Editor’s Pick

25Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

E-biking in Upper Austria: a slow sports travel escape

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner took his FA Cup-winning side for some pre-season matches to Upper Austria. Glasner’s team certainly benefitted from the clean air and local produce, having flown home with two wins under their belt. Ramy James Salameh followed in their footsteps but explored the culture and heritage of the region from the saddle of a e-bike in a slower more considered manner. Sitting in the world’s largest cider barrel sauna – the Mostfassl – with 50 other naked strangers might not be your traditional warm-down after a nature-filled cycle ride, but in Upper Austria this is simply how one keeps body and mind at a healthy equilibrium. It is not high-intensity workouts or Tour de France-style cycling elevations, but simply a form of slow sports travel in a rolling and...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Okinawa: celebrate Karate Day in the birthplace of karate

Every October, the subtropical islands of Okinawa transform into the world stage for one of the most powerful cultural displays in Japan: Karate Day. Held on 25 October in the prefectural capital of Naha, this annual event gathers thousands of practitioners from across the globe to honour Okinawa’s role as the birthplace of karate – a martial art that is more than just combat; it is a way of life rooted in courtesy, discipline, and respect. Living heritage Karate’s story stretches back more than 700 years, forged in Okinawa’s unique history as a crossroads of East and Southeast Asia. Over time, the art evolved into a disciplined practice known today not only for its power and precision, but also for its guiding philosophy, shurei-no-kokoro – the spirit of courtesy.  In Okina...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: 10-day Japan ski and culture tour

As Japan’s popularity for luxury skiing continues to grow, Wayfairer Travel has launched a 10-day Japan ski and culture tour to meet rising demand. Projected to become the luxury travel company’s most popular destination in 2025, bookings to Japan have increased by 32% since 2024.  Japan is the world’s most sought-after skiing destination due to its exceptional snow conditions and unique cultural  experiences. Influenced by cold Siberian winds, the region consistently receives light, dry powder snow known as ‘JaPOW’, which, combined with Japan’s distinctive tree skiing, sets it apart from other winter destinations around the globe.  Wayfairer’s new itinerary is packed with both metropolitan city exploration and off-the grid adventure – a fantastic tour for travellers seeking immersi...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: padel and tennis at The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia 

The Datai Langkawi has partnered with LUX Tennis to bring world-class tennis and padel coaching experiences to the iconic Malaysian rainforest resort – making it the first resort in Langkawi to introduce padel courts.  Through its partnership with LUX Tennis, the resort further enhances its existing activity offering with bespoke sporting experiences, including premium coaching and tailored programmes. Nestled within the enchanting rainforest surroundings of The Els Club Teluk Datai, The Datai Langkawi's tennis and padel facilities provide the perfect setting for guests to elevate their game, refine their skills, compete against a professional, or simply enjoy an exhilarating match in a breathtaking natural setting.  Stéphane Duvacher, general manager of The Datai Langkawi, sai...

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28Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 England: fan zone locations confirmed 

England is set to host a nationwide celebration for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, with fan zones unveiled in official host locations across the country. Running from 22 August to 27 September, and with more than 330,000 tickets already sold, the tournament will take place across eight venues throughout England, making it the biggest celebration of women’s rugby ever staged.    The fan zones, which will be free to enter, will be open on match-days and at various times throughout the six-week tournament, offering fans, residents and visitors a chance to enjoy the atmosphere and take part in the biggest celebration of women’s rugby.  At the heart of the action will be Battersea Power Station, which has been unveiled as the official tournament fan zone in London, in partnership with...

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26Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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

Equestrian travel: the world’s best luxury hotels for horse lovers

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or are simply wanting to enjoy a unique, luxury getaway, the world’s best equine hotels offer thrilling horseback riding experiences as well as immersive and life-changing wellness programmes and unparalleled nature immersion. Here, the experts from The Equine Collective pick out five of the best horseback riding resorts and equestrian retreats around the world – from South Africa's wild plains to Indonesia's sun-drenched beaches and turquoise seas Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort & Ranch: luxury horseback riding in British Columbia, Canada  Best for: wilderness, regeneration and horse–human bonding Siwash Lake is an award‑winning, off‑grid luxury dude ranch nestled in 10,000+ acres of regenerating wilderness following a major 2017 fire. ...

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22Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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

A guide to Camiral – host resort of golf’s Ryder Cup in 2031

Formerly the PGA Catalunya, Camiral, a Quinta do Lago Resort is a world-class golf and wellness resort between Girona, the Costa Brava beaches and Barcelona. Home to two championship courses and a PGA National Academy, Camiral has been selected to the 2031 Ryder Cup – a prestigious return of the tournament to Spain after 34 years. Camiral’s selection marks Spain’s second time hosting the men’s golf team event between Europe and the US since Valderrama in 1997. According to reports, the event is predicted to have an economic impact of more than €1.3 billion and attract 300,000 visitors to the region. One of Europe’s most acclaimed golf destinations, Camiral has hosted multiple DP World Tour events, including the Open de España and the Final Stage of the Qualifying School. Its world-r...

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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 ...

