Latest news with #sportsTourism
Times of Oman
14 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman Kite Festival shares the beauty of Al Ashkharah with athletes from around the world
Muscat – The penultimate leg of the Oman Downwinder, part of the Oman Kite Festival 2025 set off from the Pink Lagoon headed for Al Ashkharah, demonstrating the untapped natural beauty in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to develop sports tourism and capitalize on Oman's unique coastline as a world-class tourism experience. Ayman Abdullah Al Ghafri won the leg, ahead of Al Mukhtar Abdul Karim Al Mujainiin second and Ahmed Mohammed from Egypt in third. These results puts Al Mukhtar Abdul Karim Al Mujainion top, with Ayman Abdullah Al Ghafrisecond and Ahmed Mohammed in third. With just one more leg remaining, from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd on 24 July, the Oman Kite Festival 2025 has successfully showcased the potential of the Omani coastline to attract domestic and international tourists as well as reinforced the Sultanate's position on the international map of adventure and marine sports events. A slalom competition will also take place on 24 July at Ras Al Hadd, showing the complexity of kite surfing and the visual appeal from a spectator perspective with 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes all taking part. This will be followed by the closing ceremony at Sur Waterfront where the prizes will be presented. In attendance will be the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, H.E Dr. Yahya bin Badr Al Ma'awali, Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr. Khamis Salim Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, Senior management from both organizations, and representatives from event sponsors and partners. Abdullah Al Farsi, Operation Manager, said, 'The Oman Kite Festival is a key part of OMRAN Group's ongoing efforts to promote adventure tourism and harness Oman's natural assets — especially in coastal destinations like Bar Al Hakman, Ras Al Hadd, Masirah, and Al Ashkharah. To be able to do this with such a high caliber of athlete and of competition highlights the potential for Oman's distinctive coastal destinations to become exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. 'The geographic and thematic expansion of this year's festival activities, building on the success of last year's Oman Downwinder, reflects the Group's vision to develop high-quality events that drive tourism movement. This has been an excellent example of institutional collaboration, through a partnership between OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, and the national travel operator, in cooperation with South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta governorates, alongside other entities and government authorities — all of whom deserve our sincere appreciation.' The Oman Kite Festival serves as a platform to showcase the Sultanate's exceptional coastal and marine landscapes, reinforcing its presence on the global tourism map and attracting enthusiasts of adventure sports and international sporting events. Building on the success of the 2024 Oman Downwinder, the festival aims to position key coastal destinations as premier global kiteboarding venues. It also contributes to the promotion of experience-driven tourism in underexplored areas, supports domestic travel, fosters community development, and raises awareness of Oman as a leading destination for adventure and outdoor experiences. Theevent is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Centerin collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, Salty Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
Times of Oman
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
First day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 gets underway on the shores Bar Al Hikman
Bar Al Hikman –The first day of Oman Kite Festival 2025 brought the shores of Bar Al Hikman in Al Wusta Governorate to life with over 90 top-ranked international Kite Festival athletes from across the Sultanate of Oman and internationally taking part in the first race series of the event. Organized by OMRAN Group in partnership with Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventure Centre, the Oman Kite Festival aims to promote sports tourism through a series of events that showcase Oman's distinctive coastal destinations as exceptional platforms for tourism experiences. The opening day saw the first Kite Course race featuring 30 surfers, using boards capable of reaching top speeds of 30 km/h in the exceptional conditions that the region is known for. The race was won by Ahmed Mohammad Jamal from Egypt, finishing ahead of Marta Marlowe from Poland and Marcelo Antonios from Brazil in second and third respectively. Leg 1 of the Oman Downwinder also took place, offering a day of exciting action as the wind propelled the fleet of 32 kites across the water during the 40 km course to Masira Island where the participants would enjoy the hospitality at Masira Beach Camp. Nawaf Al Ghadani, Race Officer at the Oman Kite Festival, commented on the first day, emphasizing the potential for high level races to be held along the Omani coastline, saying: 'The conditions are ideal for events like the Speed Race and Big Air competition to follow, as well as the Downwinder where participants thrive on strong and consistent winds. It has been an excellent first day and the caliber of athlete gives the event a global dimension which boosts competitiveness across the fleet while also showing how Oman can become a leading destination for international tourism and sporting events.' Ahmed Mohammad Jamal, an Egyptian competitor on the first day, added, 'This is my first time racing in Oman, and it has been one of the best race courses I have ever experienced. The wind is excellent and really allows us all to get the most out of our boards, while the surrounding environment is spectacular and adds a real sense of excitement to the event. Everyone taking part really enjoyed racing today and we cannot wait to get back out onto the water.' The opening day also demonstrated OMRAN Group's commitment to environmental conservation with a beach clean-up along the shores. Participants, representatives from OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman and the Oman Adventure Center, as well as members of the local community, joined hands to help, showing the shared determination of Oman's tourism sector to operate responsibly and care for the natural environment. The multi-stage 'Downwinder' race, which unfolds over four stages until July 24. The next race will be on 20 July from Masirah to Ras Al Ruwais, then from the Pink Lagoons to Al Ashkharah, and finally from Ras Al Jinz to Ras Al Hadd. A Coastal Race at Masirah Island, and Slalom Race at Ras Al Hadd will run alongside the Downwinder, starting with a Big Air Competition on Masira Island from 17-19 July where participants will astound the crowds by using the wind to perform tricks, twists and turns. The Oman Kite Festival will also feature family-friendly entertainment and an SME exhibition at Ashkharah Municipal Park, enhancing its economic impact on surrounding communities. The Oman Kite Festival serves as a platform to showcase the Sultanate's exceptional coastal and marine landscapes, reinforcing its presence on the global tourism map and attracting enthusiasts of adventure sports and international sporting events. Building on the success of the 2024 Oman Downwinder, the festival aims to position key coastal destinations as premier global kiteboarding venues. It also contributes to the promotion of experience-driven tourism in underexplored areas, supports domestic travel, fosters community development, and raises awareness of Oman as a leading destination for adventure and outdoor experiences. The event is organised by the OMRAN Group, Oman Sail, Visit Oman, and Oman Adventures Center in collaboration with the Governorates of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta, as well as other key entities including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Royal Oman Police, the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the Environment Society of Oman, Salt Rider, and Red Bull Oman.
Arab News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better'
DUBAI: The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return from Nov. 13–16, 2025, and promises to be 'bigger and better,' according to the Dubai Sports Council. The event will again be held in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organization. General registration is now open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) and the sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run). Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — a key partner of the event — highlighted the strategic value of the triathlon weekend, which will again be included in the annual 30 days of Dubai Fitness Challenge. 'Our continued commitment to developing sports tourism through world-class events like the Dubai T100 Triathlon aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a premier global destination for both business and leisure,' he said. 'After the success of the 2024 debut, we are confident that the 2025 edition will attract global attention, contribute to the local economy, and highlight Dubai's diverse offerings to international audiences.' Eisa Sharif, director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, revealed ambitious plans to expand the event in 2025. 'We were delighted to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai for the first time last November. The race was a valuable addition to our growing calendar of diverse sporting events, particularly as part of the successful Dubai Fitness Challenge,' he said. 'Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for triathlons, offering events for men, women, professionals, and amateurs. With world-class infrastructure and local expertise, we are well-positioned to host major international competitions.' Sharif said that the T100 had brought together the world's top triathletes, including Olympic champions, and had crowned the first men's and women's T100 world champions, Belgium's Marten Van Riel and American Taylor Knibb. 'Equally significant was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 amateur athletes across the 100 km and sprint races, as well as in the untimed 5 km music run, which welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. This community race aligned perfectly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge's goal of encouraging 30 minutes of activity for 30 days,' he added. 'For 2025, we are working closely with the PTO to expand all three race categories. In addition, we will introduce a schools event and a corporate relay, further enhancing community engagement and reinforcing our vision of promoting healthy, active lifestyles to improve the quality of life in Dubai.' Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organization, said: 'The 2024 Dubai T100 Triathlon was a huge success, quickly becoming a bucket-list race on the new T100 World Tour. We're thrilled to be building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for amateur athletes — and now, corporate teams — to participate in a festival-like celebration of swim, bike, and run around the Meydan Racecourse.' The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour has already visited Singapore (April 5–6), San Francisco (May 31-June 1) and Vancouver (June 14-15). Swiss Olympic star Julie Derron leads the T100 Race to Qatar rankings for the women, while Belgium's 2024 T100 world champion Marten Van Riel tops the rankings for men. The next T100 race is in London on Aug. 9-10.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global tourism will reach 30bln trips by 2034
