The Federation highlights the racquet sport’s popularity, counting 35 million players around the world, and court capacity growth of more than 15% in a single year to reach 77,000 globally across 24,627 clubs and facilities. Many of those courts are appearing at hotels, apartment complexes, and resorts, which are using padel’s immense cachet to attract clientele.

Europe leads the way, with over 51,000 courts, followed by the Americas (18,500), where Mexico and Florida are seeing strong growth, and Asia (over 4,500), with Saudi Arabia the leader.

Within Europe, Spain and Italy are described as countries where the market is “consolidated,” while Eastern Europe is “in start-up phase” and “smaller countries” such as Switzerland (+400 courts ), Greece and Austria (+300 courts), Lithuania (+200 courts), Cyprus (+200) and Ireland (+100), are “ones to keep an eye on,” the Federation says. This interest in smaller nations ties in with one of padel’s main advantages over tennis, for example: more courts can be fitted into a compact space, meaning nations with mountainous terrain or little available room can still build a padel community.

More participants means more travellers who are interested in playing padel while they are away. Luciano Cestari, founder of LC Tennis & Padel Holidays in the UK, told Travel Tomorrow that client interest has pivoted. In 2021, his programmes were split 50/50 between tennis and padel. However, in 2026, nine out of ten of his packages will be padel-focused. Already operating in the UK, Portugal, and Menorca, Cestari, who “followed the birth of the sport in his native Argentina,” plans to expand to Italy next year.

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More padel fans also means an appetite for events, and, as is well-documented, events are driving travel too. The International Padel Federation report highlights the “major global tours and international national team competitions organised by FIP — from Premier Padel and the CUPRA FIP Tour, to the FIP Promises, the FIP World and Continental Cups, and a brand-new circuit for amateur players for 2026, FIP Beyond.

These sporting fixtures involve participants, and are attended by supporters, from dozens of countries across the world and have been hosted in a diverse range of locations from Seville to Kuwait.

As Luigi Carraro, FIP President, said in a statement, the growth of padel embraces “an ever-widening circle of stakeholders.” That is a development that brings not only opportunities, he says, but “greater responsibility: to preserve the values that make Padel unique: accessibility, inclusivity, respect, and to ensure that as we grow, we also elevate the culture around our sport.”

L’article How padel is driving a new wave of sports tourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Madagascar Marathon

Madagascar is also known as the Eighth Continent and offers a unique selection of wildlife, making it a destination not to be missed by any adventurer. During the Madagascar Marathon, sporty souls can choose between a marathon, half-marathon, 10K and ultra 50K parcours through the Isalo National Park. The marathon can only be booked via a seven-night package and is considered challenging, as part of the course is on sand, through grass, and through shallow water.

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Next date: 31 May 2026

Iceland Volcano Marathon

For those who have always wanted to discover Iceland and its breathtaking selection of geysers, hot springs, and lava rocks, the Iceland Volcano Marathon offers the ideal way to do so. The running parcours is situated in the North Volcanic Zone and centred around the Hverfjall crater. Thanks to the Marathon, Half-Marathon, and Quarter Marathon, the race is accessible to a wide range of runners, although it is more likely to cater to trail lovers than to those who are used to running solely on asphalted roads.

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Next date: 27 June 2026

Kangaroo Island Run Festival

Considered as one of the must-visit regions in Australia by Lonely Planet, Kangaroo Island most certainly is a spectacular location for a marathon. The Kangaroo Island Run Festival marathon, half-marathon, and 10K take runners on a journey through the Flinders Chase National Park. The post-bushfire regenerating flora and fauna, as well as the spectacular, ocean-overlooking landscape, simply cannot be enjoyed anywhere else in the world.

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Next date: 23 August 2026

Antarctic Ice Marathon

Not many people get to see Antarctica, and even fewer get to experience the continent like those running the Antarctic Ice Marathon. With an average temperature of -20°C, snow, ice, and what is likely to be a strong wind, this race is not for the fainthearted. Both the Frozen Continent Half-Marathon and the Antarctic Ice Marathon will provide runners with unforgettable sights, but given the USD $22,500 entry fee, the race clearly is not fit for everyone. Also good to know: there won’t be any penguins on the parcours due to its location.

