Holidays & Trips

1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips

Dominican Republic golf travel guide: best golf courses and resorts

With 30 top-class golf courses the Dominican Republic is regularly dubbed the “golfing capital of Latin America and the Caribbean”.   Some of the industry’s top architects and designers - including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Gary Player and Tom Fazio - have built golf courses in the Caribbean nation. Named Latin America and the Caribbean golf destination of the year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) in 2019, the Dominican Republic welcomes more than 200,000 golf tourists every year. Golf tourism and events generate an economic impact of almost €300m (£251m) on an annual basis.  While the courses are open year-round, the best time to play is from December to March when the weather is a little cooler and less humid. There is a benefit to playing in...

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1Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Edinburgh, Guides, Holidays & Trips, Scotland, Sports Travel

A sports travel guide to… Edinburgh

A sports travel guide to... EDINBURGH Scotland’s historic capital city Edinburgh is not just home to a world-famous castle and arts festival, but also the national rugby union stadium and many superb golf courses. BT Murrayfield Stadium plays host to Scotland’s home international rugby fixtures as well as club games for Edinburgh Rugby. The city also has three main football clubs: Hibernian FC, Heart of Midlothian FC and Edinburgh City. One must-do activity for visitors to Edinburgh is take a walk and climb Arthur’s Seat. Teams, stadiums, golf and events in Edinburgh Teams, stadiums and venues Sports teams Football: Hibs, Hearts, Edinburgh City   Rugby union: Edinburgh Rugby  Ice hockey: Edinburgh Capitals Ameri...

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20Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Sport in Wales: events, activities and things to do

Wales is a passionate sporting nation - especially when it comes to rugby union. Cardiff's Principality Stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team and every year it hosts games in the Six Nations championship.  While the capital Cardiff offers a big city vibe and many attractions, visitors are recommended to explore the rest of the country and enjoy Wales's outdoor activities. Trekkers, walkers and bikers should head to Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons for their outdoor fix.  For golfers why not play one of Wales’s top coastal courses or tee it up at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor?  If you fancy something a bit different (or crazier) then the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Man vs Mountain event or the Tenby Boxing Day Swim could be for you. Here we pick out some of th...

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13Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

F1 Portuguese Grand Prix: motorsport fans get revved up for Algarve race

Motorsport fans could witness history at the next Formula 1 grand prix when it descends on the beautiful southern shoreline of the Algarve later this month.  Having equalled Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 F1 victories by winning the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring, Lewis Hamilton could go one better with a win in Portugal and write a new chapter in the sport.  For that reason motorsport fans will be even more eager to say “I was there” if indeed Hamilton takes the checkered flag on 25 October.   This year the 2020 Portuguese GP takes place over 66 laps of the 4.684-kilometre Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.  João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, said: “Formula 1 has been absent from Portugal for 24 years and it is a prestigious int...

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5Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel

Sport + Travel interview: Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal

The wellness and activity holiday trend has been evolving rapidly over recent years. Right now there has never been a greater need for vacations which enhance your mental and physical needs, and Dinah Josephs, group fitness manager at The Campus, Quinta do Lago, Portugal is at the forefront of facilitating that trend. She has nearly two decades of experience under her belt as an international health, fitness and wellbeing lifestyle professional and consultant, in a range of sports environments. Dinah specialises in yoga practise, personal training, group fitness training, healthy eating, nutritional advice and guidance and natural health using a holistic approach to wellbeing. As for The Campus, Dinah cannot speak highly enough (and without bias) about her place of work. So read o...

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30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Sport + Travel Interview: Marco Koch – Olympic elite swimmer

It is not often you have the chance to pose questions to a European and World Champion swimmer, who is the former world record holder in the 200 meter breaststroke (short course). So here at Sports Tourism Media we are both excited and delighted to introduce Marco Koch, a German competitive swimmer, specialising in breaststroke events who has competed at the 2012 & 2016 Summer Olympics and took gold at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia. Marco says "I'm in my comfort zone in the water as swimming is my passion. I enjoy every second. The water unfolds my full potential. It carries and leads me. Water gives me a great feeling." (marco-koch.org, 20 Jan 2018). We are grateful Marco has taken time out of a gruelling training regime to answer our questions… Newsletter...

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23Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Business

Sport + Travel Interview: Martina Jamnig – director, Austrian National Tourist Office UK

Martina Jamnig is the director of the Austrian National Tourist Office UK, promoting a country which she describes as a "playground for sport". Originating from Austria’s sunshine state Carinthia, which borders with Italy and Slovenia, adventure sport is in her blood, as is football. As a season ticket holder at Arsenal FC, she plans vacations around the team's playing schedule and has travelled far and wide following the Gunners. Her two main passions, sport and travel, have been a consistent thread throughout her life, both personally and professionally. Examples of this include having worked as a project executive, in close collaboration with Uefa, for the Euro 2008 football championship. She also volunteered at the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics, where she worked with fo...

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1Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

‘Escapade Living’ brings motorsport to your living room window

It is somewhat of an understatement to say that 2020 has been and continues to be a year of seismic changes. The pandemic changed the world as we know it and whilst much pain – mental, physical and economic – continues to affect our lives, it has catalysed the need to for adaptability, innovation and resilience, especially within all areas of the travel sector. Clearly the travel industry that emerges at the end of this year will be very different from the one that entered it. But one thing the pandemic has turbocharged is the growing trend for ‘experiential travel’. Experiential travel – in which the traveller immerses themselves in a destination rather than superficially seeing it – is now coming of age in double time. The sports travel sector is of course at the very forefron...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Sport + Travel Interview: Riyad Ayyoub of the Royal Jordanian Falcons National Aerobatic Team

If you look into the skies above Jordan’s Red Sea resort of Aqaba you may well catch a glimpse of ‘The Royal Jordanian Falcons National Aerobatics Team’. Founded and established in 1976 at the behest of his Majesty the late King Hussein Bin Talal, himself an accomplished pilot. Soon after their formation, Riyad Ayyoub now the General Manager of the team, joined the Falcons back in 1985. Not only has he been part of their journey ever since, he has also witnessed the growth in tourism to this region of Jordan and certainly the realisation of its Sport Tourism potential. To view the current RJ Falcons team please go to https://rjfalcons.com/rjf-team/ Newsletter: sign up for updates from Sports Tourism Media What was your most memorable sporting holiday and why? I learnt to water-sk...

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29Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

The Sports Travel Blog: my top 10 favourite sporting trips and experiences

The Sports Travel Blog by Mike Starling, co-editor, Sports Tourism Media  As a sports journalist - and a sports fanatic - I have been lucky to have attended a number of events and tournaments over the years. In no particular order, here I pick out ten of my favourite sporting trips and experiences.  https://twitter.com/MikeJStarling/status/1145776862905405441 Wimbledon 2019  Of all the events I have ever been to, going to The Championships at Wimbledon was probably the biggest tick off my sporting bucket list. I was fortunate enough to get an invite through IMG Tennis to attend day one in 2019 and was even more lucky to get the chance to see Coco Gauff’s stunning victory over Venus Williams in the first round of the women’s singles. If you ever get...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Licence to thrill-seek in Austria: extreme sports tourism at AREA 47

By Sports Tourism Media co-editor Ramy Salameh A study has calculated how far James Bond 007 has travelled to save the world - an enormous 276,745.2 miles across 24 movies, with Austria having been the location on three separate films.  It is a country known for its epic Alpine surroundings and tailor-made for adventure sport junkies.  In 2015, the world’s most famous film franchise used the Gaislachkogl Mountain to shoot key action scenes of Spectre. This Bond movie granted the town of Soelden, located in the Alpine valley of Oetztal-Tirol, a unique and lasting legacy.  Key action scenes from the film have now been honoured through the creation of 007 Elements a stunning cinematic installation at more than 3,000m which opened in 2018. Inside, a series of bunker-like concre...

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11May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Stadiums & Venues

The Sports Tourism Blog: a tour of The Olympic Museum in Lausanne

Lausanne is truly an Olympic city. Not only is it home to Olympic House, the International Olympic Committee's HQ which opened in June 2019, but also The Olympic Museum.  Referred to as TOM for short - there's no doubt that this is one of the best sports museums anywhere in the world. The permanent and temporary exhibitions provide a lasting sporting narrative and legacy for all citizens and creeds. It also provides for a unique events venue that has mass appeal across many industry sectors.  Sports Tourism News co-editor Ramy Salameh paid a visit to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne and here he picks out some of the best things to see. An Olympic journey  Even before you step through the entrance of the museum, your personal Olympic journey starts within the “Olympic Park” that sits eith...

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15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Losinj in Croatia named European Island of Sport 2020

Losinj in Croatia has been named European Island of Sport 2020 - and to celebrate Hotel Bellevue in Čikat Bay has launched an Active 365 Weekend package. Known as Croatia’s “island of vitality”, Losinj will this year welcome some of the world’s leading triathletes, cyclists, runners and cricketers for a series of sporting events on the island. Events include the XTERRA Croatia off-road race weekend, the 10th Losinj half marathon and the Mediterranean Cricket League.  Losinj sporting events in 2020 XTERRA Croatia On 18-19 April, more than 800 participants will line up in Losinj to take part in XTERRA Croatia, an off-road racing extravaganza comprising the first ever XTERRA off-road triathlon held in Croatia, and a 40km off-road mountain bike race.  The XTERRA Croatia triathlon w...

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22Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Running wild: unusual marathon trips with Untamed Borders in 2020

Adventure travel operator Untamed Borders has announced details of its most unique and unusual running trips for 2020.  These marathon trips are designed to give guests a genuine insight into the countries they visit, while also giving something back to the communities they meet. Having operated commercial tours to Afghanistan since 2007, marathon tourism started for Untamed Borders in 2015, when founder James Willcox joined a small group of international and Afghan people, who together set up the first ever Marathon of Afghanistan.  Willcox said: “Untamed Borders now have five marathon departures a year. This year we will be taking around 70 international guests to participate in some of the world's most exciting races.  “From the deserts of Saudi Arabia to training with female runner...

