Wednesday, May 14Sports. Travel. Events. Play

Latest news and posts

Rise of ‘mara-cations’: Generator sees marathon weekend booking surge
Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business

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...
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Scotland reopens after £20m renovation
Hotels & Resorts

Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Scotland reopens after £20m renovation

Following an extensive £20million transformation, the five-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow has officially reopened its doors – marking one of Scotland’s most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years.  Elevating the Scottish heritage hotel experience with a vibrant new identity, Mar Hall blends its history and elegance with a whimsical, storytelling design concept and warm-spirited, experience-driven guest service. Mar Hall houses 74 luxurious guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and an enticing collection of grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks to be discovered, soon to be joined by a 22-person private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. Located just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, a sweeping driveway...
Valencia CF and Legends partner on hospitality concepts at Nou Mestalla
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...
FC Bayern Munich to host football camps at Patina Maldives
Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

FC Bayern Munich to host football camps at Patina Maldives

Following a successful collaboration with Real Madrid last year, Patina Maldives will welcome German Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich for an exclusive series of football camps in the Fari Islands.  With camps offered throughout 2025, timed to coincide with school holidays, football-loving children and teenagers will have the rare opportunity to train under the guidance of licensed coaches from the German club – all against the spectacular backdrop of the Indian Ocean.  The core focus of the camps is the professional training based on FC Bayern’s proven approach, designed to enhance technical skills, tactical understanding and game intelligence. Under the guidance of highly qualified coaches, young participants will not only learn precise ball control and strategic thi...
JA Sports & Shooting Club: Dubai’s newest sports hub 
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...
Sports resort in focus: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus
Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Sports resort in focus: Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury resort boasting world-class golf and a range of sport and leisure activities. Named after the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite, the destination offers an escape for travellers seeking a comprehensive experience that combines relaxation, recreation, and cultural richness.  Accommodation options range from luxurious hotel rooms to spacious suites and private villas. The resort is also home to a wide selection of restaurants and bars.  Sporting facilities Aphrodite Hills is renowned for its world-class sporting amenities, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts and active travellers. At its heart lies the award-winning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by renowne...
Sports events in 2025 – global sporting calendar
Calendars, Events

Sports events in 2025 – global sporting calendar

The global sports calendar for 2025 is packed with exciting events that promise unforgettable moments for fans worldwide. From iconic competitions that celebrate long-standing traditions to new tournaments that showcase emerging talent, the year will feature a dynamic array of sports and venues.  The biggest sporting events in 2025 include the Women's Rugby World Cup, the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, the FIFA Club World Cup, the Ryder Cup, the Ashes, and the UEFA Women’s European Championship. Sports like tennis and golf will also shine with their annual tours, grand slams and majors. Additionally, motorsport fans can look forward to the Formula 1 season, which will continue to offer thrilling races across exotic locations, including a night race in Las Vegas an...
2025 sports business events and conferences calendar
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 a...
Golf in Ireland: major winners and world-class courses
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Golf in Ireland: major winners and world-class courses

After a dramatic final play-off, Rory McIlroy became the first golfer from the island of Ireland to win The Masters – and only the sixth ever in the history of the game to win the Grand Slam of all four men’s majors (The Masters, US PGA Championship, US Open and The Open Championship). For a small island on the edge of Europe, Ireland is a powerhouse when it comes to golf, with McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Shane Lowry all recent major winners.  With world-class courses in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet, it’s not surprising that Northern Ireland is where McIlroy first honed his skills. McIlroy first joined Holywood Golf Club at the age of seven, becoming the club’s youngest ever member. Set high in the Holywood Hills of Count...
Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours
Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Cycling holidays inspired by Europe’s Grand Tours