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Next date: 12 December 2026

Lost City Marathon

The Lost City Marathon presents itself as a run through time, and that might be quite correct. Participants will run through the Chiapas jungle in the Mayan city of Palenque on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, offering a spectacular backdrop for the challenging race. The spectacular rivers, unique fauna and flora, and UNESCO World Heritage Site make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience well worth the while.

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Next date: 27 February 2027

L’article Most adventurous marathons to try at least once in your life est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On Saturday 14 March, Formula 1 announced to be cancelling the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix for the 2026 season, which were scheduled to take place from 10-12 April and from 17-19 April respectively. The decision comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues, with both countries having been struck by Iranian missiles and drones since the outbreak of the war at the end of February 2026.

“While this was a difficult decision to take, it is unfortunately the right one at this stage, considering the current situation in the Middle East. I want to take this opportunity to thank the FIA as well as our incredible promoters for their support and total understanding, as they were looking forward to hosting us with their usual energy and passion. We cannot wait to be back with them as soon as the circumstances allow us to do so”, said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

The organisation said it would not be rescheduling the races or replacing them, bringing the total number of F1 races in 2026 to 22. Moreover, the Formula 2, Formula 3, and F1 ACADEMY rounds have also been cancelled. With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia paying two of the largest hosting fees on the circuit, the cancellations cause a commercial hit estimated at over £100 million, which would normally have been split between the teams and the F1 organisation.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April

Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East the Grands Prix, alongside F2, F3, and F1 Academy rounds, will not take place as scheduled

While alternatives were considered, no substitutions will be made in… pic.twitter.com/wsgXUR2FKn

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2026

“The FIA will always place the safety and well-being of our community and colleagues first. After careful consideration, we have taken this decision with that responsibility firmly in mind. We continue to hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability in the region, and my thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are incredibly important to the ecosystem of our racing season, and I look forward to returning to both as soon as circumstances allow. My sincere thanks to the promoters, our partners, and our colleagues across the championship for the collaborative and constructive approach that has led to this decision”, stated Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President.

The decision means yet another blow for the tourism sector in the region. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s visitor economy “at least $600 million per day”.

L’article Formula 1 cancels Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

@longchamp The new Longchamp Summer 2026 Collection is out: Catch the Parisian Wave. Surfboard energy encouraged. #LongchampSS26 #longchampCatchTheParisianWave ♬ sonido original – Longchamp

The team at Longchamp wanted to capture Parisian elegance and the joy of travel, creating a lifestyle where fashion and the experience of being on the water go hand in hand. “I imagined a muse gliding from spring into summer, seduced by the waves and the sun,” says creative director Sophie Delafontaine. “The surfboards bring that vision to life, combining fashion, adventure, and freedom.” 

Every board is crafted from basswood, a traditional material valued for its durability and its connection to surf culture. Unlike the foam boards more commonly used today, basswood offers a tactile feel, stability, and long-lasting performance. Thomas Cardinal of Shapers Club worked closely with Longchamp to transform the Parisian aesthetic into a board that can truly be ridden. The result is a sustainable, collectible piece that subtly nods to craftsmanship and honours the roots of surfing. 

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With just 40 boards in existence, these surfboards are exceptionally exclusive. Two are now available in the U.S. at Longchamp’s SoHo and Fifth Avenue stores in New York City, each priced at €2,500. Their rarity has already caught the attention of travellers, fashion collectors, and adventurers who value unique experiences. If one of these rare boards were to meet its natural habitat, France’s Atlantic coast would be the perfect place. From the legendary waves of Biarritz to the powerful swells of Hossegor, the country’s surf culture offers iconic locations where style and sport meet.

Here are the best places to catch those waves:

Biarritz, the birthplace of French surfing

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Hossegor, famous for its powerful Atlantic swells

@lena_stubner #hossegor #waves #surf #sunset #paradise ♬ Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Lacanau, a long sandy beach ideal for all levels

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La Torche, in Brittany, with scenic coastline and historic surf culture

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These beaches are more than just destinations, they’re part of France’s surf history. French surfing began in the 1950s in Biarritz, when adventurous locals first took to the waves on imported boards. Over the years, it quickly grew beyond a sport, evolving into a full lifestyle that blends athletic skill, coastal culture, and fashion. Today, surfing in France is as much about style and community as it is about catching waves, with iconic spots along the Atlantic coast shaping a vibrant surf scene. 

