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Birmingham: a sports travel city guide 
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...
Sydney Marathon confirmed as seventh Abbott World Marathon Major
Editor's Pick, Events

Sydney Marathon confirmed as seventh Abbott World Marathon Major

Abbott World Marathon Majors has confirmed that the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS will join the series in 2025 to become the seventh event in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The TCS Sydney Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 31 August 2025, joins six races including the Tokyo Marathon, the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the TCS London Marathon, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon as part of the global marathon series. The Sydney Marathon is the largest marathon in Oceania and saw a record 20,272 finishers during its 2024 race, allowing it to pass its second consecutive assessment and become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Dawna Stone, CEO of AbbottWMM, said: “I am thrilled that Syd...
DP World Tour 2025 calendar: 42 Race to Dubai tournaments on schedule
Calendars, Events

DP World Tour 2025 calendar: 42 Race to Dubai tournaments on schedule

The return of the Austrian and Turkish Opens, as well as a host of new tournament venues, headline the men’s golf DP World Tour global schedule in 2025. Featuring a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in a minimum of 26 different countries, the schedule will see DP World Tour members compete for a record total prize fund of $153 million outside the major championships.  For the second consecutive season, the schedule will comprise three distinct phases,  beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ in November 2025.  The Turkish Open, which will be played at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort from 8-11 May, marks the DP World Tour’s return to Turkey for the first time in six years...
Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 
Holidays & Trips

Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 

The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido (Great Tour), is set to open in 2025 on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic archipelago.  The route, also known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant, will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres, with a main route spanning 93.81 kilometres, plus two additional access points from Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins.  The GR-226's main itinerary will be divided into four different stages:  Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km) Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km) Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km) Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km).  Hikers will be able to enjoy the East of the island like never before through various points of interest and areas of natural beauty along the way. See m...
Formula 1 to put on a show at The O2 for 2025 season launch
Editor's Pick, Events

Formula 1 to put on a show at The O2 for 2025 season launch

For the first time in Formula 1 history, all 10 teams – Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Kick Sauber, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams – their drivers and team principals will come together with fans for a special night to launch the new season, reveal their 2025 liveries, and mark the start of the sport’s 75th anniversary year. This unprecedented world premiere event will take place on 18 February 2025 between 8pm and 10pm at The O2 in London, England, and is being brought to life by creative visionary Brian Burke of BrianBurkeCreative, Stufish Entertainment Architects, DX7 Design, and production company 1826. BrianBurkeCreative and this world-renowned team delivered the groundbreaking opening and closing ceremonies for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Bu...
On Location and NFL extend global hospitality partnership
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...
Explora Journeys opens F1 Paddock Club bookings for 2025 Monaco GP
Holidays & Trips

Explora Journeys opens F1 Paddock Club bookings for 2025 Monaco GP

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced that access to the exclusive Formula 1 Paddock Club is now available to book for guests staying in Ocean Residences and Penthouses on board EXPLORA II during the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2025, taking place from 22-25 May 2025. This exclusive access will enable guests to experience one of the most prestigious events in motorsports from a truly unique vantage point. EXPLORA II, the latest luxury ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, will be docked in the heart of Monaco’s iconic Port Hercule, placing guests just steps from the electrifying action of the Formula 1 racetrack. Explora Journeys will be the only luxury ocean travel brand with a ship docked in Monaco during race days. From this prime ...
World Ski Awards 2024: Val Thorens, LAAX and W Verbier the big winners
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...
HSBC SVNS 2025 calendar: from Dubai to Singapore and LA
Calendars, Events

HSBC SVNS 2025 calendar: from Dubai to Singapore and LA

After the record-breaking Olympic Games in Paris, the stars of rugby sevens are set to make a thrilling return to HSBC SVNS 2025. Featuring seven iconic global destinations and culminating with the SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles, following the penultimate round in Singapore where the SVNS league winners will be crowned. The tens of millions of fans around the globe who were captivated by the sensational rugby sevens competitions at the Olympic Games can now get set to see the world’s best 12 men’s and women’s teams as they showcase their incredible speed, astounding skills and indomitable strength once again in the HSBC SVNS 2025. Singapore and Los Angeles have been added to the five previously confirmed destinations, meaning SVNS 2025 will feature seven rounds played across...
FIA World Rally Championship: Croatia returns in 2026 and 2027
Events

FIA World Rally Championship: Croatia returns in 2026 and 2027

Croatia will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026 and 2027, following the signing of a three-year agreement that will also see the country host an FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) round in 2025.  The agreement reaffirms the commitment that started when Croatia first joined the WRC in 2021 and underscores the country's ongoing role as a key destination for world-class motorsport events.  The contract was announced by Simon Larkin, senior director of events for WRC Promoter GmbH, and Daniel Šaškin, president of the Croatia Rally Organising Committee, in the presence of Croatia’s Ministry of Sports and Tourism State Secretary, Josip Pavić, and Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation president, Robert Markt.  Since debuting in the WRC in 2021, Cro...
Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane
Holidays & Trips

Padel breaks in London: intensive padel weeks at Rocks Lane

Each month padel players from around the world come together at Rocks Lane Padel Academy in Chiswick, west London, for a week of padel training and cultural exploration.  Whether you’re just starting your padel journey or looking to improve your competitive edge, the week-long intensive training programme at Rocks Lane is designed for players of all levels. At its venue in Chiswick, you will find the biggest padel tennis facility in London – with 12 padel courts, including four covered courts, a clubhouse with cafe, changing rooms, soft play and social areas. Under the expert guidance of Álex Grilo, a former World Padel Tour (WPT) player and one of the UK’s most respected coaches, you’ll receive personalised coaching to help elevate your game. The sessions focus on technique, strate...
Global sports tourism market to hit $2.4 trillion by 2030 – report
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...
Sport hotels: F1 race weekend at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Editor's Pick, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotels: F1 race weekend at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island

Formula 1 fans can watch the 2024 season finale in style at W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, the five-star hotel located within the Yas Marina Circuit. Taking place from 5-8 December 2024, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could see the world championship go down to the wire and the hotel has several packages available to witness the events on the track.  W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island promises a weekend filled with unparalleled excitement. With seven high-octane venues pulsing with energy, guests can look forward to a mega line-up of entertainment, featuring world-class artists and Yas Island's most thrilling parties and brunches.  Those staying at the hotel during race weekend or attending the brunch will enjoy complimentary access to Yasalam's after-race concert of the day showc...
ASM Global and PDC expand Premier League Darts partnership to 2027
Venues & Stadiums

ASM Global and PDC expand Premier League Darts partnership to 2027

Following record-breaking ticket sales for the 2025 BetMGM Premier League Darts season, venue management company ASM Global and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have announced a major new partnership.  Five of the UK’s most iconic venues – AO Arena Manchester, Utilita Arena Newcastle, First Direct Arena Leeds, Utilita Arena Sheffield, and P&J Live Aberdeen – will continue to host Premier League Darts until at least 2027. These arenas are renowned for their unique atmosphere and remain firm favourites with fans. Aberdeen first hosted Premier League Darts in 2006, with the new P&J Live venue introduced in 2020. Newcastle and Sheffield joined the circuit in 2007, followed by Manchester in 2008. Leeds made its debut in 2014, setting a record attendance of 11,000 fans. ...
The Ocean Race 2027 to finish on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia 
Events

The Ocean Race 2027 to finish on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia 

AMAALA, a new sport and wellness destination located in the northern part of the Red Sea on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, will host the finish of the 15th edition of The Ocean Race in the summer of 2027. The Ocean Race – the mixed-crewed, offshore sailing race around the world first contested in 1973 – is known as the toughest test of a team in sport and for its award-winning ocean health initiatives.  In the build-up to the 2027 race finish, The Ocean Race and Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer of AMAALA and the regenerative project partner of The Ocean Race since 2022, will collaborate on ocean science and ocean health initiatives as well as ocean literacy and education programmes aimed at youth in the region, in line with the UN Ocean Decade Challenge of restoring society’s ...
Video: Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Editor's Pick, Events

Video: Glasgow to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has confirmed that the Scottish city of Glasgow will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Glasgow has stepped as host of the 23rd edition after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out. The event in Glasgow will be held from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, returning to the city 12 years after the hugely successful 2014 Commonwealth Games.  Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor, ensuring an action-packed broadcast schedule across each day of competition and making the event accessible and appealing to spectators looking to enjoy the multi-sport environment and festival feel. With more than 500,000 tickets to be made available at a future date, there will be around 3,0...
Courmayeur Mont Blanc set for 2024-2025 ski season 
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...
Wildfitness Retreat 2025 at Forte San Giorgio in Italy
Holidays & Trips

Wildfitness Retreat 2025 at Forte San Giorgio in Italy

Forte San Giorgio, a private fort situated on the Italian island of Capraia, will host a Wildfitness Retreat in 2025. This secluded island escape, set in the Tuscan archipelago, sleeps 20 people, with Mediterranean views and an authentic local cultural scene, and can be booked as part of a retreat or for private group hire.  Wildfitness is a UK-based retreat experience that runs courses in Somerset, Menorca and Capraia, based on three core principles: respecting the body's natural rhythms, healthy eating and a holistic approach to movement, using the local environment as a natural gym. The team runs several retreats over the year, staying at the fort and taking full advantage of the island's unique natural character.  How to book  In 2025, two seven-day courses will take pla...
Portes du Soleil: a winter sports travel guide
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...
Surf City El Salvador: a world-class surfing destination
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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