Guides

17Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Birmingham: a sports travel city guide 

The English city of Birmingham, located in the West Midlands region, has a proud sporting heritage that reflects its rich industrial past and vibrant cultural present. Affectionately nicknamed “Brum”, Birmingham is a hub of activity, boasting a diverse range of sports teams, iconic venues and major events. Whether you're into athletics, football, cricket or an adventurous traveller seeking new experiences, Birmingham offers something for everyone. Main image: Alexander Stadium in Birmingham (Credit: WikiCommons) The UK’s athletics capital in 2025 In 2025, Birmingham will host the UK’s two biggest athletics events of the year: the UK Athletics Indoor Championships at Utilita Arena from 22-23 February 2025 and the UK Athletics Outdoor Championships at Alexander Stadium from 2-3 Aug...

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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 Mom...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Portes du Soleil: a winter sports travel guide

The 2024-2025 winter sports season marks a monumental milestone for the Portes du Soleil, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Nestled between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, just an hour from Geneva, the Portes du Soleil remains one of the largest and most celebrated ski areas in the world. Spanning the Franco-Swiss border, the ski paradise boasts 12 resorts, offering skiers and snowboarders the unique opportunity to glide seamlessly between France and Switzerland.  All 12 resorts in the Portes du Soleil can be easily accessed from Geneva Airport. A six-day lift pass for the Portes du Soleil area is priced from €336 for adults, €252 for children and €302 for seniors (web prices, until 28 March 2025). See more at portesdusoleil.com   Portes du Soleil: the 12 resorts  Avoriaz (Fran...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination

Nestled along the pristine Pacific coastline, El Salvador’s “Surf City” offers a paradise for surfers and adventure seekers. With consistent waves, warm waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, this destination is gaining global recognition and regularly hosts major events on the International Surfing Association (ISA) and World Surf League calendars. Surf City El Salvador is fast becoming one of the top destinations for surfers worldwide, and whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, it has something for everyone. Best surfing spots Punta Roca: Known as the crown jewel of El Salvador's surf scene, Punta Roca is a world-class right-hand point break. The waves are fast and powerful, making it ideal for experienced surfers. The rocky coastline enhances t...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Dubai: a sports travel city guide

Dubai has established itself as a global sporting hub, hosting a variety of major events and festivals and offering numerous activities for sports enthusiasts to enjoy. As well as its year-round sports events calendar, Dubai also boasts natural attractions that are perfect for outdoor adventures and experiences. Sports activities in Dubai Running and hiking Runners don’t need to miss out on any training when visiting Dubai. The city offers a variety of scenic running routes that cater to different skill levels and preferences, and hosts events such as Dubai Run on 24 November 2024, part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, and the Dubai Marathon on 12 January 2025. One of the most popular running spots in Dubai is the green springy track which starts at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and s...

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15Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Hong Kong: a sports travel city guide 

Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline, dynamic culture, and bustling urban life, also boasts a thriving sports scene. The city offers a mix of local and international sporting events, outdoor recreational activities, and world-class venues. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual traveller looking to experience a unique aspect of Hong Kong, there's something here for everyone.  One of the most popular sporting events is the Hong Kong Sevens, a premier rugby sevens tournament held annually at Hong Kong Stadium attracting fans from around the world. In addition to marquee events, Hong Kong is a hub for hiking and trail running due to its mountainous terrain. The city's unique geography also makes it a perfect spot for water sports as well, including dra...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide 

Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the French Alps, is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, encompassing seven resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, and Brides-les-Bains. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ski terrains, and luxurious accommodations, Les 3 Vallées is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Main image: Courchevel (credit: Les 3 Vallées/Alexis Brot)  Top resorts in Les 3 Vallées Courchevel Overview: Courchevel is the most prestigious resort in Les 3 Vallées, known for its upscale hotels, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping. It’s composed of four villages, each at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 being the most glamorous. Sports appeal: The resort offers access to ...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