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1Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Christmas gift guide for sports fans: event tickets, trips, experiences, driving, golf and more

Got a sports-mad guy or gal who you need to buy a Christmas present for? Check out our sports Christmas gift guide, which includes activities, travel breaks, golf getaways, sports event tickets, and unique experiences such as driving, sailing and surfing.  Jump to each section in the sports Christmas gift guide: Sports gift boxes | Stadium tours | Race days | Golf masterclasses Weekend sport trips and activity breaks Golf weekend breaks and escapes Driving breaks and driving experiences Bear Grylls Survival Academy Sports tickets for UK events in 2020 Sports gift boxes | Stadium tours | Race days | Golf masterclasses  Liverpool FC Anfield stadium tour for two adults - £40 Duration: one hour for two people; valid for 10 months  Where: Anfield stadium, Liverpool, Merse...

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31Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Holidays & Trips

Portes du Soleil 2020 events guide: Youth Winter Olympics, Rock the Pistes, Snowboxx

In 2020 the Portes du Soleil region will host a number of major sports and music events, including the Youth Winter Olympic Games, Rock the Pistes and Snowboxx. Here we look at what’s on in Portes du Soleil in 2020... About the Portes du Soleil The “Gateway to the Sun” covers the neighbouring Alpine regions of French Chablais and Swiss Valais, encompassing two countries and 12 resorts. These include Avoriaz, Champéry, Les Gets and Morzine with one liftpass providing access to them all.  Located between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, this huge ski area boasts 650km of pistes and 196 lifts. Portes du Soleil enjoys an annual average snowfall of nearly eight metres, with the region a flurry of activity throughout the winter and the ski season wrapping up in late April. Youth Winter Olympics Th...

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31Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Saddle Skedaddle announces new cycling holidays in 2020

Saddle Skedaddle will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2020 and to mark the milestone the company has announced details of its new cycling holidays. “New for 2020” cycling trips include a 15-day adventure in Ethiopia; an eight-day, guided holiday in Jordan; a nine-day, coast to coast road cycling trip in Italy; and a seven-day, electric mountain bike holiday in Croatia. See more details on the cycling holidays below or at skedaddle.com Guided cycling adventure holiday in Ethiopia This 15-day guided cycling adventure holiday in Ethiopia begins at the Blue Nile Falls near the city of Bahir Dar before heading to the country’s former capital, Gondar. The riding continues into Simien Mountains National Park – one of Ethiopia’s nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites – for a night spent camping und...

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7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips

Milwaukee Bucks stars: NBA Paris Game ‘amazing for the sport’

Greek basketball stars Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are excited about returning to Europe to play in the NBA’s first ever regular-season match in France in January 2020.  The brothers will feature for the Milwaukee Bucks in the inaugural NBA Paris Game against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday 24 January at the AccorHotels Arena.  When asked about playing in the French capital city Thanasis Antetokounmpo said: “It’s amazing for the sport. We’re European, so we understand how huge this is, having a game in a place like Paris.  “It’s going to be really exciting for fans all over the world to come watch. I know people are travelling from all around Europe, from Africa, to come see the game in Paris, so it’s an exciting thing. It’s amazing.”  Giannis Antetokounmpo added: “It’s going to...

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7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Grandstand Motor Sports release travel packages for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

Grandstand Motor Sports is offering two standard travel packages for the 2019 F1 Abu Dhabi GP - the final race of the Formula 1 season. British driver Lewis Hamilton is on track to win a sixth career F1 world title and he will go head-to-head with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari duo Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 1 December. Four-night package Grandstand Motor Sports’s standard four-night package includes return flights from London to Abu Dhabi International Airport with four nights staying at the Beach Rotana Hotel Abu Dhabi (on a B&B basis). This hotel has direct access to the shops and attractions of Abu Dhabi Mall which is adjacent to the hotel.  The package also includes transfers to Yas Marina Circ...

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30Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

SwimTrek unveils swimming and sailing trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020

SwimTrek’s collaboration with the Lady of Avenel ship will continue into a fourth year with three swimming and sailing trips on offer for guests in 2020.   The swimming holiday operator’s week-long trips combine wild swimming around Scotland and Ireland and walks on the islands. Guests will also have the opportunity to try their hand at crewing on a traditional tall ship.  SwimTrek is offering three trips aboard the Lady of Avenel in 2020: the Outer Hebrides (Scotland); Isle of Skye and the Small Isles (Scotland); and the Donegal Atlantic Way (Ireland).  About the Lady of Avenel The Lady of Avenel is a 102ft Brigantine square rigged ship with 12 guest berths and staff quarters. Originally built in Poland in 1969 as a tug vessel, she was refitted in 1992. She is a majestic ship and travel...

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