Sports Travel

28Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Hotels & Resorts, London, Sports Travel

Hotel in focus: indoor golf at The Dilly in London

The Dilly hotel on Piccadilly in central London has added a new sporting element to its health club – a Golfzon simulator which offers an indoor golf experience.  Voted the world’s best golf simulator five years running by Golf Digest magazine, this new experience is available for both guests and visitors and gives virtual access to more than 200 of the world’s best golf courses, including St Andrews Old Course, Celtic Manor and Pebble Beach. Using CGI graphics to create a realistic golf simulation experience, the Golfzon technology features a multitude of sensors and cameras that analyse ball flight data in real-time, to help improve the golfer’s swing and game. James Olivier, The Dilly’s general manager, said: “Whether you are an avid golfer or looking for an alternative after wor...

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11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: 2022 Italian Bike Festival, Emilia Romagna 

The northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna is gearing up to host a new edition of the annual Italian Bike Festival. It will take place from 9-11 September 2022 for the first time at the Misano World Circuit, in the city of Rimini on the Adriatic coast. Emilia Romagna – which recently hosted the F1 Grand Prix, the Gran Premio di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini MotoGP, and the Motor Valley Fest – will welcome sports fans and holidaymakers for the biking extravaganza. Since 2018, the Italian Bike Festival has been attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over Europe. And over the course of three days, visitors will be able to interact with more than 500 cycling brands, including Trek, Cannondale, Orbea and Kona. Visitors will also be invited to experience live events such as t...

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11Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Scotland, Sports Travel

An ace for British tennis: Glasgow to host 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals

Glasgow in Scotland has been selected as the host city of the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup finals. The international women’s tennis team tournament returns to Great Britain for the first time since 1991 and fourth time in total.  Taking place from 8-13 November 2022 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, 12 teams will compete for the rose bowl trophy, including GB as the host nation.  Scott Lloyd, chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), hopes the event will “create special memories” and will “inspire the next generation of players”. He added: “We have said that we were ambitious to bring more major events to Great Britain and raise the profile of tennis across the whole year, and I’m delighted that Glasgow will be hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Finals as well as the Davis Cu...

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2Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Mamaka by Ovolo partners with Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy

Mamaka by Ovolo, an urban resort located on Bali’s Kuta Beach, has announced a partnership with the Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy – the island's most renowned surfing school. As official partners, the Academy will be nestled within the resort and provide the finest surfing lessons to those keen on learning the sport.   Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy's proven track record and ISA-certified instructors will complement Mamaka's prime location, as Kuta Beach’s long stretch of golden sand and phenomenal sunsets has become a globally recognised surfer's paradise.  “Kuta has long been known as a surfing hotspot, and to be in partnership with Mamaka and be a part of the Ovolo family is exciting,” said Made Switra, co-founder of Quiksilver Bali Surf Academy. “It will certainly attract surf...

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2Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Sports Travel

New Jersey: an outdoors guide to the ‘Garden State’

New Jersey, the “Garden State”, offers many outdoor activities for walkers, hikers and water sport enthusiasts.  Although it’s one of the most densely populated states in the US, New Jersey boasts plenty of wide-open spaces to explore the great outdoors with lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountains all waiting to be enjoyed. Here we look at the state’s best beaches, parks, gardens and camping areas. Main image: Long Branch Beach (The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism) Beaches, rivers and water sports  Along the state’s 130 miles of Atlantic coastline there are more than 60 designated beaches, all with a wide diversity of offerings and experiences. Water-based activities include surfing, sailing, diving and fishing. Above the water, wildlife spotting opportunities ar...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

A sports travel guide to Manchester

Social history, industry, manufacturing and music put Manchester on the global map. But in recent years the English city’s two Premier League football teams – champions Manchester City and rivals Manchester United – have become a major attraction for international visitors.  Thanks to the success of its clubs, facilities and events such as the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester is also now regarded as one of the world’s top sports cities. We spent a few days in England’s north west to discover the sporting attractions that Manchester has to offer.  Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United (Image: Marketing Manchester) Sports teams in Greater Manchester  As well as the world-famous Premier League rivals, the city of Manchester and the Greater Manchester reg...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Review: National Football Museum in Manchester

One of the UK’s most popular sporting attractions is the National Football Museum in Manchester, England. This is definitely one turnstile worth passing through, for both lovers of the beautiful game and those who just love sport.  Located in Manchester’s city centre, within the modernist “Urbis” building, visitors will find four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, dedicated to the birthplace of the modern game. Sports Tourism Media were lucky to have a tour of one of the world's best sports museums, here’s what co-editor Ramy James Salameh had to say… What can you see at the National Football Museum? The museum showcases 2,500 items of memorabilia taking the visitor from the earliest origins of the game through to the present day. It also strives to reflect ...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Fan Experience Tester’: is this the best sports job in the world?

