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Sports Event Travel Part 2

March 6, 2011 By admin

A trip to France might be just the ticket for fans of cycling.  The Tour De France is the world’s most famous cycling race, taking riders and spectators alike on an adrenaline-fuelled ride through glorious countryside and stunning cities.  Tour operators offer a range of packages, one example being a four day jaunt to France, which includes a three night stay in Paris, a River Seine cruise and access to the race’s exciting finale.  This particular example highlights why sports travel trips are so popular – everything seems to be included.  Transport, accommodation and entertainment are booked and paid for in advance in one handy transaction, so there’s no need to painstakingly plan each aspect of your trip.
   
For those seeking something a little further afield, there is of course the Ashes cricket tournament, held between England and Australia.  It is possible to already reserve places on the tour for the 2013-2014 series, such is the high demand for tickets.

As with all high profile events, tour operators scramble to out-do each other, in terms of the packages they can offer travellers.  Some will promise ‘exclusive’ seats, a chance to meet the stars, or excursions to local attractions.   In the case of the Ashes, if you’re not tempted by the promise of outstanding weather, great food and the renowned Aussie hospitality, then perhaps the trips to the Great Barrier Reef or Ayres Rock might.  There are also the offers of celebrity tour hosts and Sydney harbour cruises.  Even the stop-overs seem more glamorous, with stops at Singapore and Hong Kong being promoted by some tour operators.  That’s not to mention the actual match tickets, which of course come as part of your sports travel package!

Something a little closer to home is horse racing, which is immensely popular and a thrilling way to spend a day.  Ladies’ Day at Ascot (also known as the Gold Cup Meeting) is a highly regarded and eagerly anticipated appointment in the racing calendar, which sees the racing take second place to the various fashions on display – particularly the famed hats.  A typical three day break would include coach travel to London, a two-night hotel stay including breakfast and dinner, entry to the racing event and a day-trip to Windsor for general sight-seeing and shopping.

Other popular sports that have been picked up by tour operators include rugby, tennis, golf, sailing, boxing and even dog agility!  In fact, fans of almost any sport can now book a dream holiday that lets them combine their love of a sport, with a trip of a lifetime, both at home and abroad, with packages tailored to suit a range of budgets.  And with so many operators offering extra excursions and perks, there is sure to be something to keep every member of the family happy – even the less sporty ones!

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Sports Event Travel Part 1

March 1, 2011 By admin

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, as our televisions get larger and clearer and the commenters are paid thousands to try to project that all important atmosphere into our living rooms, we still crave the buzz that can only be found by watching a sporting event in the flesh.  There’s something intrinsically appealing about hearing the roar of the football crowd in person, rather than through speakers… cheering on ‘your’ horse and it gallops towards the finishing line… sensing the mounting  tension ripple silently through the room as the snooker player lines up their all-important shot.  There have been many attempts to recreate the intense, passionate atmosphere of a ‘big game’ for those people who can’t attend in person.  Big cities such as Leeds and Manchester, for example, put up gigantic municipal screens and hold free showings for the general public, as demonstrated with 2010’s World Cup, held in South Africa, where thousands of locals came together to cheer on England without having to fork out £100s for a trip abroad.  Similarly, cinemas are sometimes given over to showings of important matches and schools often host their own viewing events too.  But nothing can beat the buzz of being there first-hand.

It makes sense, therefore, that a huge industry has grown around the business of sports event travel, with many companies now vying for business and each promising to make your journey simpler and cheaper.  So what kinds of trips are available for those who like the idea of sports travel?

Well, one of those most popular types of sports event travel is, obviously, football.  But it doesn’t have to be a bank breaking world cup tour…  There are also more competitive options closer to home.  In fact, most top clubs now offer ‘tourist packages’, which make the ideal gift for avid football fans who perhaps can’t afford the season ticket fees, or live too far away from their beloved club to make an annual pass viable.

These so-called ‘match breaks’ usually offer a match ticket, stadium tour, visit to the club museum, match day programme and overnight accommodation, but the packages vary from club to club.  Other ‘extras’ might include signed memorabilia, or perhaps a meal in the club restaurant. 
 
