Tag: London

13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

London tops 2026 sports-tripping index ahead of Dubai and Tokyo

London has been crowned the world’s best city for sports-tripping in 2026, according to a global study by luggage storage network Stasher. The research found that nearly 30% of people have travelled – or would consider travelling – abroad for a major sporting event, reflecting the continued rise of sports tourism as a mainstream travel driver.  According to UN Tourism, sports tourism now accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending, with projections suggesting the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032. Scoring 7.6 out of 10, London’s appeal lies in the sheer density of elite teams and global events across the so-called ‘big five’ sports – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket. The city is home to 20 world-class teams, including football heavyweights Arsenal...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Travel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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NFL London Games 2025: Rams vs. Jaguars

NFL London Game Teams: Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars When: 19 October 2025 (Week 7 of the 2025 Regular Season) Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule for the 2025 International Games. The third and final NFL London Game in 2025 will feature the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 19 October.  Fans can register for ticket information at nfl.com/internationalgames

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NFL London Games 2025: Broncos vs. Jets

NFL London Game Teams: Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets When: 12 October 2025 (Week 6 of the 2025 Regular Season) Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule for the 2025 International Games. In the second NFL London Game of 2025, the New York Jets will take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday 12 October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.  Fans can register for ticket information at nfl.com/internationalgames

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NFL London Games 2025: Vikings vs. Browns

NFL London Games Teams: Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns When: 5 October 2025 (Week 5 of the 2025 Regular Season) Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule for the 2025 International Games. After facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, the Minnesota Vikings will then travel to London to play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday 5 October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the US.  Fans can register for ticket information at nfl.com/internationalgames

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7Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick

Sports travel bucket list: find your inner ‘rebel’ and rocket along London’s River Thames

Ramy James Salameh enjoys rocket speed on the inaugural sailing of the 'Rocket Rebel', the newest (and fastest) speedboat to traverse the River Thames taking in some of London's most iconic landmarks from a very unique perspective.  Immediately below the majestic London Eye lurks a waterborne mechanical beast. It is 16-metres in length, bright red and tattooed with Union Jack graphics. Its sleek and piercing design is made of revolutionary lightweight aluminium, whilst its fuel-efficient twin 725hp jet-propelled engines makes it the largest, fastest and undoubtedly coolest sightseeing boat on the historic River Thames. The English capital has just welcomed to its famous waterway, the newly launched, ‘Rocket Rebel’, a speedboat which joins an existing fleet of five 12-seat, 12.5-metre...

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Tennis: HSBC Championships 2025 at Queens 

This year sees the return of a women's WTA 500 event at The Queen's Club in West Kensington, London, for the first time in more than 50 years, alongside the traditional men's ATP 500 tennis tournament.  ​Taking place from 7-22 June 2025, the HSBC Championships women's line-up features reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejčíková, who will be joined by Australian Open title winner Madison Keys, former world No.1 Naomi Osaka, US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula, British No.1 Katie Boulter, and 2021 US Open winner Emma Raducanu. For more information see lta.org.uk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlIV6PiTWYQ

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

nhow London launches hotel stay package for London Marathon 2025

The nhow London hotel, located in Shoreditch, has created an exclusive two-night marathon package for runners competing in the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025. Starting from £245 per night, the package – 25-27 April or 26-28 April – is designed to fuel both performance and recovery for runners. Available at an additional cost, runners can prepare for their big day with a special pre-race dinner menu on the night before the event, featuring carbohydrate-rich foods, moderate in protein and low in fat and fibre.  Following a night's sleep, marathon-goers can enjoy a tailored runners' breakfast from 5am, with a choice of foods to optimise energy levels. Every athlete staying at the hotel will also receive an energy pack to-go, featuring essential race-day fuel such as a banana an...

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1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

London Marathon experiences at The Westin London City

As the English capital gears up for the highly anticipated TCS London Marathon on Sunday 27 April 2025, The Westin London City hotel has unveiled a series of marathon experiences designed for both runners and their supporters.  Situated along the historic River Thames, the five-star property has 226 guest rooms, suites and residences, plus F&B options including all-day dining restaurant Mosaic and riverside wine bar Hithe + Seek. The hotel is also popular for guests seeking wellness and recreation during their stay in central London. Dedicated to promoting wellbeing, The Westin London City is home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, which has an indoor swimming pool, and the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. In terms of events, the hotel hosts yoga classes and “Rise & Run” sessi...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London

Ramy James Salameh headed to The Lensbury, a premier sports resort situated beside the River Thames in south west London, to enjoy a two-day tennis retreat alongside plenty of R&R. Framed and signed squad shirts, silver glinting trophy cabinets and a champions honours board are just some of the sporting memorabilia adorning the walls of The Lensbury Hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. It all reflects more than a century of sporting excellence, ever since its formation as a sports and social club in 1920. Today, its 25-acres of manicured lawns play host to some of the world’s best teams and sportspeople, who come to prepare and train ahead of major competitions. When England's Lionesses became European women's football champions in 2022, they used The Le...

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The Big Half 2025 London

Organised by London Marathon Events, The Big Half is London’s community half marathon. Taking place on Sunday 7 September 2025, it starts at Tower Bridge and finishes by the famous Cutty Sark in Greenwich. On the same day as The Big Half, the Big Mile and the New Balance Big Relay will also be held.  The course: the 13.1-mile route of The Big Half and the New Balance Big Relay starts on The Highway by Tower Bridge and finishes beside the Cutty Sark. The route passes through the four London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich – taking in Canary Wharf, Wapping, Tower Bridge, Rotherhithe and Deptford along the way – before finishing at the iconic sailing ship.  The Big Mile: a free mass participation event held on the same finishing stretch as The Big Half. The ...