For Longchamp, the surfboard project signals how luxury brands are increasingly moving beyond traditional fashion categories into lifestyle experiences. Produced in a limited run of 40 pieces, the collaboration with Shapers Club highlights the growing appeal of collectible objects that combine craftsmanship, sport, and design.

L’article Iconic French brand is launching surfboards in its spring collection est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Tasia Filippatos, President of Disney Consumer Products, described the 2026 expansion as a continuation of that cultural moment. “Formula 1 and Disney sparked a cultural moment felt worldwide — and it was only the beginning. This year is about turning that moment into a season-long story,” she said. 

Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on 6-8 March, Disney and F1 will launch Mickey X Formula 1® Racing to the Top!, an original vertical comic series produced with WEBTOON, with new chapters tied to each Grand Prix throughout the year. The series places iconic Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy within a racing narrative designed to keep fans engaged between events. 

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The campaign includes co-branded merchandise pop-ups at select races starting with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai from 13-15 March, along with fashion collaborations and global product drops available on site at F1 Hubs, in Grand Prix plazas, and through online platforms, including the official F1 Store and Amazon’s F1 shop in the U.S. 

One of those partnerships is the 2026 Circuit Collection from the South Korean brand, Gentle Monster, created as part of the collaboration between Formula 1 and The Walt Disney Company. The collection features eight lightweight eyewear styles inspired by the design of F1 cars, including three themed around Mickey & Friends. 

@gentlemonster_official Gentle Monster presents the 2026 Circuit Collection with “Disney × F1”, capturing the explosive energy of an F1 machine racing across the circuit. The breathtaking sense of speed on the track, combined with the vibrant spirit of ‘Mickey and Friends,’ highlights the collection’s experimental and powerful approach.    Launching on gentlemonster.com and in stores worldwide.  US, Canada: Mar 7th 11AM (EST)  Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Australia: Mar 7th 11AM (KST)  Europe, United Kingdom, Middle East and Other Regions: Mar 7th 11AM (GMT)    A spectacular pop-up is coming to Seoul and Shanghai, featuring a real F1 machine on display. Bringing the thrill of racing to the heart of the city, the space offers a one-of-a-kind experience where high-speed excitement meets playful imagination.    2 Pop-ups worldwide⁣⁣:  ⁣  HAUS NOWHERE SEOUL  433, Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea  Launching on Mar 7th⁣    HAUS NOWHERE SHANGHAI  798-812, Middle Huaihai Rd., Huangpu District, Shanghai, China⁣  Open every day from 10am to 10pm⁣⁣⁣  Launching on Mar 7th⁣      #FueltheMagic  @Disney @Formula 1 ♬ 오리지널 사운드 – gentlemonster

The release will also include immersive pop-up experiences in Seoul and Shanghai, highlighted by a large Mickey Mouse sculpture displayed next to a Formula 1 car as part of the “Fuel the Magic” campaign. The pop-ups are designed to serve as interactive brand environments rather than traditional storefronts, aligning with Formula 1’s broader push to turn race culture into a lifestyle platform and Disney’s strategy of blending consumer products with storytelling.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said the partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship. “The continuation of our ‘Fuel the Magic’ campaign with Disney is far greater than just a sports partnership. It leverages both Formula 1 and Disney’s power of immersive cultural storytelling and engaging entertainment,” she underscored. 

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Uniqlo and Miniso are also set to introduce regional product drops in China and Japan, expanding the race-weekend merchandise lineup with special apparel, accessories, collectibles and plush items as part of the wider collaboration.

With expanded retail releases, fashion partnerships and immersive fan experiences rolling out across key markets, the 2026 collaboration signals a broader effort by Formula 1 and The Walt Disney Company to turn race weekends into multi-platform cultural events, blending sport, entertainment and storytelling throughout the season, reaching out to both racing fans and a newer, younger audience. 

L’article Formula 1 and Disney expand 2026 partnership with global merchandise and fan experiences est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

While many are viewing the Winter Olympics from the comfort of their own home, some lucky sports enthusiasts have the chance to view the competition from up close. And what better way to make the most out of that happy occasion than by coupling the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics with some local sightseeing? 

In order to give Olympic tourists at Cortina d’Ampezzo another way to explore the region, Uber has launched the so-called Uber Snowmobile. The special service will only be available on weekends throughout February 2026 and became possible thanks to a partnership with local mountain specialists Snowdreamers.

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“Winter sport is about far more than what happens at the finish line. With Uber Snowmobile, we’re giving visitors the opportunity to experience the landscapes that make Cortina so special — from the forests and valleys beyond the slopes to the dramatic Dolomite peaks that surround them. It’s about turning a winter trip into a truly once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure”, said Anabel Diaz, Vice President, EMEA Mobility at Uber.

Users can book a tour for free via the Uber app on a first-come, first-served basis starting from 4 February. The ride includes a bus transfer for up to eight people from Cortina to the departure spot for the snowmobiles, which will then set course for the famous local tourism hotspot known as the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. Every vehicle offers room for two riders, who will follow the instructor going ahead.

During the one-hour guided tour, participants will get the chance to discover the forest and alpine routes surrounding Cortina in a different way, offering panoramic views of the Dolomite mountains. Riders will be able to travel at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour on the 7-kilometre route towards the Three Peaks and might even spot some wildlife on the way.

As was to be expected, the first available slots for the Uber Snowmobile rides sold out quickly. However, the company has stated that it would be adding free spots throughout the month.

In what has already proven to be a tense stance towards the Olympics and their impact on local life, the Uber initiative is not likely to be welcomed by everyone. Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner previously accused Olympic tourists of bringing “only noise, traffic and aggression” to the mountains, a statement that seems to be reflected at least partially in the Uber Snowmobile initiative. 

L’article Uber Snowmobile offers Olympic tourists in Italy a chance to explore the Dolomites differently est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The announcement was made on Saturday, 7 December at a ceremony in Milan, where the Olympic Council of Asia confirmed that Kazakhstan’s largest city would stage the 10^th edition of the Asian Winter Games in 2029. A Host City Contract was signed between the OCA and the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, formally completing the relocation process.

From desert ambition to alpine certainty

The 2029 Games were initially awarded in 2022 to Trojena, a futuristic year round mountain resort planned within the vast Neom project in north western Saudi Arabia. At the time, Neom’s leadership presented the event as a bold statement of intent, promising winter sports competitions “in the heart of the desert”.

Those ambitions soon encountered mounting challenges. As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia and the OCA jointly announced last month that the Neom Games would be postponed for an unspecified period. While no single explanation was given, the decision followed months of questions surrounding financial feasibility, sustainability claims, safety considerations and the pace of construction.

Trojena delays and financial pressures

Trojena lies at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy away from oil through tourism, sport and technology. Masterplanned by German architecture studio LAVA and featuring designs by international firms including Zaha Hadid Architects, UNStudio and Aedas, the 60 square kilometre resort was envisioned as a year round destination powered by renewable energy and artificial snowmaking.

However, widespread reports of delays have cast doubt on whether the project could be completed in time. Neom itself is reportedly undergoing a broad internal review, with indications that costs are being reassessed and the workforce potentially reduced. Combined with falling oil revenues and other major commitments, including the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the postponement of the Asian Winter Games has been widely interpreted as a pragmatic recalibration.

Saudi officials have acknowledged as much. Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan previously stated that “no ego” would dictate how national projects are evaluated, underlining the need to pivot when circumstances require.

Almaty’s proven winter sports credentials

For the OCA, turning to Almaty offers stability and experience. The city successfully hosted the Asian Winter Games in 2011 and already benefits from established venues, mountain infrastructure and organisational know how. Nestled at the foot of the Trans Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty enjoys reliable natural winter conditions, reducing dependence on large scale artificial interventions.

Winter sports remain a cornerstone of the city’s tourism offer, with nearby resorts such as Shymbulak and Ak Bulak positioning Almaty as a regional hub for skiing and alpine activities.

A city gaining global tourism recognition

Beyond sport, Almaty has been steadily strengthening its international tourism profile. As Travel Tomorrow reported earlier this year, the city received the Special Recognition Award for Tourism Innovation and Urban Transformation at the Global Tourism Forum 2025 in Brussels. The award highlighted Almaty’s progress in sustainable development, smart urban planning and liveability, reinforcing its reputation as the cultural and tourism capital of Kazakhstan.

Investments in green spaces, pedestrian areas, cycling infrastructure and digital tourism services have helped transform the city into a year round destination. Combined with expanded air connectivity from Europe and visa free access for many travellers, Almaty has become increasingly accessible to international visitors.

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A symbolic shift for the Asian Winter Games

The relocation of the 2029 Asian Winter Games reflects a broader shift in approach. While Neom embodied a vision of technological spectacle and desert transformation, Almaty represents continuity, realism and existing capacity. For the OCA, the move restores certainty after months of uncertainty. For Kazakhstan, it provides an opportunity to reaffirm its place on the Asian sporting and tourism map.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has indicated that it will continue to host other winter sports events on a smaller scale in the coming years. The 2029 Games, however, will now unfold against a familiar alpine backdrop, rather than an untested futuristic landscape.

L’article Almaty replaces Neom as host of the 2029 Asian Winter Games est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The statement by the two bodies announcing the cancellation comes after sustainability, financial feasibility, and safety questions over the NEOM Games. NEOM is a Saudi Arabian giga development in the northwestern province of Tabuk, intended to become a futuristic megacity, providing “the urban model of tomorrow in which humanity evolves without harming the health of the Planet.” It is designed to be powered 100% by renewables and is a key part of the kingdom’s decarbonisation plans.

At the heart of NEOM is Trojena, a 60-km² year-round ski, wellness, and sports “village,” situated 50km from the Gulf of Aqaba in the Sarawat Mountains, where a microclimate is supposed to make artificial and natural snow possible via renewable energy and water management.

In late 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation made public its plans to open two new hotels in NEOM, citing Saudi Arabia as “a key market in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Middle East.”

The NEOM project was initially funded by the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to the tune of $800 billion out of a predicted $1.5 trillion, with a 10 billion riyals (€2.51 billion) loan from Saudi banks, plus bond sales. The gradual diversification of investments was widely thought by commentators to illustrate the kingdom’s various struggles to finance the development, especially given the scope of its other infrastructure commitments and the other major events it had programmed, such as the 2030-2031 Riyadh Expo and 2034’s FIFA World Cup.

With a recent drop in oil demand driving prices and Saudi revenues down, the announcement on the 2029 Winter Games appears to confirm what the Saudis themselves have already admitted. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al‑Jadaan said in 2025 that “no ego” would influence how the nation would continue to assess its initiatives and commitments, pointing to the need to be able to pivot to faster-growing sectors as required.

Now that pragmatism is playing out with the approach to the Winter Games. Alongside the OCA, and following what the latest statement called “extensive consultations between the two organizations,” Saudi Arabia has said it will instead play host to other winter sports events over the coming years.

L’article Saudia Arabia postpones 2029 Asian Winter Games amid financial questions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This “new” sport, which has experienced explosive growth in recent years, appears to appeal to a surprisingly broad audience. From politicians and elite athletes to global celebrities, the game has spread well beyond traditional sporting circles.

We all know at least one friend, colleague, or family member who has been swept up by this fast-paced “natural child of tennis and squash,” which can be played at any age and is easy to pick up.

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What is it about padel?

In reality, the sport is not new at all. It was invented in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera and his wife, Viviana, who were seeking entertainment at their new holiday home in Acapulco. With no space for a full-size tennis court, the bored couple started hitting a ball against the walls. Enrique, a tennis enthusiast, soon realised that his wife was enamoured with the makeshift game. According to legend, Viviana even threatened to leave him if he did not build her a proper court. “No padel court, no Viviana,” she reportedly declared.

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Fortunately, they lived in a pre-smartphone era; had they been doomscrolling instead, padel might never have been invented.

And so, Enrique complied, building the first enclosed cement padel court: 20 metres long and 10 metres wide, it was designed to prevent balls from being lost. According to Viviana, there were initially barely any rules at all, except those that her husband adjusted whenever he was about to lose. The former Miss Argentina drafted the first set of rules as a birthday present for him.

Padel is inherently social, played with solid, stringless rackets, and always in doubles. It is also cross-generational: grandparents can play with their grandchildren, and beginners can quickly get to grips with it.

As the International Padel Federation (FIP), founded in 1991, puts it: “Padel is a sport for all, regardless of gender, age, or skill levels. Talent and entertainment have no limits.”

Kissinger already played it in the early days in Acapulco; the game did not cross the Atlantic until the mid-’70s, when Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, a friend of Corcuera’s, built the first European courts in Marbella. From there, the sport spread rapidly through Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, eventually reaching France, the US, and Canada throughout the ’80s and ’90s. The first official competition was held in Buenos Aires in 1988, when the formal rules were fully standardised.

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Today, padel is widely regarded as the world’s fastest-growing sport. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, there are more than 400,000 players in England alone, and tens of millions of people now play padel across more than 130 countries.

This growth has even reshaped sports tourism. Luciano Cestari, founder of LC Tennis & Padel Holidays in the UK, told Travel Tomorrow that interest has decisively shifted towards padel. In 2021, his programmes were split 50/50 between tennis and padel. However, by 2026, nine out of ten of his packages will be padel-focused. Already operating in the UK, Portugal, and Menorca, Cestari, who “followed the birth of the sport in his native Argentina,” plans to expand to Italy next year.

L’article Why padel is one of the world’s fastest growing sports in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Developed by China Tourism Group (CTG), the flagship Riyue Bay Surf Resort is one of four signature coastal lifestyle projects designed to establish Hainan as a global leisure destination. Wanning boasts 109 kilometres of coastline alone and has become a kind of “spiritual home” for China’s growing surfing community.

Spread across 10 hectares, the resort is currently the only one in China aiming to combine world-class, reliable surfing conditions with a contemporary lifestyle offering. It caters to all levels, with four waves of varying strength designed for everyone from beginners to professional surfers.

Interest in surfing in China surged in 2021 when the sport was introduced to the Olympics in Tokyo. That same year, China began training its first generation of competitive surfers in state-run sports academies.

This turning point is captured in Surfnation, a documentary following teenage surfers Alex and Lolo as they navigate adolescence, societal expectations, and a subculture that challenges traditional life paths.

“In China, our parents are pretty traditional: study, find a job, start a family,” says 17-year-old Yingying in the film. “We surfers don’t think that way. We don’t want a boring life.”

Beyond natural waves, the resort offers a purpose-built surf ecosystem. At its centre is SURFLAND, China’s first artificial wave pool, which is powered by PerfectSwell pneumatic technology developed by the US company American Wave Machines. This system can generate 23 different wave types ranging from 0.5 to 2.7 metres in height, with each wave lasting up to 18 seconds and occurring every six seconds. The waves can be adjusted to suit different skill levels.

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In the evenings, the pool transforms from a training ground into a social hub, reflecting the resort’s vision of blending sport and lifestyle.

The wider resort is organised into four surf-inspired zones – Heavy Wave, Medium Wave, Light Wave, and Gentle Wave – to create a year-round destination integrating sport, accommodation, retail, and entertainment.

Two on-site hotels anchor the development: the Yue Chao Surf-Themed Hotel and the Yu Yue Designer Hotel. Together, they offer 132 rooms inspired by Hainan’s coastal landscape and aimed at surfers and leisure travellers seeking a relaxed, design-led “sleep by the sea” experience. Dining and nightlife are concentrated along the lively X-LIVIN Street promenade, which features cafés, international and Southeast Asian restaurants, live music venues, and a beachfront club.

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Beyond surfing, Hainan already offers a wide range of other outdoor activities and eco-conscious experiences in the region’s national parks, protected reserves, and heritage sites. Riyue Bay is tapping into the growing demand for active travel, hoping to attract not only Chinese visitors but also regional travellers from the Asia-Pacific area.

The resort is easily accessible by road and air. It is located around 60 kilometres from Haikou and 80 kilometres from Sanya, both of which are served by international airports and are connected to the resort via hotel shuttle services.

Whether Riyue Bay will become a must-stop destination for international surfers remains to be seen. However, with the necessary infrastructure in place, state support secured, and a new generation already riding its first waves, it is clear that China is betting on surf culture finding a long-term home on its southern shores.

L’article China rides the wave with its first purpose-built surf resort est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.