Sports Business

14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

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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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

2025 sports business events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2025. The global sports business calendar in 2025 is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration.  These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and da...

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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 new 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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2Nov By Sports Tourism News1 Comment

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Global sports tourism market to hit $2.4 trillion by 2030 – report

The global market for sports tourism was estimated at $1.1 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.4 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% from 2023 to 2030, according to the Sports Tourism - Global Strategic Business Report published by ResearchAndMarkets.com. The growth in the sports tourism market is driven by several factors, including the rising popularity of international sports events and competitions, technological advancements in travel planning, booking platforms, and customer experience, and the increasing focus on promoting adventure sports, ecotourism, and experiential travel. The need to provide unique, engaging, and culturally enriching sports tourism experiences for diverse traveller demographics is driving the demand for sport...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

3rd World Sports Tourism Congress to be hosted by Real Madrid in November

UN Tourism, the specialised agency for tourism within the United Nations, has announced that Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress from 28-29 November 2024.  Jointly organised by UN Tourism and the Government of the Region of Madrid, this year’s congress will be held under the theme of “Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations”.  Bringing together stakeholders from across the sectors, the event in Spain’s capital city will focus on best practices in sports tourism, including its economic impact, contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strategies for effectively promoting destinations through sports events and sponsorships. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJaqsnmK00&t=1s ...

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13Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Visit Anaheim showcased with Anaheim Ducks away jersey sponsorship

The Anaheim Ducks and Visit Anaheim have announced a new partnership agreement, beginning with the 2024-2025 National Hockey League (NHL) season, that sees the tourism organisation’s logo feature on the team’s away jerseys.  Visit Anaheim, the official sales and marketing organisation for the Californian city, will be the first ever partner to have its logo featured on a Ducks away shirt. As the Ducks travel during the 2024-2025 season, Visit Anaheim will be showcased to hockey fans across North America. This partnership represents a commitment to promoting Anaheim as a world-class travel destination, driving continued tourism growth.  Mike Waterman, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim, said: “It’s an honour to be the first away jersey sponsor of the Anaheim Ducks, marking a sig...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Scotland, Sports Business

Cairngorms National Park tourism brands launch winter travel campaign

More than 370 tourism organisations in the Cairngorms, Scotland, have joined forces to promote the UK's largest National Park as the ultimate winter travel destination for 2024.  Led by Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP), the Cairngorms National Park Where Winter Comes to Life! campaign is showcasing more than 1,700 square miles of Highland winter wonderland filled with seasonal magic, including the UK's only free ranging reindeer herd at Glenmore, Balmoral Castle & Estate at Crathie, Aviemore Ice Rink, Tomintoul & Glenlivet Dark Sky Park, Dalwhinnie Distillery, Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre at Kincraig and the Highland Wildlife Park. The CBP is working with tourism businesses across the region to help extend the season and bring b...

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12Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

IAGTO launches three global golf tourism conventions for 2025

IAGTO – the International Association of Golf Tour Operators – has announced Danang in Vietnam, Gran Canaria in Spain, and Alabama in the US as the host destinations for its three global golf tourism conventions taking place in 2025. Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry with more than 2,200 member companies in 92 countries, including 662 golf tour operators in 68 countries, responsible for more than 90% of all golf vacation packages sold worldwide.   The three conventions confirmed for 2025 are:  11th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Danang, Vietnam, from 2-4 April 2025  3rd IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Gran Canaria, Spain, from 19-21 May  2025  16th North America Golf Tourism Con...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

World Travel Awards 2024: world’s leading sports tourism destination nominees

World Travel Awards has announced the 20 nominees shortlisted for the World's Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 award – with voting is now open ahead of November’s gala ceremony.  In 2023, Qatar’s capital city Doha was the winner of the award, ending Abu Dhabi’s winning run from 2013 to 2022. Dubai (2012) and South Africa (2011) have also previously won the title.  Five nominees have also been announced for the World’s Leading Sports Academy 2024 award. The nominees are Aspire Academy in Qatar, Cascade Wellness Resort in Portugal, Forte Village Resort in Italy, Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort in the USA, and La Manga Club in Spain. Voting is now open until 20 October 2024 for both categories, with the winners revealed at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala ...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: ticket sales launched at Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps

On Tuesday 1 October ticket sales for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 international women's football tournament were launched at a special event held at the iconic Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. Located 3,454m above sea level, the magnificent Aletsch glacier set the stage for a match between two teams of football legends and future stars. The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 will be held from 2-27 July 2025 in eight host cities across Switzerland, including Basel (opening game and final), Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun and Sion. In total, around 720,000 tickets have been made available for the tournament with sales for the general public now open via womenseuro.com/tickets. With this first ticket release, more than 250,000 tickets for all 31 matches of the tournamen...

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15Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Snomad Ski Resort Awards 2024: Lech Zürs named best overall ski resort

Lech Zürs, located in Austria's Arlberg region, has been named the best overall ski resort in the inaugural Snomad Ski Resort Awards. Launched during the 2023-2024 winter season, ski resort comparison website Snomad currently has 1,204 ski resorts listed on its website, with more than 78,800 community-led ratings built up over one winter season. Using data from its website, Snomad created 20 award categories with the top three ski resorts in each, then awarded gold to the resort with the highest rating. This meant the awards were “truly impartial”, according to the company.  One of the primary aims of Snomad is to create an engaged community of skiers and snowboarders supporting each other to find resorts and hidden gems, based on the factors that are important to them, with data ac...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Video: Roger Federer promotes Switzerland’s autumn in new tourism campaign

Tennis legend Roger Federer has teamed up with Switzerland Tourism (ST) to promote the beauty of the Swiss autumn season. In a video shot outdoors amid the majestic scenery of the Swiss mountains, Federer stars alongside acclaimed Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen.  Inspired by Mikkelsen and the vibrant autumn landscapes, Federer showcases a playful side of himself like never before. The teaming up of Federer and Mikkelsen is part of the largest autumn campaign in the history of the tourism board. Precisely targeting the European markets – France, Germany, Italy, BeNeLux, the UK and the Nordics – the new campaign video shows Federer and Mikkelsen humorously attempting to produce an advertising spot designed to showcase the many facets of the Swiss autumn. "I love autumn and all its c...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Enjoy Illinois becomes destination partner of Crystal Palace FC

The Illinois Office of Tourism has signed a partnership with Crystal Palace, which sees Enjoy Illinois become the official destination partner of the English Premier League club.  Enjoy Illinois will be displayed on the LED boards at the club’s Selhurst Park stadium in London, as well as interview backdrops and in-stadia televisions. Enjoy Illinois will also sponsor the halftime challenge at Selhurst Park and will run competitions throughout the season where fans can win prizes. The Eagles visited Chicago, Illinois, in 2023 during their pre-season tour and returned to the United States earlier this summer for the second successive year, playing in the Stateside Cup. Crystal Palace will also be returning to Illinois for the next Premier League Mornings Live, taking place in Chic...

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