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F175 Live at The O2 – 2025 F1 season launch 

For the first time in Formula 1 history, all 10 teams – Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Kick Sauber, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams – their drivers and team principals will come together with fans for a special night to launch the new season, reveal their 2025 liveries, and mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year. This unprecedented world premiere event will take place on 18 February 2025 between 8pm and 10pm at The O2 in London, England, and is being brought to life by creative visionary Brian Burke of BrianBurkeCreative, Stufish Entertainment Architects, DX7 Design, and production company 1826. The evening will see fans immersed in the drama and spectacle that is Formula 1, as they join the teams to unveil their 2025 liveries and the upcomi...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events

Formula 1 to put on a show at The O2 for 2025 season launch

For the first time in Formula 1 history, all 10 teams – Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Kick Sauber, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams – their drivers and team principals will come together with fans for a special night to launch the new season, reveal their 2025 liveries, and mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year. This unprecedented world premiere event will take place on 18 February 2025 between 8pm and 10pm at The O2 in London, England, and is being brought to life by creative visionary Brian Burke of BrianBurkeCreative, Stufish Entertainment Architects, DX7 Design, and production company 1826. BrianBurkeCreative and this world-renowned team delivered the groundbreaking opening and closing ceremonies for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Bur...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane

Each month padel players from around the world come together at Rocks Lane Padel Academy in Chiswick, west London, for a week of padel training and cultural exploration.  Whether you’re just starting your padel journey or looking to improve your competitive edge, the week-long intensive training programme at Rocks Lane is designed for players of all levels. At its venue in Chiswick, you will find the biggest padel tennis facility in London – with 12 padel courts, including four covered courts, a clubhouse with cafe, changing rooms, soft play and social areas. Under the expert guidance of Álex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player and one of the UK’s most respected coaches, you’ll receive personalised coaching to help elevate your game. The sessions focus on technique, strateg...

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The Championships Wimbledon 2025 – tennis grand slam

The Championships Wimbledon, held annually in London SW19, is the oldest and most prestigious of the four grand slam tennis tournaments. Played on its legendary grass courts, and with a history that dates back to its inception in 1877, Wimbledon takes place in 2025 from 30 June to 13 July at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. Steeped in tradition, Wimbledon maintains its charm through strict customs such as the all-white dress code for players, strawberries and cream for spectators, and the attendance of the British Royal Family.  The All England Club’s grass courts are the fastest surface in tennis, making it a haven for big servers and players who favour serve-and-volley tactics. The low bounce of the ball on grass creates a unique challenge, rewarding players with quick ...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2025 London Marathon: Marathon Tours & Travel confirmed as participant hotel provider

London Marathon Events has announced that Marathon Tours & Travel will be the official participant hotel provider of the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which next takes place on Sunday 27 April 2025. The one-year partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel offer a variety of hotel accommodation options for UK or international runners who have already secured their entry into next year’s TCS London Marathon – the 45th edition.  Marathon Tours & Travel’s expert support teams, based in England, will help participants, along with their friends, family and supporters, find the right place to stay ahead of marathon day, with accommodation that allows for easy access to the start and finish of the TCS London Marathon.  Stays of one, two or more nights can be booked in carefully...

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30Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

The Formula 1 Exhibition to open at Excel London in August 2024

London has been announced as the next city to host The Formula 1 Exhibition, following ground-breaking runs in Madrid, Vienna and Toronto. Opening on 23 August 2024 at ExCeL London, visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with pieces of motorsport history and delve into the world of F1.  Having launched to widespread critical acclaim in Madrid, the London show is set to be the biggest F1 exhibition show to date, with a number of new additions, including soon-to-be-announced iconic F1 cars, and historic memorabilia.  New for London, a partnership with Silverstone Museum will bring to life unique stories from the British Grand Prix. State-of-the art racing simulators using official F1 gaming equipment will also feature, giving visitors the chance to experience what i...

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22May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

NFL confirms 2024 International Games in São Paulo, London and Munich

The National Football League (NFL) has announced the schedule of the 2024 International Games that will be played in São Paulo, Brazil; London, England; and Munich, Germany.  This season’s International Games will begin in São Paulo in Week 1 of the regular season – with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday 6 September at Corinthians Arena.  Minnesota Vikings will kick off the league's return to Europe on Sunday 6 October as they play the New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London – the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the United States. The following Sunday, 13 October, the Chicago Bears will play the Jacksonville Jaguars, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The London focus then shifts to Wembley Stadium as the Jaguars tak...

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Rugby Union: South Africa vs. Wales & Barbarians vs. Fiji 

Twickenham Stadium will play host to a blockbuster international rugby union double-header on Saturday 22 June 2024.  The day kicks off at 2pm with world champions South Africa taking on Wales in their first match since retaining the Rugby World Cup in Paris last October.  Then at 5.15pm, the Barbarians – featuring England players Danny Care, Zach Mercer, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, David Ribbans, Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler and Ben Youngs – will take on Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists Fiji for the Killik Cup. For tickets see eticketing.co.uk/rfu and for hospitality see twickenhamstadium.com 

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Venues & Stadiums

Lord’s Cricket Ground: plans approved for Tavern and Allen stands redevelopment

Redevelopment plans for Lord’s Cricket Ground's Tavern and Allen stands have been approved by members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Westminster City Council's Planning Committee.  The £61.8m project, which was put to the MCC’s 18,000-strong membership at its AGM, will provide improved catering, hospitality and accessibility, as well as increasing the overall ground capacity by an additional 1,100 seats. MCC Members’ approval comes after Westminster City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning consent to the Tavern and Allen project at a meeting on 16 April.  MCC is now ready to enter the construction phase of the redevelopment, due to begin in late September, at the end of the cricket season. The Tavern and Allen stand project follows ...

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