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19Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports hospitality trends: global market value to reach $74.32 billion by 2036 

The global sports hospitality market is on a sharp growth trajectory, according to a new report published by Credence Research. Valued at US$8.35 billion in 2018, the market expanded to US$15.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$74.32 billion by 2036, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.12%. This explosive growth is being fueled by the rising global appeal of major sporting events and a growing appetite for premium experiences among corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals. Demand for VIP suites, exclusive access packages, fine dining, and behind-the-scenes experiences is soaring across flagship events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, NFL’s Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Formula 1. What’s driving market growth? Premium sports ex...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Sports Travel

‘25 by 75’: is this the ultimate travel bucket list for sport and culture?

Few people turn a casual chat into a life-enriching, global odyssey – but that’s exactly what David M. Carter and his longtime friend George Ross have done with their “25 by 75” sport and culture bucket list.  Carter, a renowned sports business consultant and university professor, has built a career around the intersection of sport, strategy, and storytelling. Now, he’s channeling that same insight into a personal mission with his friend: to attend 25 of the world’s most iconic sporting and cultural events – each in a different country and representing a different sport – before turning 75.  With 13 of the 25 already ticked off the list, Sports Tourism News spoke with Carter about the unique challenge, his favourite events so far, and what’s next on the schedule… Top im...

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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 ha...

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13Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Sports tourism global value to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032 – World Economic Forum report

A new report published by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with Kearney, has positioned sports tourism as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global travel economy, with a projected value of more than US$1.7 trillion by 2032. According to the report – Travel & Tourism at a Turning Point – sports tourism is one of several segments emerging as “significant growth drivers”, expanding at rates “exceeding sector averages”, and driven by rising global interest in live events, active travel experiences, and the power of digital engagement. Valued at US$609 billion in 2023, the sector is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, reaching more than US$1.7 trillion in less than a decade. The report defines sports tourism as “where the tourist either obs...

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5Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Trends

2025 Global F1 Fan Survey: women, Gen Z and US fans power new era 

Formula 1 fandom is evolving – and it’s younger, more diverse, and more plugged-in than ever. According to the 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, released by Formula 1 and Motorsport Network, the sport is in the midst of a generational and cultural shift, with women, Gen Z, and US fans emerging as powerful forces shaping the future of the grid. Conducted every four years, the survey gathered insights from more than 100,000 self-identified F1 fans across 186 countries. The results confirm what has been building over recent seasons: Formula 1 is no longer just a motorsport, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Women are leading the next wave of fandom, with female fans making up three in four of all new fans in the survey. Among Gen Z respondents, nearly half identify as female – highlighting the spor...

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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 wa...

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3Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Brisbane: a sports travel city guide  

Sun-soaked, laid-back, and brimming with sporting pride, Brisbane is one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for sports travel. With a strong calendar of major events, top-tier teams across multiple codes, and a stunning subtropical setting, Brisbane combines elite sport with an outdoorsy lifestyle, scenic river views, and easy access to beaches, islands, and hinterland hikes. And with the 2032 Summer Olympic Games on the horizon, the city is investing billions into sports infrastructure and tourism – making now the perfect time to visit. The Lions head to the Suncorp  One of Brisbane’s biggest sporting events in 2025 will be hosting the 1st Test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions – a combined team of the best international rugby union players from Engla...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’

With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest. A court-building boom Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, P...

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22Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland

Lost Shore Surf Resort, in the village of Ratho near Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, deserves a spot on any sports traveller’s bucket list. As Europe's biggest inland surf resort, it delivers guaranteed, world‑class surfing for all levels – from first‑timers to seasoned pros – in the heart of Scotland.  The resort features a state‑of‑the‑art Wavegarden-powered surf lagoon, which creates perfect, customisable waves every time, making it a unique experience regardless of weather or tides. Beyond surfing, Lost Shore offers surfskate training, a spa and sauna for recovery, and access to Edinburgh’s rich culture and nearby sights.  Opened in 2024 and costing £60 million, this is Scotland’s largest sports and leisure investment since the 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's anticipa...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

‘Sports-tripping’: Hyatt survey reveals British sports travel trends  

British travellers love to take part in sporting events so much that one in six (16%) admit they’d be willing to travel thousands of miles to do so, according to a new survey by Hyatt. This growing trend – dubbed “sports-tripping” – sees people combine their love of taking part in sport with ticking off bucket list destinations. The survey of 2,000 Brits, commissioned by Hyatt and conducted by Perspectus Global during March 2025, also reveals that typically people plan to take part in five sporting events in the next 12 months, with two in five saying this is more than previous years. Football tournaments (48%), cycling races (20%) and swimming competitions (18%) topped the list of favourite events. More than a quarter of people are planning to turn their marathon race calendars into t...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Trends

Luxury sports tourism: a key trend driving luxury travel in 2025

Following an in-depth customer survey, ultra-luxe experiential travel company, Ultimate Driving Tours, has unveiled some exclusive insights into what is shaping the luxury travel industry in 2025.  Here are five of the key luxury travel trends that have emerged from the survey… Luxury sports tourism Ultimate Driving Tours has seen a surge in demand for its F1 hospitality packages and tours – immersive destination experiences that combine supercar exploration with exclusive access to Grand Prix weekends across Europe. This appetite reflects a broader trend: sporting-inspired travel continues to be a driving force in the luxury market, with 60% of travellers planning to take at least one trip for a sporting event in 2025, according to the AMEX 2025 Global Travel Trends Report....

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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 connecti...

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