Some tour operators will also arrange trips a little further afield, so football fans who’ve always wanted to see top flight European football at its best, might be tempted by a trip to Madrid, or Barcelona.
And of course, it’s not just football.  Tour operators now offer a range of travel packages for followers of a huge range of different sports.  Fans of motor racing, for example, might fancy a trip to the Grand Prix and have a range of stunning locations to choose from: Spain; Monaco; Belgium or Italy.  It could be the perfect way of combining a relaxing break, with a favourite pastime.

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Part 2 World Cup 2014 – The Cities that are hosting the games

February 25, 2011 By admin

So here is a brief guide as to what to expect from 6 of the other cities that will have the excitement and honour of being a host during the next World Cup:

Natal
Stadium:  Arena das Dunas
Planned capacity:  45,000
Information:  The north eastern city of Natal (which actually translates as ‘Christmas’) is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte and has been declared the safest state capital in Brazil – certainly reassuring for the crowds heading to the area during the World Cup!  It is home to the Augusto Severo International Airport, which operates domestic and some international flights.
UK travellers may be pleased to hear that Natal’s nickname is ‘City of the Sun’ and people seeking World Cup accommodation in the area might be tempted by the idyllic beach location and tropical climate.

Porto Alegre
Stadium:  Estádio Beira-Rio
Planned capacity:  62,000
Information:  Another hugely important economic and cultural centres of Brazil, Porto Alegre is the capital city of the county’s most southern state, Rio Grande do Sul.  Its name means ‘Happy Harbour’ and it has developed into a wealthy, prosperous area, after welcoming in settlers from all over the world, particularly Europe.  The city is famous for its huge lagoon, Lagoa dos Patos (Lagoon of the Ducks), where five rivers meet.  The area has one of the highest standards of living and education in the whole country and is famed for its nightlife – it is sure to be a popular destination during the World Cup.

Recife
Stadium:  Cidade da Copa
Planned capacity:  46,160
Information:  Nicknamed ‘The Brazilian Venice’, due to the numerous rivers, bridges and islands found in the centre of the city, Recife is the state capital of Pernambuco.  It is a major Atlantic Ocean port (Recife is Portuguese for ‘reef’) located in the north east of the country.
Recife is becoming a hub for tourists, unsurprisingly perhaps, as its celebrated Porto de Galinhas beach has been awarded the title of ‘Best Beach in Brazil’ several times.  In addition, people coming to the area as part of a sports travel package will find the area well connected, with the Guararapes International Airport, as well good sea and metro links.

Rio de Janeiro
Stadium:  Maracanã
Planned capacity:  76,525
Information:   It is likely that Rio de Janeiro (often known simply as ‘Rio’) will be the centre of World Cup action, as this is the city that will see the final match played out and one team triumphantly claiming the World Cup as theirs.  The city of Rio de Janeiro (which translates as ‘River of January’) is the 26th largest city in the world and will also have the honour of hosting the 2016 Olympic Games, making it the perfect location for those interested in sports event travel.  Famed for its sporting events, Rio is also the host of the World Beach Volleyball finals and the Brazilian Grand Prix, among others.
Clearly, the world’s eyes will be on Rio come summer 2014 and there is a huge regeneration planned for the city, to cope with this influx of visitors, including major work on the Maracanã stadium itself.  A new cover is to be built, as well as an additional 3,500 parking spaces created.  There will also be facilities for those spectators with disabilities.  It is hoped that the redevelopment of the area will extend into nearby neighbourhoods.
It is predicted that those heading to the country seeking World Cup accommodation are likely to flock to Rio to soak up the party atmosphere, outstanding hospitality and excellent facilities, as well as the football. 

Salvador
Stadium:  Bahia Arena
Planned capacity:  55,000
Information:   Salvador is famed for its large street carnivals, outdoor parties and laidback lifestyle; no wonder, therefore, it has picked up the nickname ‘Brazil’s capital of happiness’.  Its name, translated, means ‘Holy Saviour of All Saints’ Bay’ and it is located on the northeast coast of the country.  Tourists can expect excellent food and hospitality during their stay in the city, which is well connected with the Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport operating domestic and some international flights, making it a perfect stop when organising a World Cup tour.

