Hong Kong aims to further boost tourism numbers

Hong Kong is already a global tourism hotspot but attracting more visitors remains a major focus.

Enhancing the city's appeal as a destination for tourism and major sports and cultural events is a strong part of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as announced by Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee earlier this month.

Lee unveiled measures to support the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism which will help develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for international cultural exchange.

These included enriching the supply of high-quality tourism products, while bolstering infrastructure and ancillary facilities as well as deepening engagement with markets in the Chinese mainland and around the world."Hong Kong is blessed with a unique cultural vision, shaped by both Chinese and foreign influences," Lee said.

"We will continue to engage and collaborate with mainland and overseas culture, arts and creative sectors to consolidate Hong Kong's role as a hub for the exchange, collaboration and promotion of culture, arts and creativity.

"We will also host international cultural and arts exhibitions and performances to attract visitors to Hong Kong."

To support Hong Kong's film industry and promote "Film + Tourism", a Support Unit for Non‑local Film Productions will be set up to provide one‑stop services for mainland and overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong, aiming to attract the production of more quality films to promote Hong Kong.

Lee noted that the Kai Tak Sports Park has substantially expanded Hong Kong's capacity to host international events, with more than 170 sessions of international and local sports and cultural entertainment mega events having been held so far, attracting over 2.6 million spectators.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism.

Law said that Hong Kong welcomed around 36.67 million visitor arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of about 11%.

"The proportion of overseas visitors travelling onwards to the Chinese mainland via Hong Kong has continued to rise, exceeding 20% in the first half of 2026," she said.

How the Olympic Games can boost Queensland produce

Queensland should use the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games to showcase regional foods, an academic paper released this week says.

Mooloolaba prawns, Sunshine Coast macadamias and Granite Belt olive oil on the menu at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could create lasting value for local businesses and communities, a University of Queensland report says.

Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy from UQ’s Business School and Lead of the Innovation Pathways Program at Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) says in the the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper.

“Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games is far more than a catering challenge - we want to showcase Queensland’s clean, nutritious and distinctive produce,” Professor McColl‑Kennedy said.

“The Games are a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to highlight Australian innovation, strengthen supply chains and deliver a legacy for how food is produced, distributed and experienced.”

The report aims to capitalise on bolstered tourist numbers.

As well as expected peaks in domestic tourism to the Brisbane 2032 Games, the white paper recommended identifying food trends among consumers and making Australian produce the star of the meals.

“We could use Queensland-caught seafood on sushi and serve mezze platters with Emerald’s chickpeas, an array of vegetables from the Lockyer Valley and native finger limes,” McColl-Kennedy said.

“Identifying food consumption trends is key to success, such as consumers being more health-conscious and wanting to know where the food is coming from.

“As well as food that tastes good, many consumers want personalised food experiences so a simple meal of freshly caught fish overlooking a river at sunset can be special.

“By planning early, Brisbane 2032 can balance innovation with ethics, personalise food experiences and build resilient systems for producers, consumers and communities long after the Games are over.”

The report recommends collaborations with Indigenous communities to support the production of native produce, as well as the broader agricultural industry to address worker shortages and resourcing challenges.

UQ vice-chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO said Brisbane 2032 gave Australia a powerful platform to build long-term sustainable partnerships across government, industry and the education sector that would define the legacy of the Games.

“Universities are home to some of Queensland’s best thinkers and problem solvers - in areas as diverse as food systems, health science, urban planning and sustainability,” Professor Terry said.

“With the right investment and coordination, decisions made now can deliver a stronger, more resilient food system that delivers benefits for regional development and industry capability well beyond 2032.”

The white paper is intended to inform industry stakeholders, policymakers and Games planners as preparations for Brisbane 2032 continue.

Read the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper on the FaBA website.

Grant Burge Wines kicking goals during Gather Round

Barossa-based Grant Burge Wines takes its Australian Rules football seriously. 

The official wine partner of the AFL and AFLW will be high profile at the South Australian AFL Gather Round this weekend, with activations across Adelaide and the Barossa Valley, including a corporate lunch in the state capital.  

“Gather Round has quickly become one of the most exciting events on the AFL calendar and a fantastic showcase for South Australia," says Sandy Mayo, Chief Marketing Officer for brand owner Vinarchy. 

"As a Barossa Valley producer, it’s a natural fit for Grant Burge Wines to be involved in the celebrations and to welcome visitors to experience the region.”

The Grant Burge's cellar door in the Barossa (above) will be open daily throughout Gather Round from 10:00am to 4:30pm, offering tasting experiences including the Legends of the Vine tasting, which features wines from Grant Burge and fellow Barossa producer St Hugo.

Executive chef Simon Hicks has created an exclusive food pairing for the football festival - a gourmet Meshach pie accompanied by a glass of Grant Burge’s flagship wine, Meshach Shiraz, offering a serious taste of the Barossa. 

Grant Burge Wines will also be present in Lyndoch on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday April 12, when AFL matches are held in the Barossa, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy local wines as part of the match-day atmosphere.

Bookings for cellar door experiences at grantburgewines.com.au

Maximum exposure: It's Vinarchy in the AFL

AFL fans better get used to quaffing some new Barossa wine after the league announced a partnership with leading global wine company Vinarchy.

The deal will see prominent Australian wine brand Grant Burge Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the AFL, AFLW and AFL-owned Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

The four-year partnership, which starts immediately, will see widespread exposure for Barossa-born brand.

Grant Burge Wines will be poured at all AFL and AFLW-owned events, including the AFL Brownlow Medal and AFLW Awards, as well as across key hospitality and event spaces within Marvel Stadium.

AFL executive general manager customer, commercial and technology (what a job title!) Bec Haagsma said the partnership is built on shared values.

“There is a strong alignment between both organisations in creating memorable experiences and both share a passion for bringing people together - we can’t wait to work with the team at Vinarchy across the next four years,” she said.

Established in 2025 following the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Vinarchy combines Vin (the French word for wine), with Archy (from the Ancient Greek word for leadership). Together it means wine leadership.

The AFL’s previous wine deal was with Pepperjack. 
See www.vinarchy.com

 

Date clash a serious stuff up for Hobart's winter tourism industry

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is extremely quiet for virtually every weekend of winter.

Hotels have empty rooms; restaurants bemoan empty tables.

So the announcement on November 3 that crowd-pulling Dark Mofo, Australia's mid-winter solstice festival, would return to Hobart from Thursday June 11 to Monday June 22 universally welcomed.

Alongside the festival’s large-scale public art installations, will be live performances and exclusive musical acts.

Dark Mofo 2026 will also include familiar rituals: Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Hotels will be full; bars and restaurants heaving.

That only leaves a dozen other weekends when Hobart's tourism operators would welcome some help from other events.

What a wasted opportunity then that after the hapless Tasmanian Government paid a million dollars for Richmond to play one home AFL game in Hobart in 2026, the AFL last week announced its fixture list.

Sure enough, the AFL chose Sunday, June 14, for the Hobart match between Richmond and reigning AFL premiers Brisbane.

Accommodation will be at a premium; many flights will be full with Dark Mofo attendees and any remaining seats will be priced stratospherically.

So who stuffed up? Jane Howlett, minister for tourism and events will plead ignorance. Dark Mofo will say it had announced its dates well in advance.

The AFL, one of the most arrogant sporting bodies on the planet, is unlikely to give a damn.

There will be two victims. The Tasmanian tourism industry. And interstate fans of Richmond and Brisbane. Just another stuff up. A shrug of the shoulders, Just move on.      

New travel initiative aims to keep mountain bikers on the right track

Love to push yourself to your limits? 

Destination Southern NSW (DSNSW) has officially launched Great Southern Trails, a new tourism initiative that aims to position Southern New South Wales as s premier mountain biking destination.   

Great Southern Trails connects 10 mountain biking trail networks and towns, offering 550+ km of dedicated MTB trails across the South Coast, Alpine Region, and the Canberra region. 

The initiative was launched at the inaugural Sea Otter Australia MTB Festival in Batemans Bay earlier this month, marking its debut on the national stage. 

“Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing tourism segments in regional Australia," says Richard Everson, general manager of Destination Southern NSW.

"Tourism Research Australia estimates cycle tourism contributes $1 billion annually to the visitor economy.  Every trail network brings riders to local cafes, pubs, accommodation, visitor attractions, and tours. 

“The Great Southern Trails tourism initiative aims to inspire visitors to choose Southern NSW for their next MTB trip. The initiative helps them plan, and encourages longer stays, higher visitor spend, and stronger year-round tourism visitation - delivering real economic and social benefits to our local towns and communities.”  

The Great Southern Trails brand and website have been developed by DSNSW with support from MTB clubs, tourism industry operators, local councils and government.  

It provides a 1000km mountain biking road trip taking in 10 locations that can easily be broken into smaller segments of two-, three-, and four-day MTB adventures.   