Sportsbreaks.com is looking for an official ‘Fan Experience Tester’ – a role that may just be the best sports job in the world. According to the sports travel and experience provider, one lucky applicant will attend and report on the biggest sporting events in the calendar. Once selected, the recruit will have a choice of marquee sporting events and will help Sportsbreaks.com ensure it is providing the best experience possible at these once-in-a-lifetime events.   Trips will include:   Formula 1: tickets, travel and hotel to a European race in 2023  Football match break including tickets and hotel Tickets to an NFL London Games match  Tickets to a UK darts tournament Tickets to an England cricket international at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester with access...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

‘Surf City USA’ Huntington Beach to host 2022 ISA World Surfing Games 

The International Surfing Association (ISA) has announced that Huntington Beach in California, USA, will be the host of the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games from 17-24 September.  In a significant innovation to the Olympic Surfing Qualification System, the winning men’s and women’s national teams at these World Surfing Games will be allocated one Olympic slot each for their respective country/National Olympic Committee (NOC). This qualification slot will be in addition to the maximum quota of two athletes per country for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  The ISA’s premier event, presented by Visit Huntington Beach, returns to “Surf City USA” for the first time since 2006. Huntington Beach has played a historic role for the sport of surfing, having hosted top-tier global events. The 20...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Sports Travel

2023 BTCC calendar unveiled: Donington Park GP makes return

The 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTTC) calendar has been announced by series organisers TOCA. After completing just three events of the 2022 campaign so far, the motorsport series has already locked down its dates for next year, with a return to the Donington Park GP circuit arguably producing the most significant headline. Next season commences on the Donington Park National circuit in late April, before the Brands Hatch Indy circuit event in May, and an earlier-than-usual slot for Snetterton.  The summer months are occupied by trips to Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft and Knockhill, before the return to the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit – for the first time in more than 20 years – takes place in late August As is often the case, the campaign concludes...

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29May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Events, London, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Major League Baseball hits a home run for London’s sports tourism portfolio

London’s position as a leading international sports city has been strengthened after a new long-term partnership was agreed with Major League Baseball (MLB). It has been confirmed that regular-season MLB matches will return to the UK capital in 2023, 2024 and 2026.  The first MLB London Series match to be played in the UK was in 2019 when the Boston Red Sox took on the New York Yankees in two games at the London Stadium. More than 60,000 fans were in attendance in both games.  As well as the upcoming regular-season matches, London’s Crystal Palace Park will also host the MLB Home Run Derby X on 9 July 2022. The competition will feature four historic franchises: the Red Sox, Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. According to MLB, each team will include a former player (...

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29May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Sports Travel

Adventure activities in Qatar

With the 2022 Fifa World Cup on the horizon, Qatar will be a popular destination for international tourism. However, it’s not just the global festival of football that the Gulf state can offer – there’s plenty of adrenaline-pumping experiences that visitors can enjoy. Here we look at five adventure sport activities in Qatar.  Sandboarding Visit Khor Al Adaid, Qatar’s breathtaking inland sea, to learn the unique sport of sandboarding. The UNESCO-recognised natural reserve is the ideal spot to master the shifting sands. Kitesurfing Combining surfing, wakeboarding and windsurfing, kitesurfing is a popular sport in Qatar and a thrilling way to discover the country's incredible coastline and sandy beaches. Adventure-seekers can visit Fuwairit, one of Qatar’s most popular beach...

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16May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Rugby World Cup host nations confirmed from 2025 to 2033

Rugby union's global governing body World Rugby has confirmed the locations for the next three women’s and two men’s Rugby World Cups. At its annual meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on 12 May the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the staging of the Rugby World Cup in the following countries: England to host Rugby World Cup 2025 (women’s)Australia to host Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s)USA to host Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s) World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We have approved three exceptional Rugby World Cup host nations – England, Australia and USA – providing unprecedented certainty and an unparalleled opportunity to accelerate the growth and impact of rugby globally. It is great for rugby, for fans and for the host nations. “The con...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa hotel review: ‘football fans are in for a real treat’

by Ramy James Salameh On the shores of the Arabian Gulf, the award-winning InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa is one of Qatar’s landmark hotels commanding one of the best coastal positions and incorporating Doha’s longest private beach. The architecture is an antidote to the gleaming high rises you pass on the way from the airport and the grand canopied entrance of the InterContinental sets the tone for arriving guests; as does the voluminous lobby lounge, interspersed with dark blue velvet armchairs, cushioned sofas and statement pieces of artwork, all sitting beside large picture windows looking out upon the free-form swimming pool, palm trees nestled in landscaped gardens and the sea beyond.  Location Qatar’s capital is in final preparations for the Fifa World Cup Qata...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sports holidays: VIP F1 grand prix hospitality with Ultimate Driving Tours

Ultimate Driving Tours offers motorsport fans a thrilling sports holiday with its F1 hospitality packages and VIP access to the top grand prix races around the world, including the Monaco Grand Prix aboard a superyacht, the legendary Italian Grand Prix, and the USA Grand Prix. F1 Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality Package  When: 26-30 May 2022How to book: ultimatedrivingtours.com Experience the most legendary F1 race in complete luxury with Ultimate Driving Tours’ Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality Package. This package includes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience an iconic race onboard Ultimate Driving Tours’ 50m chartered superyacht, Mercury in Port Hercules. Sip champagne and enjoy gourmet canapés whilst taking in the incredible excitement of the grand prix from t...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Events, Guides, Sports Travel, Wales

Sports event guide: The Hundred 2022

2022 sports event guide CRICKET: THE HUNDRED Cricket fans in England and Wales will welcome the return of The Hundred in the summer of 2022. Featuring eight teams from seven cities, and tournaments for both men and women, the 100-ball cricket competition starts on Wednesday 3 August and ends with a double-header finals day at Lord’s on Saturday 3 September. The Hundred 2022 Dates: Wednesday 3 August to Saturday 3 September 2022 Teams: Welsh Fire (Cardiff), Southern Brave (Southampton), Northern Superchargers (Leeds), London Spirit (London), Trent Rockets (Nottingham), Oval Invincibles (London), Manchester Originals (Manchester), Birmingham Phoenix (Birmingham) Fixtures,...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Sporting days out: behind the scenes tours at the Royal Yards in Newmarket

Discover Newmarket, the official tourism service for Newmarket and the surrounding area, has been given the exclusive chance to show visitors behind the scenes at Somerville Lodge, Fitzroy House, and Clarehaven, the Royal Yards where Queen Elizabeth II has horses in training. The royal trainers will also take guests to the Gallops – the training grounds around Newmarket where horses are put through their paces – to see these top thoroughbreds exercise. The full-day tour includes a visit to the National Stud, where a special Stallion Parade will be conducted by the former manager of The Royal Studs. Plus, there will be a chance to look around the National Horseracing Museum, which the Queen opened in 2016 on the original site of Charles II's Palace and Stables. Discover Newmarket is ...

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5May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

NFL 2022 International Games: London, Munich and Mexico City

The NFL’s 2022 International Games were confirmed on 4 May. The schedule will kick off with back-to-back weekends at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (2 October and 9 October), followed by one match at Wembley Stadium in London (30 October), one in Munich, Germany (13 November), and one in Mexico City (21 November).  The New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings will each play in the UK for the third time.  Both teams have won on two previous occasions in the UK and will make their debut at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 2 October.      The following Sunday, 9 October, the Green Bay Packers, NFC North champions for the third consecutive year, will face the New York Giants in their first international trip, becoming the 32nd NFL team to p...

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22Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sport hotel in focus: padel tennis at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal

The growth of padel tennis has seen rising numbers take to the courts at Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal. Located on the Algarve and operated by Kronos Homes, the resort’s two padel courts have proved popular with players from around the world. An instructor provides daily lessons and the resort also hosts social competitions throughout the year. “Padel holds huge appeal thanks to its fast pace and easy-to-learn rules,” said Alda Filipe, sales and marketing director of Kronos Homes. “It’s a really fun way to keep fit. We've found that players have enjoyed making use of our padel courts, in addition to the other sports facilities provided at Amendoeira. With the social and competitive element as well, there's a really lively padel community taking shape here. “Our padel courts hav...

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17Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

Event in focus: Spring Classic surf and music festival

Spring Classic, a new festival celebrating live music, surf, skate, ride and van culture, will be held in Woolacombe, north Devon, England, from 27-30 May 2022. Organised by Wavelength Surf Magazine, the three-day festival will showcase a range of high-profile acts alongside local musicians. Visitors to Spring Classic can also enjoy an action-packed weekend with surfing competitions, wild swimming, coastal trail-runs, yoga, live fire cooking feasts and demonstrations, as well as a show and shine area for van and motor lovers.  Linley Lewis, Wavelength and event director, said: “Wavelength has a 40-year heritage with an engaged audience and we’re really excited to bring together all the key components we see for the perfect weekend in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. T...

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