São Paulo
Stadium:  New Corinthians Stadium
Planned capacity:  48,000
Information:  As with many Brazilian cities, São Paulo is named in honour of one of the Catholic Saints, in this case, St Paul.  It is the largest city in Brazil and is the capital of the most heavily populated state, also called São Paulo.
Being central to the Brazilian sports event travel and tourism industry, visitors to São Paula during the 2014 World Cup should expect the highest standards of hospitality and facilities.  It has two main airports (for international flights, the São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport and the Congonhas-São Paulo Airport for domestic ones) and is also well served by major road, rail and bus networks, although over-crowding has led to congestion problems on the roads.
Crime (particularly violent crime) has also traditionally been a problem in São Paula, but this has significantly improved in recent years and there is to be heavy financial investment in the area prior to the 2014 competition.

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Part 1 World Cup 2014 – The Cities that are hosting the games

February 19, 2011 By admin

So here is a brief guide as to what to expect from 6 of the cities that will have the excitement and honour of being a host during the next World Cup:

Belo Horizonte
Stadium:  Mineirão
Planned capacity:  69,950
Information:  Translated literally as ‘Beautiful Horizon’, Belo Horizonte is state capital of Minas Gerais and is the third largest metropolis in the country.  Located in the southeast of the country, Belo Horizonte is also known as ‘Beagá’, ‘Belô’, or ‘BH’ (the Portuguese pronunciation, of course!) and was first settled in back in the early 1700s.  The city is comprised of a pleasant mix of both classical and modern architecture and has seen heavy investment in urban regeneration and food programmes, which have won international plaudits.Belo Horizonte is constructed atop several sizable hills and is surrounded entirely by mountains.  There are several large parks and a nature reserve in the vicinity, so fans of wildlife and the outdoors will not be short on activities if a break from the football is needed!

Brasília
Stadium: Estádio Nacional de Brasília
Planned capacity:  71,500
Information:  This city has the honour of being the capital of Brazil.  It is the fourth largest city in the country and is located in the Central-West region.   Viewed from above, the city is designed to resemble an aeroplane, or butterfly, thanks to the redevelopment it underwent in 1956.  It is also home to one of Brazil’s primary airports, which will certainly help those travelling for the World Cup.

Cuiabá
Stadium:  Arena Pantanal
Planned capacity:  42,500
Information:  Located in central South America, Cuiabá (reported to mean ‘arrow-fishing’) is Mato Grosso’s state capital.  It is home to the new Marechal Rondon International Airport, which is perfect for domestic and some international flights.

Curitiba
Stadium:  Arena da Baixada
Planned capacity: 41,375
Information:  Recently awarded the title of ‘Best Place To Live In Brazil’ by Reader’s Digest, Curitiba is the state capital of Paraná and is regarded is one of the most significant economic as well as cultural areas in the country.  It located approximately 65 miles outside of the port of Paranaguá and has two airports, making it perfect for sports travel.

Fortaleza
Stadium:  Castelão
Planned capacity:  66,700
Information:  Located in North-eastern Brazil, Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará.  It is the fifth largest Brazilian city, with a population of over 2.5 million.  The Atlantic Ocean is to the north of the city and the area is known for its regional seafood.
Tourists arriving for the World Cup should be aware that although there is an airport (Fortaleza International Airport) the road traffic in the area has become increasing problematic and traffic jams are common, as well as accidents due to the many potholes.

Manaus
Stadium: Arena da Amazônia
Planned capacity: 50,000
Information:  Known as ‘mother of the gods’, Manaus is located in northern Brazil and is the state capital of Amazonas.  Unsurprisingly, it is located on the Amazon River, at the point it joins with the river Negro.  In recent years, Manaus has become popular with eco-tourists due to its location next to the Amazon rainforest.  This has helped to transform the port area of the city into a bustling cosmopolitan area.  With its plentiful wildlife and boat trips into the jungle, it is perhaps not the most obvious choice for sports event travel, but with the arrival of the World Cup, this may soon change.

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