Sport Tourism News Page 27
WTTC Summit 2011: Abu Dhabi – the rising star of Sport Tourism
Abu Dhabi’s rapid rise to tourism stardom is represented by its strong presence at the WTTC Global Tourism Summit in Las Vegas. The fast-growing emirate, which picked up a host of honours at the recent World Travel Awards, is using Sport Tourism to take its brand to a global audience.
France wins right to host 2018 Ryder Cup
France has won the rights to host the 2018 Ryder Cup, the first time the tournament will be held in the country. The 42nd edition of the biennial match will be staged at Le Golf National in Versailles, just outside Paris, which has been the venue for 18 of the last 20 French Open tournaments.
BA unveils London 2012 Olympics sponsorship campaign
British Airways has unveiled its multi-million London 2012 Olympics campaign, its largest ever sponsorship. The British flag carrier has paid £40m for tier-one sponsorship. The campaign is being anchored by the Great Britons programme, which offers travel bursaries for talented individuals and groups.
Australia in sport tourism drive
Australia has highlighted the power of sport tourism as integral to its tourism industry, led by events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix. BTN takes a closer look at how the nation is harnessing sport to attract a global audience.
Majestic Meydan redefines the sport of kings
The Meydan is Dubai’s new sporting and business hub, and the home of Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest and most glamorous horse race.
Argentina and Uruguay confirm plans to jointly bid to host 2030 World Cup
The governments of Argentina and Uruguay have confirmed that they will support a joint bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which would coincide with the centenary of Uruguay’s staging of the inaugural World Cup in 1930.
BTN Spotlight: Dr. Claudio Silvestri, Casa de Campo
Voted “World’s Leading Golf Resort” at 2010 World Travel Awards, Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic is blazing a trail in sporting holidays in a paradise setting. BTN talks to Dr. Claudio Silvestri, President & CEO, Premier Resorts and Hotels, the management company for Casa de Campo.
Phuket boosts Sport Tourism credentials with new triathlon
Thailand will host its first IronKids Triathlon event at Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club in Phuket on 23 April 2011, further enhancing the island’s reputation for staging major triathlon, marathon and Ironman events.
Hoteliers hike prices ahead of London 2012 Olympics
A number of hotels in London have been accused by tourism authorities of hiking room rates during next year’s Olympics, with one hotel found to charging five times the standard rate. The revelations come ahead of London 2012 tickets going on sale this Tuesday.
Rugby World Cup will go ahead in New Zealand
Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden has said that all World Cup matches will take place in the country, despite the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. Although the host stadium escaped damaged from the country’s worst disaster in 80 years, much of the city’s infrastructure needed to support the tournament has been badly damaged, including hotels and roads.
Bahrain GP cancellation to cost $100m
This week’s decision to cancel Bahrain Grand Prix, the opening race of the Formula 1 2011 season, due to civil unrest is expected to cost the organisers an estimated $100 million in contract cancellations. Among the biggest losers are the Ferrari team as well as F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
VisitBritain places faith in Sport Tourism
VisitBritain is leveraging the power of Sport Tourism in its new marketing campaign, which features billboard adverts of Olympic athletes in some of the country’s favourite tourism hotspots. The Royal Wedding is also expected to play a key role in raising the UK’s tourism profile.