The World Economic Forum has today published a new report forecasting that the travel and tourism industry is projected to serve 30 billion tourist trips by 2034. Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth reveals a projected $16 trillion contribution to global GDP by the same year, representing more than 11% of the total world economy, according to World Travel & Tourism Council estimates. The report also found that the sector is expanding 1.5 times faster than the global economy, generating significant commercial opportunities as long as the mounting challenges of climate change, labor shortages, and infrastructure gaps are addressed. Asia is on track to become the world's fastest-growing tourism economy, with the direct travel and tourism GDP contribution expected to exceed 7% across the region by 2034. Notably, India and China alone will represent more than 25% of all outbound international travel by 2030. Countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are also poised for significant growth, driven by substantial investment in their tourism sectors. This momentum is leading to a rise in international arrivals, increased tourism-related business activity, and greater global visibility. Equally, high-growth segments like sports tourism, projected to hit $1.7 trillion by 2032, and ecotourism which is growing at 14% CAGR, are redefining travel priorities. The global travel technology market, worth $10.5 billion in 2024, is set to nearly double by 2033, as 91% of industry tech leaders anticipate aggressive investment increases. To support this boom, the industry will need to expand significantly, requiring an estimated 7 million new hotel rooms, 15 million additional flights annually, and investment in infrastructure capable of supporting 30 billion trips globally. Risks and opportunities However, the report also flags significant risks. Travel and tourism currently account for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that, without intervention, could rise to 15% by 2034. Waste generated by tourists is expected to reach 205 million tons annually, equivalent to 7% of the world's solid waste. At the same time, workforce shortages are escalating. The UK alone saw 53% turnover in 2022–2023, while the US hospitality industry continues to lag in hiring despite 16%-above-inflation wage increases. Without decisive, coordinated action, the sector could face up to $6 trillion in lost revenue by 2030 from future disruptions, missing its potential to become a true driver of resilience, inclusion, and regeneration. Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, said: 'As global travel accelerates, we are standing at a pivotal crossroads. The sector's potential to drive inclusive prosperity, cultural understanding, and environmental regeneration is immense—but realizing this opportunity will require more than incremental change. 'It calls for a bold reimagining of the systems that underpin travel and tourism, anchored in multistakeholder collaboration. From aligning sustainable fuel standards to empowering local communities in tourism planning, the time has come to redesign the rules to create a sector that works better for people and the planet. This report offers a blueprint to guide that transformation and unlock tourism's full promise in a rapidly evolving world.' 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Four countries welcoming sports fans
When it comes to passion and spending power, few groups rival sports fans. Whether through road trips, tournaments or international events, these loyal travellers spend big – and destinations are taking notice. According to UN Tourism, sports tourism already accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending and is projected to grow by 17.5% by 2030. In the US alone, it generated an estimated $114bn in 2024, bringing more than 100 million fans to venues across the country. "It's hard to coordinate a trip with a lot of friends, but when you have the game to schedule around, it makes it a lot easier," said Kimberly DeCarrera, who drives her RV to Georgia Tech college football games across the US with her friends, and has also travelled to Ireland to see the team play. "Road trips are often more fun than the home games, seeing new cities and campuses, making memories and stories with friends. Sports make it easy to have a purpose for the trip." Nearly 44% of global sports fans travel internationally for events, rising to 56% among 16-to-34-year-olds, according to Expedia Group's Sports Tourism Study. Trip spending typically exceeds $1,500 per person, with three out of five fans staying outside of the host city – delivering broader economic impact. From the Olympics to F1 races, the Super Bowl to football, sports are increasingly becoming many destinations' big draw. Here are four countries actively courting fans in the hope of scoring big. United States With the 2026 Fifa World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the calendar, the US is betting on global sports and the appeal of international travel – though stricter border enforcement from the Trump administration have some wondering if turnout will be affected. As the first US city to host an Olympics since 1996, Los Angeles' infrastructure is already taking shape. The new LAX/Metro Transit Center just opened, connecting the airport to two major Metro lines via a shuttle, with an automated people mover to follow in 2026. The city also will host the 2025 US Women's Open golf tournament, eight Fifa World Cup matches (including the US men's opening game) and Super Bowl LXI in 2027. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has also made substantial investment in sports – going from no major league professional sports teams a decade ago to having a National Hockey League team, a National Football League (NFL) team and a future Major League Baseball team. The city also hosted its first F1 Grand Prix in 2023 and will continue the annual tradition until at least 2027. Nearly 175,000 out-of-town visitors came for the 2024 race, generating an estimated $934m economic impact. Many of these visitors are first-timers. "We hear from people who tell us they would have never considered visiting Las Vegas if it had not been for a sporting event," said Brian Yost, chief operating officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. While the average Las Vegas visitor spends $1,290 per trip, sports tourists spend $1,980. "Some of that is the cost of the ticket of the sporting event that they paid for, but the remainder is a higher propensity to spend in categories like food and beverage, entertainment, gaming and hotels," noted Yost. On the East Coast, Miami is investing in football. After signing Lionel Messi in 2023, Inter Miami CF is building the 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park, set to open in 2026. The 131-acre park, complete with retail and park and plaza spaces, is expected to generate $40m in tax revenue per year. The city will host seven 2026 World Cup matches, including the Bronze Final, with up to a million visitors expected and a $1bn economic impact. Spain With more than 60% of citizens identifying as sports fans (particularly football), Spain has some of the world's best sporting facilities and an international presence that continues to draw fans. Its sports tourism market is expected to grow to more than 13% from 2024 to $64m, according to Travel and Tour World. "I've seen how massive soccer tourism is. I may not plan trips around matches, but plenty of travellers do," said Vega Lopez Romero, originally from Spain and blogger at Her Asian Adventures. "Some fly in just for El Clásico [the twice-annual match between rivals FC Barcelona and Real Madrid], others build entire vacations around a game at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabéu. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have fully embraced it, with stadium tours, club museums and fan zones that make fútbol feel like a cultural event. Even if you're not there for the match, the energy is everywhere." Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, has also embraced the trend, launching a dedicated sports tourism programme in 2019 and investing more than €1.4 million in marketing and training for local businesses. "Valencia has become a benchmark in sports tourism thanks to the dedication and attention that we offer to athletic and active visitors," said Paula Llobet, the city's Minister of Tourism. "[It is] setting us apart as a destination that truly understands and caters to their expectations." Two major venues are under construction: Roig Arena, which will be Spain's largest basketball arena when it opens in late 2025; and Nou Mestalla, a new 70,000-seat stadium for Valencia CF. Valencia will also host a Moto Grand Prix in 2025 and the 2026 Gay Games, a 38-sport inclusive event. Australia As the host of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Australia launched its ambitious "Decade of Green & Gold" campaign, named after the country's official colours and aimed at solidifying the destination as a must-visit for sports fans. "Over the last three years we have been showing travellers why Australia is one of the best destinations for sports tourism, full of spirit, sights to see and incredible people," said Andrew Boxall, Tourism Australia's regional general manager. "Just this month we begin to see 40,000 UK fans arriving Down Under for this year's British & Irish Lions Tour." More like this:• Seeking tourists: Four countries that are actively welcoming travellers• Why Minneapolis is one of the world's happiest places• Five countries helping you reconnect you with your roots Major events include the Ashes cricket series, which sees Australia face off against England, and the men's and women's Rugby World Cups (2027 and 2029). The state of Victoria hosts the Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, with its capital Melbourne hosting the NFL's first official Australian game in 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. "With the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team, the upcoming NFL game is poised to set a new record for the highest-ever attendance at an international series match," said Brendan McClements, CEO of Visit Victoria. "Sport is part of Melbourne and Victoria's DNA – it unites our communities, energises our cities and plays a vital role in driving our visitor economy." In New South Wales, Sydney's annual marathon was recently upgraded to Abbott World Marathon Major status, joining the ranks of New York, London and Tokyo. The city expects more than 35,000 runners this August. "Images of world-class athletes running over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across the finish line at the Sydney Opera House will be beamed around the world," said Steve Kamper, NSW's Minister for Tourism. South Africa South Africa's mild climate, coastline and sporting legacy have made it a rising star in global sports tourism. The sector generated nearly $4bn in 2024 and could grow to $10bn by 2034, according to Future Market Insights. South Africa's cricket team, the Proteas, recently won the World Test Championship, with excitement rising as the country prepares to host the Cricket World Cup in 2027. The nation also remains a popular destination for golf, with 400 courses country-wide and major events like the Nedbank Golf Challenge, known as "Africa's Major". "South Africa's sports culture is not just about the numbers or the games; it's about our people," said Nomasonto Ndlovu, acting chief executive officer of South African Tourism, in a recent post. "I see sports tourism as a conduit for social transformation, economic growth and international unity. It has the power to transcend boundaries and resonate with people from all walks of life." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