“Southern NSW is home to some of Australia’s best mountain biking trail networks, which is the reason we brought our business and the internationally renowned Sea Otter Australia MTB Festival to Batemans Bay and Mogo Trails," says said Juliane Wisata, founder and marketing director for Rocky Trail Entertainment, a leading MTB event business.

"From the iconic Stromlo Forest Park to Thredbo Resort and the recently opened Mogo Trails, Gravity Eden, Narooma MTB, and Mt Tumbarumba, nowhere else in Australia comes close to the quality and diversity of MTB riding on offer in the region. 

“It makes sense to collectively market the MTB trail networks in this region and ensure the MTB riders of Australia know the incredible MTB experience on offer here.”  

See www.greatsoutherntrails.com.au

Image: Norco Photos 

Toronto has museums and galleries for all tastes

Toronto, where I spent several enjoyable days in August, is one of the best cities in North America for lovers of museums and art galleries.

The biggest city in Canada and the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario, it has a wide range of museums and galleries including the [Ice] Hockey Hall of Fame, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Bata Shoe Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art

The Art Gallery of Ontario has a large and distinguished art collection, while the Hockey Hall of Fame has the world's largest collection of hockey gear and historic artefacts including including NHL masks, hockey sticks, championship rings.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, AGO houses an expansive collection embracing classical masterpieces to contemporary works, while the Bata Shoe Museum showcases over 1,000 shoes and related artefacts from a collection of nearly 15,000 objects that span 4,500 years of history. 

It is housed in Raymond Moriyama’s award-winning building displaying everything from Chinese bound-foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals to chestnut-crushing clogs and glamorous platform shoes.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) hosts a rotation of exhibitions of artists of the 21st century. Central to the museum’s ethos is the impact of colonisation in modern Canadian life. 

Fort York Historical Park, meanwhile, is preserved as a 43-acre archaeological park on the site of the 1812 Battle of York battleground.

# The writer was a guest of Novotel Toronto Centre. See https://novoteltorontocentre.com/

He flew via Doha with Qatar Airways. www.qatarairways.com   

# Image: Winsor Dobbin  

Củ Chi: From war zone to luxury golf resort

The world moves on. 

For many folk the name Củ Chi is synonymous with the Vietnam War (which the Vietnamese call the American War). 

  

The tunnels of Củ Chi are a huge network of connecting tunnels located south of Ho Chi Minh City. 

The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the war and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the decisive Tet Offensive in 1968. 

Now Củ Chi is building a reputation as a world-class golf resort with the opening of Vinpearl Golf Léman, a newly opened 36-hole facility. 

Located just an hour's drive from central Ho Chi Minh City, Vinpearl Golf Léman is set amid the waterways and greenery of Củ Chi. 

Covering more than 200 hectares, the project consists of two courses, North and South and is being promoted as being among the longest and most strategically designed courses in Asia.

The course is designed to reflect the natural landscape and includes over 200 bunkers, undulating fairways, and finely contoured greens. 

Complementing the course, Vinpearl Golf Léman offers a modern clubhouse, a premium pro shop with international golf brands, and a restaurant and  convention centre with capacity for nearly 700 guests. 

"Vinpearl Golf Léman has been developed with modern facilities, a distinctive design, and a scale ranking among the most strategic in Asia," says says Nguyễn Thu Phương, southern operations director of Vinpearl. 

"We believe it will soon become a host venue for national and international tournaments, contributing to raising Vietnam's profile on the global golf map.

"The opening of Vinpearl Golf Léman adds another international-standard course to Ho Chi Minh City, providing golfers with a comprehensive venue where sport is combined with high-quality leisure experiences. 

"It also marks a strategic step in Vietnam's journey to become one of the region's leading golf destinations, on par with Asia's most renowned golfing hubs."

Vinpearl Golf operates international-standard golf courses in Vietnam at Hai Phong, Nam Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Cu Chi and also manages the Cape Wickham Golf Links in Tasmania. 

See https://vinpearl.com/vi/vinpearl-golf-leman

Yukon Territory embraces its cold, long winters

 

It is mid-winter in the endearingly eccentric Canadian territory of Yukon, where they take the season very seriously indeed. 

It might be so cold that most smart folk are in front of the fire with a nice cuppa, but in Yukon it is festival time. 

From the high-energy antics of the Yukon Rendezvous Festival to the questionable (animal welfare-wise; Google Boppy) Yukon Quest sled dog races, there are celebrations that showcase the region's culture, history, and wilderness.

