banks of the Arno River in Italy’s Tuscany region, will host its first ever supercar event: Villa La Massa Excellence. Taking place from 13-15 October 2023 in collaboration with Italian agency Canossa Events, the three-day event will be dedicated to iconic collectors’ supercars from the 1980s to 2000 and the finest hospitality. The schedule for Villa La Massa Excellence features a culinary celebration on 13 October, a full-day car show on 14 October (open to the public), and a morning drive through the rolling hills of the Chianti region on 15 October with a visit to a local winery. Visiting guests will also be able to explore the historical and cultural wonders of Florence, which is only 15 minutes away by shuttle from the...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Ryder Cup 2023 host venue: Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Italy

Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Italy’s climate and stunning landscapes also makes it the perfect country to play golf in.  Italy is home to more than 250 golf courses, including the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome, host venue of the 44th Ryder Cup. All eyes will be on the world-class Italian venue as Team Europe and Team US go head-to-head in the popular men’s golf event from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October 2023 – just a week after the women's Solheim Cup in Spain.  In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the US convincingly regained the Ryder Cup with a record 19-9 victory. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will be looking to lead Team Europe to victory as they aim to win back the famous gold trophy.  The perfect se...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Cycling in Emilia Romagna, Italy: top five biking experiences

Following the conclusion of the 2023 Tour de France, attention is now turning to 2024 which will mark the 111th edition of the cycling grand tour. The 2024 Tour de France “Grand Depart” will begin in Italy for the first time in the race’s history, with the Tuscan city of Florence hosting the opening stage on 29 June. Cyclists will then enter the Italian region of Emilia Romagna, passing through key checkpoints including Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Plaisance. Globally recognised as a cycling destination, Emilia Romagna will soon be able to label itself as an official Tour de France host, adding to its list of credentials from the Giro d'Italia to the Nove Colli di Cesenatico. To get travellers in the mood ahead of Le Tour next year, here are five cycling experiences to try when visit...

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29Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports resort in focus: Forte Village, Sardinia

Forte Village is a Sardinian paradise that’s often been named the world’s leading resort at the World Travel Awards. Home to many hotels, villas, Thalasso & Spa, restaurants and bars, sports academies and sporting facilities, Forte Village Resort also has a host of activities and offerings for guests to enjoy.  Sports and activities  Enjoy an active holiday at Forte Village and discover the pleasure of working out in the beautiful nature of Sardinia. Sports and activities include football, basketball, diving, tennis, golf, boxing, fencing, triathlon, and water sports.  Academies  Forte Village is renowned for its world-class academies, which include football, basketball, tennis, cycling, swimming and dance. In 2023 it has even more on offer. Children can practice rugby...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Aosta Valley: summer adventures in Italy’s smallest region

At the heart of the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland, the Aosta Valley in northwest Italy is surrounded by some of Europe's highest peaks: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc.  Offering mountaineering, walks and hikes featuring alpine nature and spectacular vistas, Italy's smallest region is also a top destination for cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts, with dedicated tracks and numerous stations with bike parks and downhill circuits. Other highlights include summer skiing, golf and water sports such as canyoning, rafting or canoeing.  Here’s a look at some of the adventures and activities on offer in Aosta Valley this summer…  Hiking at Cammino Balteo This is a circular itinerary of under 220 miles with an altitude between 500m and 1,900...

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8Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Motor Valley Fest 2023 in Emilia Romagna, Italy

Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley Fest returns from 11-14 May 2023 for a celebration of Italy’s rich automotive and motor racing history. The four-day festival takes place in the heart of the northern Italian region’s “Motor Valley” – spread across the Unesco-city of Modena and surrounding areas – and will feature a wide range of activities, events and test drives. Highlights include the re-opening of the Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna), as well as live music, food and entertainment throughout. Long regarded as the “Motor Valley” due to its important contribution to Italy's motor industry, Emilia Romagna is home to celebrated names such as Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, Dallara, Ducati and Lamborghini; there is no other place in the world with such a rich motor h...

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