Sports Business

18May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Seat Unique continues partnership growth with three-year Polo in the Park deal

It’s been a very busy few months for Seat Unique, an online platform that offers official hospitality packages and premium tickets for live events. Founded in 2018 by Robin Sherry and Phillipa Hicks, Seat Unique has secured partnerships with a range of major UK venues, clubs, and promoters, including London’s Wembley Stadium and the Co-op Live in Manchester, as well as the Welsh Rugby Union and Jacksonville Jaguars UK. Backed by high-profile investors and ambassadors, including British Lions and Wales Rugby captain Sam Warburton OBE, England cricketers Stuart Broad and Lauren Bell, and rugby legends Sir Clive Woodward and Matt Dawson, Seat Unique also announced in March 2025 that England men’s football captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane had become a shareholder in the firm.&n...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Emirates Sports Arena: new ice sports venue to open in Dubai

A new ice and winter sports venue, the Emirates Sports Arena, is set to open in Dubai in 2025. Owned and operated by Emirates Sports Group, the facility will be the only multi-functional professional ice rink in the Middle East region. Located in Dubai Sports City, the Emirates Sports Arena will be next to the Emirates Sports Hotel and Apartments. The opening of this technologically advanced sports facility will represent a step forward in the development of winter sports in the Middle East, including ice hockey, figure skating, and other disciplines. Alongside the launch of the ice arena, a Winter Sports Academy for GCC countries will also be introduced.  Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports Group, said: "We look forward to the opening of Emirates Sports Arena as a grand event f...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

US tennis ace Jessica Pegula named World of Hyatt ambassador

Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s World of Hyatt loyalty program has welcomed American tennis star Jessica Pegula as its newest ambassador, bringing her passion for excellence and travel to the World of Hyatt portfolio.  Through this collaboration, Pegula will offer exclusive insights into elite tennis travel, showcase Park Hyatt hotels around the world, and provide World of Hyatt members with unique opportunities to engage with the sport at the highest level. Pegula said: "I'm thrilled to join World of Hyatt as its newest ambassador. When you're on the road for nearly 10 months a year, finding a place that feels like a true home-away-from-home makes all the difference. The spacious accommodations at Park Hyatt hotels give me the freedom to keep up with my workouts and even enjoy a sp...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trends

Rise of ‘mara-cations’: Generator sees marathon weekend booking surge

Following the TCS London Marathon in April, boutique accommodation brand Generator has recorded an increase in guests looking to combine their love of running with travel – opting for a hybrid of a holiday and a marathon, affectionately coined the “mara-cation”.  With a surge in bookings across its global portfolio, Generator’s properties in key marathon locations have seen increased demand during event weekends, highlighting that guests now more than ever are seeking  a blend of wellness, intense self-optimisation and a desire to see the world through a new lens.  Of the locations that are seeing the biggest increase, New York leads the way, with a 67% increase in bookings at Paramount Times Square - a Generator Hotel during the NYC marathon weekend 2025 (2 November). Berlin c...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Valencia CF and Legends partner on hospitality concepts at Nou Mestalla

Valencia CF have reached an agreement with Legends, a global premium experiences company, to support the Spanish LaLiga football club's strategic growth through the sales and revenue optimisation of the hospitality areas at the Nou Mestalla stadium. Following the consultancy process carried out over the last year, the club now incorporates Legends, a leader in delivering exceptional fan experiences and driving commercial revenue for sports and entertainment venues, as a strategic partner. Thus, establishing the first major agreement for the new stadium, which, upon its inauguration in the summer of 2027, will become a fundamental pillar for the club's economic and sporting growth in the coming decades. With more than 6,500 hospitality seats (more than 9% of the stadium’s total capac...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

JA Sports & Shooting Club: Dubai’s newest sports hub 

An exciting new chapter in Dubai’s sports landscape is unfolding with the upcoming launch of JA Sports & Shooting Club – a world-class sporting destination currently under development through an investment exceeding AED300 million (approximately US$81.67 million).  Scheduled to open in phases starting in late summer 2025, the expansive multi-sport complex will feature top-tier facilities designed to cater to athletes and enthusiasts alike. Highlights include international-standard football and cricket fields, a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, and integrated cycling and jogging tracks that connect seamlessly with the nearby JA The Resort, a five-star all-inclusive destination comprising three distinct properties: JA Lake View Hotel, JA Beach Hotel, and JA Palm Tree Cour...

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27Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Video: Malaysia Airlines unveils Manchester United aircraft livery

Malaysia Airlines has unveiled its latest co-branded aircraft livery in partnership with English Premier League football club Manchester United.  Now featured on the airline's flagship A330-300, the bespoke livery includes dynamic red lines flowing from the Malaysia flag into the club's iconic red. Former United players Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Vidić, and Luís Nani attended the unveiling in Malaysia.  In March 2024, Manchester United and Malaysia Airlines announced a multi-year partnership which saw the airline become the club’s official commercial airline.  At the time of the announcement, a club spokesperson said: “Manchester United has a long-standing and proud connection with Malaysia, with a history of passionate support from across the country. We have three official ...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Cambodia wins IAGTO’s Asia Pacific golf destination of the year award

At the 25th annual IAGTO Asia Pacific Awards in Danang, Cambodia was announced as the winner of the Asia Pacific Golf Destination of the Year award, while Sri Lanka picked up the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year award for the Asia Pacific region.  The golf tourism industry’s celebrated IAGTO Awards are voted for by IAGTO’s (the International Association of Golf Tour Operators) 700-plus golf tour operators in 69 countries who nominate destinations, golf resorts and golf courses that delivered the best possible experience for their golf travelling clients in the past 12 months at the time of voting.  Golf Course of the Year Awards were presented to the golf course receiving the most votes in each of five South-East Asian countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Marathon Tours & Travel unveils Shanghai Marathon partnership and packages

Marathon Tours & Travel has been confirmed as the official international tour operator for the 2025 Shanghai Marathon, taking place on Sunday 30 November 2025. The partnership will see Marathon Tours & Travel work in tandem with international travel companies to offer a range of travel options for international runners who have already secured their entry in this year’s Shanghai Marathon.  The partnership comes as the Shanghai Marathon embarks on its debut year as an Abbott World Marathon Major candidacy race. Marathon Tours & Travel will market travel packages directly to participants as well as help them, along with their friends, family and supporters, source seamless travel options to Shanghai from around the world ahead of marathon day, along with accommodation op...

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26Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Saint Lucia becomes 117th International Surfing Association member

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has confirmed Saint Lucia as its 117th national federation member. The island nation becomes the 11th ISA member from the Caribbean region, reflecting the continued global expansion of surfing.  Situated on an island that features 158km of pristine coastline, the Saint Lucia Surfing Association (SLSA) is dedicated to developing skilled surfers, promoting competitive excellence, and advocating for sustainable practices to protect its coastal resources. With the support of the ISA, the SLSA aims to establish itself as a leading surf team in the Caribbean, by fostering talent, promoting environmental stewardship, and creating opportunities for surfers of all ages.  Fernando Aguerre, ISA president, said: “It is so exciting to welcome...

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13Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Expedia Group study: women’s sport the ‘real growth story’ of sports tourism

New research released by Expedia Group has revealed how sports tourism is transforming how people are travelling and the sector is creating massive opportunities for the travel industry. In a blog post titled "how to win big with sports tourism", Expedia Group’s chief commercial officer Greg Schulze said that sports tourism presents “significant economic opportunity” for travel providers and is creating “high-demand periods” for transportation and lodging companies and “boosts host cities' economies”.  According to UN Tourism, sports travel now accounts for 10% of global tourism spending, while Skift reported that the sports tourism sector is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.  Expedia Group’s data suggests sports trips are about "more than just the event" – they're a cha...

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12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Paris 2024 Olympics legacy: an ‘exceptional’ year for French tourism 

The Atout France - France Tourism Development Agency has revealed how the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games contributed to one of the most memorable years for France’s travel industry. The games provided a unique opportunity to showcase France's rich heritage and strengthened its image as a must-visit destination. In total, 12 million tickets were sold for the games while nearly five billion viewers worldwide tuned in. Overall in 2024, France welcomed more than 100 million international tourists, generating €71 billion in revenue.  Nathalie Delattre, France's minister of tourism, said: "2024 will remain engraved in history as an exceptional year for France. The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the reopening of ...

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12Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO’s three global golf tourism conventions fully booked for 2025

IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, has announced that its three global conventions in 2025 – the 11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, the 3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria and the 16th North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) in Birmingham, Alabama – are now sold out, having attracted approximately 650 golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, inbound operators and tourism boards as exhibitors.  IAGTO is still taking registrations for buyers (golf tour operators) for the IEC and NAC events, and the capacity for both has been increased in order to accommodate even more hosted buyers. AGTC 2025 in Danang, Vietnam concluded on 5 April and attracted a record 450 delegates, 100 more than any of the previous 10 editions.  Peter Walto...

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5Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

RWC Experiences unveils Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 hospitality packages

RWC Experiences, a joint venture between World Rugby and Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH), has unveiled the hospitality packages for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Hosted across eight venues in England from 22 August to 27 September 2025, the tournament is set to break attendance and global viewership records. From private suites and fine dining to karaoke and vibrant dancefloors, fans will get the chance to experience Rugby World Cup matches like never before. The fusion of world-class rugby and captivating entertainment has been designed with fans at its core, offering packages that fully immerse supporters in the tournament’s atmosphere.  Pitch Perfect – The Ultimate Karaoke Experience: The Pitch Perfect Karaoke Experience invites fans to kick off their matchday in ...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Las Vegas Grand Prix Plaza: new F1 fan attractions to open in May 2025

The world’s largest Formula 1 attraction, the Grand Prix Plaza, will open its doors in Las Vegas on 2 May 2025. Home to the Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, the 39-acre Grand Prix Plaza features more than 100,000 square feet of entertainment across three ticketed F1 attractions.  The venue will close for the season in late summer to prepare for November's Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a future reopening date to be announced. Attractions within the Grand Prix Plaza include: F1® X: experience a Formula 1 event like no other with F1® X at the Grand Prix Plaza, where classic engineering meets cutting edge high-tech. Guests will step into Becoming F1, a holographic experience immersing guests in the lives of the F1 crew behind the sport. Afterwards, guests can take a j...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business

Tour de France 2027 men’s and women’s races to start in the UK

The Grand Départs of the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will be hosted by the United Kingdom. This marks the first time that both the opening stages of the men’s and women’s events will take place in the same country, outside of France.  England, Scotland, and Wales are all set to host stages of this famous cycling event in 2027, making it the largest free sporting spectacle in British history with millions expected to line the streets for the return of the Tour de France, and to witness the first ever staging of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in the UK.  The men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland. Further route details for both the men’s and women’s 2027 Grand Départs will be announced, with the focus on maximising the opportunit...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

2025 travel and tourism industry events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the travel and tourism industry events and conferences that are taking place in 2025. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends.  Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to en...

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Emprise Group Limited acquires International Cricket Tours

Emprise Group Limited – parent company of brands such as The R66T Academy and Barmy Army – has enhanced its sports, travel and leisure portfolio with the acquisition of International Cricket Tours, a renowned provider of cricket travel packages.   Aimed at providing even more travel opportunities for sports fans, with a particular focus on cricket and the various England teams, the deal will see Emprise Group Limited and International Cricket Tours combine resources and expertise, and form a stronger, more innovative company that will better serve its customers and stakeholders.  “I am absolutely delighted to add International Cricket Tours (ICT) to our growing portfolio,” said Chris Millard, managing director of Emprise Group Limited. “With over 50 years’ experience in the tra...

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Visit Morocco named official tourism partner of golf’s Clutch Pro Tour

The Visit Morocco brand, under the Moroccan National Tourist Office, has been announced as the official tourism partner of golf's Clutch Pro Tour. Since its formation in 2019, the Clutch Pro Tour has grown into one of the leading development platforms in world golf, obtaining Official World Golf Ranking accreditation and becoming an official satellite tour to the European Tour’s HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour. This season, as part of the inaugural International Series, the Clutch Pro Tour will deliver two flagship events in Morocco. Both tournaments in 2025 are to be staged at the Al Houara Golf Club in Tangier – ranked the fifth best course in Africa, and second in Morocco. As well as becoming the official tourism partner, Visit Morocco will also be the title partner the new “...

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22Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Cycas Hospitality to manage Oxford United FC’s new stadium hotel

Pan-European hospitality management company Cycas Hospitality has been appointed to manage the new-build Radisson hotel that will be located at Oxford United Football Club’s upcoming new stadium. Marking Cycas Hospitality's first UK-based property under management, the new hotel within the 16,000-seat, all-electric stadium near Kidlington, five miles north of Oxford, will feature a range of construction and operational measures to ensure the highest standard of environmental sustainability.  The development, which aims to secure a permanent, sustainable home for the football club alongside long-lasting community benefits, comprises a stadium, conference and exhibition centre for more than 1,000 delegates and purpose-built hotel servicing both visitors and local corporate client...

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