Here are five Arctic celebrations: 

Dawson City Fat Bike Blues
January 18-19 

Join fat bike ultra-athlete Jessie Gladish for two days of fat biking fun during the inaugural Dawson City Fat Bike Blues event. There will be group rides along the Yukon River, a tour of historic sites and snowy tracks in the local mountains. 

Yukon Quest
February 1 
Elite canine athletes are now in training for the Yukon Quest sled dog endurance races. Spectators will line the streets of Whitehorse for the ceremonial event launch on Saturday, February 1, with the official race starting the following day. Starting in Teslin, 180km from Whitehorse, the event courses will run trails through Johnsons Crossing, Ross River and Faro, before doubling back to Teslin, covering 643km of arctic wilderness. 

Yukon Rendezvous Festival

February 7-23
Yukon Rendezvous Festival celebrates the Yukon's unique frontier heritage and heralds the start of spring. Join communal pancake breakfasts, axe throwing competitions, dogsledding, flour packing and chainsaw chucking the vibe is uniquely Canadian. Guests can pick up crafts created by local artists at the Cultural Craft Fair, held at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre and enjoy live performances throughout the festival. 

Yukon Beer Festival

February 9
The Yukon Beer Festival aims to kick off Rendezvous with a brew or two. Taste your way through an array of craft beers, discovering unique flavours and nuances of the finest brews. 

Available Light Film Festival
February 7 – 21 

Canada's largest film festival north of 60° is a celebration of northern, Canadian and international cinema, taking place in the heart of winter in Whitehorse. Available Light Film Festival embraces diversity in all its forms and definitions. 

# Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. 

A meeting of minds: Florida and rugby league

It is a most unlikely marketing partnership.

A regional tourism operation in Florida, Visit St Petersburg Clearwater, Pinellas County’s official destination marketing organisation, has inked an 18-month partnership with the Betfred Rugby Super League.

As an advertising sponsor, branded LED banners will be prominently featured across more than 100 matches, which will be televised on BBC and Sky Sports.

You have to wonder if sports fans in Leigh and Wigan know the difference between St Petersburg, Florida, and St Petersburg, Russia. But there you go.

The partnership includes high-profile games throughout the season as well as the playoffs and finals along with marquee matches, such as the England vs. France international match.

The Betfred Rugby Super League games give the beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater global exposure as the games are, allegedly, aired in over 50 countries.

The sponsorship also includes an integrated online and radio campaign, with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater assets prominently displayed in stadiums.

Additionally, there will be specially-designed ads on the radio and online content.

With an estimated viewership of over 40 million (ahem), the partnership promises “extensive visibility” for the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater brand.

The sponsorship will run until December 31, 2025.

Steve Grimes, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, says: “The Rugby Super League’s growing popularity worldwide provides a dynamic platform to reach diverse and passionate sports fans.”

“We are proud to align our brand with one of the fastest-growing sports globally.”

Righto Steve. 

The most unlikely surfing destination in the world: Munich

When you think about great surfing destinations you probably think Hawaii. Or maybe Bells Beach in Australia, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa or Biarritz in France.

But what about Munich? Yes, Munich in Germany.

The capital of Bavaria, home of Bayern Munich and the Oktoberfest, also has an unlikely surf scene thanks first to a natural river wave and now to an artificial surf lagoon that is pumping out ocean-like waves on command.

First there was the Eisbachwelle: the largest, best and most consistent city centre location for river surfing.

The strong waves on the Eisbach river at the entrance to the Englischer Garten (park) attract surfers and onlookers from around the world. People have been surfing here for over 50 years.

The man-made river forms a standing wave about one metre high. The water is cold and shallow, making it only suitable for experienced surfers.

E2 Wave, meanwhile, is the little sister of the Eisbach Wave and it’s located only a few hundred metres downstream. This wave is more mellow and not as powerful and steep.

And now Munich is to get its own serious surf park with ocean-like waves (below).

Endless Surf, the wave technology featured at O2 SURFTOWN MUC, recently showcased its first waves.

From high-performance to beginner waves, the technology is capable of crafting waves to suit all surf levels, offering training potential for athletes while also making the dream of surfing attainable for those living far away from surf-producing coastlines.

"This is a game-changer for the future of surfing" says Leon Glatzer, a professional surfer who was among the lucky few to experience the first waves in his home town.

"It was incredible to experience the power that Endless Surf holds while working alongside their engineers to customize waves. They've already created insane wave settings and have barely scratched the surface in terms of possibilities with this wave-generating technology."