With the first of cycling’s Grand Tours starting in May this year – the Giro d'Italia – and the news Great Britain will host the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, there’s never been a better time to sample some of greatest road cycling destinations in Britain and Europe.  Independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has a range of road cycling holidays in the UK and Europe inspired by the Grand Tours and other iconic routes, including:  A guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish Highlands  An epic coast-to-coast adventure riding the entire length of the Pyrenees  A Tour de France-inspired road cycling holiday across the Southern Alps – from Mont Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez  Tour d’Ecosse guided road cycling holiday in the Scottish ...
Video: Malaysia Airlines unveils Manchester United aircraft livery
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 ...
Cambodia wins IAGTO’s Asia Pacific golf destination of the year award
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...
Marathon Tours & Travel unveils Shanghai Marathon partnership and packages
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...
Saint Lucia becomes 117th International Surfing Association member
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...
Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Innsbruck hiking: outdoor adventures in the Capital of the Alps

For hikers, the Innsbruck region in Austria offers breathtaking mountain landscapes just minutes from the city. From family-friendly walks and nature escapes to a hiking foodie experience, Innsbruck has hiking routes that are perfect for every type of adventurer. Colette Verra, Innsbruck Marketing Manager, said: “Innsbruck offers the perfect blend of city and nature, making it a top destination for hikers of all levels. Whether you seek a relaxing walk or a thrilling mountain adventure, our region provides unparalleled access to beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and authentic alpine experiences.” A Family Adventure – The Zirbenweg Trail: Perfect for families, the Zirbenweg (Stone Pine Trail) on Innsbruck’s home mountain, the Patscherkofel, offers an easy and scenic hike through an...
Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure
Guides, Holidays & Trips

Tignes summer mountain activities: biking, hiking and adventure

Tignes, a popular resort in the French Alps, is gearing up for summer with a range of mountain experiences and active holidays on offer. Visitors can discover newly designed bike trails, go hiking on the easy-to-follow routes, or embark on an adventure with family and friends.  Tignes Bike Park: new expanded trails Mountain bike riders will discover more than 7kms of redesigned trails in the Palafour and Tovière areas, with new options for beginners, families, endurance riders, and electric mountain bike enthusiasts. Even better, queue-free lift access means easier mountain access throughout the day. The newly revamped "Fresse Tagada" stands out as an iconic red trail, designed as a "flow trail" to help mountain bikers build confidence and progress their skills. Another high...
Expedia Group study: women’s sport the ‘real growth story’ of sports tourism
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...
Sports travel bucket list: two ‘road to Monaco’ supercar tours 
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips

Sports travel bucket list: two ‘road to Monaco’ supercar tours 

Here’s something special for the car and racing fans among us – supercar driving tours in Europe to add your travel bucket lists. Ultimate Driving Tours has unveiled two new exclusive supercar journeys that finish at the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, one of the marquee events on global motor sport calendar.  Combining luxury hospitality with exploration of European landscapes, the curated "road to Monaco" itineraries – the European Supercar Tour and the Le Grand Tour Provence – enable guests to traverse the continent’s most picturesque roads over 10 or seven nights while enjoying the finest five-star hotels, exquisite fine-dining, and experiential surprises throughout.  Both tours conclude in the high-adrenaline atmosphere of Monte Carlo for a no-expenses spared, all-encompassing exp...
Sports travel bucket list: a fusion of fitness and wellness at Pine Cliffs
Bucket List, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: a fusion of fitness and wellness at Pine Cliffs

Sports travellers who are looking to increase their fitness while enjoying some rest and relaxation should consider a trip to Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Algarve, Portugal. The resort is inviting guests to renew and recharge at its 'Fitness & Wellness Fusion' retreat, which will take place from 6-11 June 2025. The six-day retreat is designed to boost physical strength and mental clarity, providing an inspiring escape within breathtaking surroundings. Daily workouts will be held in a variety of locations around the resort, from the beach and cliff tops to fully equipped gym and studio spaces. The curated programme includes a beach bootcamp, stretching, hydro Pilates and mat Pilates, HIIT, core and conditioning, and hiking on the cliffs. Suitable for all fitness le...
Paris 2024 Olympics legacy: an ‘exceptional’ year for French tourism 
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 ...

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR