Sports Business

16Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

The Ocean Race Europe 2025 adds historic stop in Nice, France

The Ocean Race Europe, the fully-crewed offshore sailing race for the foiling IMOCA Class, will visit the Mediterranean coast of France for the first time this summer with a historic stop in Nice from 29-31 August 2025. Connecting the Baltic with the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, with races between seven iconic cities and countries, The Ocean Race Europe will start on Sunday 10 August 2025 from Kiel, Germany with the mixed male/female crews of the IMOCA fleet racing through the Baltic Sea and North Sea and into the English Channel for a quick stop in Portsmouth, UK from 14-17 August. From there, the race continues with a fly-by via Portugal (20 August), before entering the Mediterranean Sea en route to Cartagena, Spain (23-26 August). The short stop in Nice is next, from 29-31 Augus...

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11Mar By Sports Tourism News1 Comment

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Man Utd’s new stadium will ‘transform’ the fan experience 

English Premier League football club Manchester United have announced plans to build a new 100,000-seat stadium as the centrepiece of a major regeneration project for the Old Trafford area of the city.  Costing a “ballpark [figure] of £2bn”, the BBC reported, the new stadium, and wider regeneration project, have the potential to deliver an additional £7.3bn per year to the UK economy which brings large-scale social and economic benefits to the community and wider region, including the possible creation of 92,000 new jobs, more than 17,000 new homes as well as driving an additional 1.8 million visitors annually.  Conceptual images and scaled models of what the new stadium and surrounding area could look like were unveiled by Foster + Partners, the architecture group appoint...

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7Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Ticketmaster appointed as official provider for Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029

World Rugby has announced Ticketmaster as the official ticketing service provider for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women's Rugby World Cup 2029, both to be hosted in Australia. The appointment builds on the successful partnership for the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025, which has achieved record ticket sales.  Announcing the collaboration at Ticketmaster’s Legends in Sport event in London, World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “Ticketmaster is playing a key role in supporting our mission to grow the global game by making the sport more accessible and more relevant to a wider and global audience. The collaboration has proven to be particularly successful in making Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 the most sought-after women’s sporting ticket of the year, and the b...

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7Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

The Medlock: Man City and Radisson Hotel Group to open new Etihad Campus hotel

Manchester City and the Radisson Hotel Group have announced a collaboration that will see a new hotel, The Medlock, open on the English Premier League football club’s Etihad Campus in late 2026.    Operating all year round, the 401-room hotel will provide convenient and comfortable accommodation for music and sport fans who are attending events at the Etihad Stadium, visitors to the UK’s largest indoor arena, Co-op Live, as well as guests exploring the wider entertainment destination and Manchester itself.  The Medlock will offer guests a choice of suites, deluxe and standard rooms, in addition to a luxury penthouse suite. Upon completion, guests will also have access to a wide variety of food and drink outlets, a roof walk and museum experience and commercial office space in the ex...

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1Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

International Luxury Hotel Association and Matrix Fitness partner to enhance wellness in hospitality 

The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has announced Matrix Fitness as its newest official partner to support the integration of wellness-focused fitness solutions within the luxury hospitality sector. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing guest well-being through innovative fitness experiences tailored to high-end properties.  Through this collaboration, ILHA and Matrix Fitness will share insights and best practices with industry professionals, focusing on the evolving role of fitness and wellness in luxury hospitality. Matrix Fitness will contribute to discussions on emerging trends, technology integration, and wellness initiatives that align with the needs of modern travellers, including at ILHA's INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference in Las Vega...

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23Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Golfbreaks becomes travel partner of Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) and global golf tour operator Golfbreaks have announced a partnership agreement to create golf travel packages and experiences for female golfers under the new “WGD Travel” banner.  The section will carry general travel information, featured packages and WGD-curated trips to major events and destinations ranging from affordable to bespoke luxury experiences. Golfbreaks will also host a WGD event this summer (27 May to 3 June 2025) as part of the WGD 10th anniversary celebrations. Dolores Brown, head of tournaments at Golfbreaks, said: “Golfbreaks is passionate about facilitating more golf options for women and creating experiences that make golf less daunting for them, which perfectly aligns with the ethos of Women’s Golf Day. Taking a trip away with your golf...

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23Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Olympic Esports Games: Riyadh to host inaugural edition in 2027

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was also announced that the Road to the Olympic Esports Games will start this year. For the organisation of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), while the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become a founding partner.  IOC president Thomas Bach said: “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas.”  Prince Abdulazi...

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31Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

High-profile speakers lined up for the 2025 Outside Summit in Denver

The second edition of the Outside Summit, part of the larger Outside Festival, will feature a line-up of high-profile speakers for the event taking place in Denver, Colorado, from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June 2025.   Bringing together key stakeholders, career veterans, and emerging talents, the multi-day Outside Summit includes some of biggest names in the outdoor industry with speaker sessions from the likes of Reed Hastings (co-founder of Netflix and CEO of Powder Mountain), Caroline Brown (global brand president of The North Face), Albert Lin (National Geographic explorer and TV host), and Alyssa Ravasio (founder of Hipcamp). Robin Thurston, founder and CEO of event organisers Outside Interactive Inc, said: “The summit is an embodiment of our mission at Outside, and...

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30Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia set to generate AUS$1.3bn in visitor expenditure

World Rugby has unveiled the seven host cities for the 11th edition of the men’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. With 250,000 international visitors expected over the six-week period, the tournament is projected to generate AUS$1.3 billion in direct visitor expenditure across the country and seven host cities, while inspiring a nation to embrace rugby, aiming for 200,000 participants by 2029. Selected for their vibrant culture, world-class hospitality and scenic landmarks, the Rugby World Cup 2027 host cities are:  Adelaide | Tarntanya  Brisbane | Meeanjin  Melbourne | Narrm  Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi  Perth | Boorloo  Sydney | Gadigal  Townsville | Gurambilbarra  Perth | Boorloo will play host to the anticip...

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19Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Rugby and STH partner to enhance Rugby World Cup fan experiences

World Rugby has signed an exclusive agreement with Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH), a Sodexo Live! Company, to redefine the premium fan experience for the next three men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups. The ‘RWC Experiences’ programme will bring fans closer to the action than ever before, offering a wide range of ticket-inclusive packages for England 2025 (women), Australia 2027 (men) and Australia 2029 (women). In line with World Rugby’s core mission of advancing the sport’s relevance and accessibility, the deal will see redefined experiences that cater for a diverse audience in an evolving entertainment landscape. Designed to enhance the matchday experience and create unforgettable experiences, the packages will combine innovative travel and hospitality solutions with interac...

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28Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

The Great Run Company: Gen Z spurs 39% increase in running participation

The Great Run Company, owners of the world’s biggest half marathon, the Great North Run, has revealed the four core trends identified in 2024 which look set to continue into 2025. Using 2024 participant data from more than 180,000 runners across its portfolio of annual running events, the Great Run Company’s Rewind24 Report highlighted: the love of running is not waning with more and more people taking up the sport new runners are challenging themselves with the distances they take on  the boom in running is being fuelled by Gen Z the gender gap in participation continues to shrink Keep on running: the popularity of running continues at pace with a 39% increase in participation versus 2023, according to growth figures across the Great Run Series, excluding The Great No...

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26Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Record ticket sales for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025  

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, taking place in England from 22 August to 27 September, is set to be the biggest sporting event taking place in the UK in 2025. It has already smashed records as the fastest-selling edition of the tournament ever, with more than 220,000 tickets sold to date.  With just over eight months to go until the opening match between England and the USA on 22 August, the continued strong interest in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has led to ballots for high-demand fixtures, including England’s pool matches and the final at Twickenham Stadium. The surge in demand ensures that it will be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. Sarah Massey, managing director of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, said: "The response to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has been rema...

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8Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

UN Tourism: sports tourism can create a ‘lasting legacy’ for destinations

Sports tourism can “play a key role in helping tourism destinations and businesses diversify”, UN Tourism said after the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC) in Madrid from 28-29 November 2024. To achieve this, “public and private cooperation will be essential for the future of this growing sector”.  The 3rd WSTC gathered worldwide experts and leaders of sports and tourism at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Co-organised by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, with support of Visit Nayarit and Turkish Airlines, the Congress highlighted the transformative potential of sports tourism as a driver of economic growth, social development, and sustainability.  UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This Congress, as well as the whol...