A guide to diving in Bermuda

Bermuda is a diver's paradise, offering crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life that will leave any underwater enthusiast in awe. The island is home to more than 300 shipwrecks, each narrating a tale of maritime history and adventure. The Cristóbal Colón, a Spanish luxury liner sunk in 1936, beckons advanced divers with its expansive wreckage and resident barracudas. This site, resting at depths between 15 to 55 feet, allows for an extensive exploration of the vessel's remains, where schools of fish dart in and out of the twisted metal. Equally captivating is the Hermes, an intentionally sunk US Navy ship that now hosts colourful corals and a variety of fish. This 165-foot-long boat, sitting upright in 80 feet of water, is ideal for both intermediate and advanced divers and i...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Philadelphia: a sports travel city guide

One of the most passionate sports cities in the United States, Philadelphia is home to iconic teams, state-of-the-art stadiums, and a sports culture that's deeply embedded in its identity. In this sports travel city guide, we explore the major sports teams, events, venues, and tourism attractions that make Philadelphia a must-visit destination for sports fans. Major sports teams Philadelphia Eagles (NFL): The Eagles are a cornerstone of Philadelphia sports, with a passionate fan base and a history that includes the memorable Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. Lincoln Financial Field, known as "The Linc", is renowned for its electric atmosphere on game days. Philadelphia Phillies (MLB): Established in 1883, the Phillies are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB)....

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21Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Summer in Sweden: best outdoor activities to try 

With its moderate summer temperatures and close-to-nature lifestyle, Sweden has become a destination of choice for lovers of refreshing holidays. In southern Sweden, summer temperatures average around 20C to 25C, with occasional peaks of 30C. Rainfall is lowest on the islands in the Baltic Sea – such as Gotland, Öland and the archipelagos along the east coast of Sweden – and in valleys surrounded by mountains.  Due to its high latitude, Sweden enjoys significantly longer summer days than those in more southern countries. Dense forests, lush greenery, fields of vibrant wildflowers, thousands of miles of coastline and no less than 100,000 lakes provide a huge playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Sweden promises a summer away from crowds and traffic, a place of tranquillity, and far-r...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Paris: a sports travel city guide

This summer Paris will be the centre of the sporting world when the French capital city hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The "City of Light" is renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, yet, beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it’s also a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts.  With a diverse array of teams, stadiums, and sporting attractions, the city offers a comprehensive sporting experience that appeals to both locals and tourists. In this feature we look into the sporting landscape of Paris... Subscribe to our monthly newsletter Iconic venues Stade de France: Located just north of the city in Saint-Denis, the Stade de France is the largest stadium in France and a venue of huge significance. It was built for the 1998 Fifa World Cup, which host nation Fr...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Kitzbühel: an alpine golf paradise in the Austrian Tirol

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich sporting heritage. While the town is famously known for skiing, Kitzbühel also offers an exceptional golfing experience. Whether you're an amateur golfer or a seasoned pro, the combination of challenging courses, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious amenities makes Kitzbühel a premier golfing destination. The area also boasts 12 exclusive golf hotels, ensuring a luxurious stay with pure enjoyment.  Golf courses in Kitzbühel Kitzbühel is a paradise for golf enthusiasts, offering four diverse golf courses and 54 varied holes on site, two of them in the town centre, and 12 more in the immediate vicinity. As each course is unique and different in its own way, it is well worth playing all...

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6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Barcelona: a sports travel city guide

Catalonia’s capital city Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, Mediterranean charm, and is also a must-visit destination for sports fans. From its world-famous football club to its major stadiums, Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of sporting history and excitement.  In this feature, we dive into the heart of Barcelona's sporting scene, looking at its teams, venues, historic moments, and travel tips for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this sports-loving city. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter FC Barcelona: more than a club No discussion about sports in Barcelona can begin without mentioning FC Barcelona, or Barça, as it is affectionately known. Established in 1899, the club is more than just a football team – it's a symbol of Catalan ...

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6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Istanbul: a sports travel city guide

Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium was the focus of the football world when it hosted the Uefa Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter in June 2023. Having previously hosted the showpiece event in 2005 – a classic between Liverpool and Milan – the 76,092-capacity stadium was scheduled to host the 2020 final then the 2021 final, but the games were moved to Portugal because of the Covid-19 pandemic.   In this sports travel guide we look at Istanbul’s sporting history, professional clubs and major events.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter About Istanbul Vibrant and historic, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and located at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia. Geographically, the city straddles the Bosphorus Strait, which connects th...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides

Austrian Tirol’s top sporting events in summer 2024

The Austrian Tirol is preparing to host a packed programme of thrilling sporting events in summer 2024. Top athletes and amateur enthusiasts can test their stamina or feed their interest in a wide range of disciplines and competitions across the region. Whether you are running, cycling, climbing or watching from the sidelines, all will be held against magnificent mountains, lake and valley backdrops with varied and dramatic terrain. With its 34 regional associations, Tirol is one of the leading holiday destinations in the Alps. Tirolean tourism is characterised by almost 200 years of history and various pioneering achievements. Summer and winter guests alike appreciate the alpine mountain landscape and nature, the high quality of service and infrastructure, as well as the welcoming hos...

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4May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides

Crans-Montana: biking, cycling and major events in summer 2024

Crans-Montana, the Swiss resort in the French-speaking Valais region of the Alps, prepares for its summer season with a number of new events including major cycling competitions as it looks ahead to the Mountain Biking World Championships in 2025. Other major events include the family favourite festival, Am Stam Gram, the Omega European Masters golf tournament and the Wildstrubel UTMB trail running race.  Pierre-Henri Mainetti of Crans-Montana Tourism said: "Crans-Montana continues to lead the way with new events in 2024 to add to our diverse programme that includes mountain activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but also food and drink events, cultural events and unique mountain experiences like our water sports park and world-class golf facilities. With the town’s altitude at...

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20Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Lausanne celebrates 30 years as the Olympic Capital

The scenic city of Lausanne in Switzerland, nestled between the serene waters of Lake Geneva and the majestic Swiss Alps, is ready to offer unparalleled sport tourism experiences to mark its 30th anniversary as the Olympic Capital. Home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and host to numerous international sport federations, Lausanne's designation as the Olympic Capital is far from ceremonial. The city celebrates Olympic heritage and captivates visitors with its vibrant sports culture. An action-packed calendar To mark its milestone 30th anniversary, Lausanne has curated a series of free, festive, and sportive events. Key highlights include the unveiling of the Olympic cauldron – a legacy of the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games – and the innovative M2 Challenge in colla...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Stadiums & Venues

A guide to Wembley Stadium and Wembley Park in London

London's Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. As well as being the home of English football, the stadium also hosts NFL London Games, major finals and big music concerts.  In 2023 Wembley celebrated 100 years since the original stadium opened and in 2024 the venue will host the Uefa Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The district around the stadium, Wembley Park, has seen huge redevelopment in the past few years. There’s now plenty of places to eat and drink, popular attractions and many new residential buildings.  Here we take a look at Wembley Stadium and the Wembley Park neighbourhood. Key details  Official name: Wembley Stadium connected by EE Website: wembleystadium.com...

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17Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Geneva: active things to do in the Swiss city

Geneva has outdoor activities and adventures to suit every kind of traveller. Surrounded by nature, parks and lakes – and with the stunning Swiss Alps as its backdrop – the city is an adventurer’s playground and offers many active things to do including walking, hiking, biking and water sports. Walking and hiking For those looking to explore the vast countryside, Geneva’s walking and hiking trails are ideal. Making their way along the River Rhône on the Sentier du Rhône hike, walkers can take in stunning natural beauty of the contrasting lake and mountains, while marvelling at sights such as the Moulin-de-Vert nature reserve along the way. Take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, and pay a visit to the Parc de la Perle du Lac, the Parc Mon Repos, or take a moment to a...

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10Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Scotland’s best beaches for swimming, surfing and water sports 

From hidden coves to surfers’ paradises, taking in both city beaches and remote shores which seem to stretch for miles, a break on Scotland’s coasts offers something for everyone. Here we take a look at the best beaches in Scotland for swimming, surfing, water sports and family activities.  Related articles Scottish golf bucket list Sport in Scotland ‘Water wellness’ in Scotland Book: ‘Blue Scotland’ by Mollie Hughes Island beaches  Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris is regularly included in lists of the most beautiful beaches. With miles of white sandy beach and clear blue water, visitors to the island may be forgiven for imagining they are visiting a Mediterranean archipelago. It is certainly one of the most spectacular beaches in the Outer Hebrides.  S...

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