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8Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Snowsport Scotland & England sign partnership with the High Tatras & Liptov regions of Slovakia

Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport England have announced a new partnership with the High Tatras & Liptov regions of Slovakia for the forthcoming winter season, which will bring the destination into focus for UK clubs, athletes and the recreational snow sports community, offering an exciting and affordable opportunity for winter holidays and training camps. The Slovak Tatra mountains are a relatively unexplored area for Brits, however they offer several world-class ski resorts, exceptional value for money and the very latest technology in lift infrastructure. The region hosts the Alpine World Cup and boasts a season that can run right through to May. Flights with WizzAir and Ryanair, from UK airports start from as little as £15 with transfer times from the nearest a...

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2Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Novak Djokovic serves up global partnership with Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has announced a new partnership with Novak Djokovic that will see the tennis icon become the airline’s global brand ambassador and wellness advisor.  A multi-year collaboration that positions Qatar Airways as the official airline partner of Djokovic, the partnership was unveiled at the Altitude Wellness Centre at Al Maha Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Building. Djokovic stands as one of the greatest athletes in history, with 24 grand slam titles and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He said: "It is my great pleasure and honour to partner with Qatar Airways, a company I admire for many years not just for its impeccable service to its customers and employees, but also because it recognises the importance of wellbeing and longevity which is a passion of min...

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2Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

The London Snow Show returns to Olympia in 2025

The London Snow Show is returning to Olympia for the first time in 15 years with its next edition set to take place from 18-19 October 2025.  Located in west London, Olympia has often been considered the “home of the snow show” and its return marks an exciting new chapter in the event’s history as its new owners, The Mountain Trade Network, build a packed programme that will include sections for destinations, brands and retailers as well as a luxury and wellness area. There will also be live music, talks and opportunities to meet some of the stars of the skiing and snowboarding world.  Built in 1886, Olympia is one of London’s oldest event spaces and is now undergoing a £1.3 billion transformation to become London’s leading premium event space with the refurbishment of bot...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2024: Portugal named world’s best golf destination

It was a big night for Portugal at the 11th annual World Golf Awards held in Madeira on 22 November. The sun-blessed European nation was named the world's best golf destination for 2024 while Terras da Comporta, on the Alentejo Coast, claimed the world’s best golf course award.  The 2024 edition of the World Golf Awards marked a global gathering of golf industry leaders, with pioneers and key figures travelling from across the world to attend. The prize-giving ceremony at Savoy Palace, marked the climax of a two-day golf itinerary sampling the best of Madeira’s golf courses. Madeira’s growing status as a golf hub was reinforced with the title for world’s best emerging golf destination. Palheiro Golf collected the world’s best panoramic clubhouse award and Club de Golfe Santo Da Serr...

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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 an...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

On Location and NFL extend global hospitality partnership

The NFL and On Location have announced a multi-year extension of their global hospitality partnership. This extension will solidify On Location’s standing as official hospitality provider of the NFL through to 2036.    With the extension, premium experiences, hospitality and travel company On Location will continue to offer unrivaled access to all premier NFL events, providing fans with unforgettable experiences at the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pro Bowl Games and Scouting Combine. Additionally, On Location’s rights to sell and market International Series Games has been expanded to include all international markets. Official packages feature premium seating, in-venue and out-of-venue hospitality, player meet and greets, unique behind-the-scenes activities and mor...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Ski Awards 2024: Val Thorens, LAAX and W Verbier the big winners

The World Ski Awards has revealed the winners of its 12th annual edition. Winners include Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens, which was named the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’, in recognition of setting the global standard for lift infrastructure, resort facilities and slopeside accommodation. Switzerland’s reputation as a hospitality world-leader was reinforced with victories in two key categories: W Verbier captured ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’ and Chalet Zermatt Peak claimed ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’. In the newcomer categories, Japan’s MUWA NISEKO fought off entrants in Aspen and St. Moritz to take the title for ‘World's Best New Ski Hotel’. Méribel’s Chalet Harmony – offering a rare blend of luxury, privacy and proximity to the slopes and resort centre – was named ‘World’s Best N...

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