Endless Surf president Paul Chutter says: "Witnessing the flexibility of our technology in action is a special moment. Not only for the dedicated teams behind this project, but for numerous destinations worldwide set to showcase our technology. The vision we've had from the start is proving itself and we're only just getting started."

This project is the first of over a dozen in development worldwide for the Vancouver-based company that is a brand under WhiteWater, the world's largest supplier of aquatic attractions.

With finishing touches now being added to Germany's first surf park, the grand opening of O2 SURFTOWN MUC is slated for this summer, when public surf sessions will be available.

For more information visit EndlessSurf.com

Using sport to sell unsellable travel destinations

Have you ever watched a sporting event, seen a tourism sponsor on a shirt and then decided to visit that destination?

No? Me neither.

Yet there is a growing trend for tourism boards to splash out hundreds of thousands of dollars on logos and patches on football jerseys.

Close to home we have “Tasmania” on the Hawthorn AFL guernseys. It is part of a sponsorship package deal.

In the English Premier League, top team Arsenal has the bewildering slogan “Visit Rwanda” on its shirts.

It is hard to believe it has attracted one Gunners fan to hotfoot it from north London to Africa for their annual holiday rather than Mallorca.

Arsenal maintain their deal is about promoting tourism in a developing country rather than supporting the country's political leadership. Visit Rwanda, however,  is an arm of the Rwanda Development Board which is a government department. 

Visit Rwanda also has deals with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

MSC Cruises sponsors soccer teams including Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Napoli, which makes a little more sense. And AFC Bournemouth has a deal with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Association. OK. 

And airline sponsorships, of which there are many, sort of make sense.

But an announcement this week was particularly baffling: a deal between newly relegated English Premier League team Burnley and Visit Detroit. 

Maybe a lot of residents in the small northern English town have an interest in learning about urban degradation. Somehow I doubt it.

As per the agreement, the tourism board’s logo will feature as the Clarets’ main shirt sponsor during the team’s US pre-season. 

 
Visit Detroit (the city is pictured above) will additionally serve as Burnley’s travel wear partner. 

Since 2020, Burnley has been owned by US investment group ALK Capital, so there is some link, but it is hard to see just why anyone would make Detroit their US travel destination.

Marcus Mellor, Head of Commercial (silly title, that) at Burnley, said: “We are delighted to begin this new journey with Visit Detroit in this remarkable partnership.

“Football transcends geographical boundaries, and I’m pleased that through this collaboration we can strengthen our ties with US communities and fly the Clarets' flag stateside as we celebrate the passion for the beautiful game."

Detroit, for the uninitiated, was once known as Murder City and has had some of the highest crime rates in the US.

And you have to wonder whether Visit Detroit knows the difference between the Premier League, which draws worldwide attention, and the second-tier Championship, which does noe.   

I think they are all kidding themselves.

 the beautiful game.” 

 

 

 

Guess what happens when you mix sport, politics and money?

Mix politics, sport and money and the result is unlikely to be a good one.

The International Olympic Committee this week named international beverage giant AB InBev as a worldwide partner until 2028, following news that Asahi had pulled out of its Paris sponsorship deal due to Russia’s presence at the 2024 Games.

Multinational brewer AB InBev, full name Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and the largest brewer in the world, revealed that its alcohol-free Corona Cero will be the official beer of the Olympics through the Olympic and Paralympic Games LA 2028.

The company's brands include Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois.

The deal means poor sports lovers are going to lumbered with an no-alcohol beer.

The agreement also includes marketing rights for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Paralympic Games through the IOC-IPC long-term collaboration agreement, website The Drinks Business reported.

Asahi announced last month that it would be pulling its sponsorship of the Paris Games.

Asahi brand Pilsner Urquell, which is also the official partner of the Czech Olympic Committee, withdrew from all communications and sponsorship material related to the 2024 Olympics, reportedly due to the IOC deciding to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the event.

Asahi released a statement saying “Pilsner Urquell does not want to support the Olympic Games in Paris under current conditions. It will send money to Czech athletes”.

AB Inbev CEO Michel Doukeris said: “Beer is the beverage of moderation and choice, and so it’s fitting to lead with Corona Cero, for this occasion.”

Moderation and choice? Mr Doukeris is clearly a master of spin and bulldust.

French law prohibits the sale or distribution of alcohol in stadiums, and the organisers of the Paris Olympics have not applied for an exemption. Alcoholic drinks can, however, be served in VIP areas.

How very IOC. One rule for the plebs, one rule for sponsors and high flyers.

# The writer has been known to drink beer and is a former consultant to the IOC   

France puts out the welcome mat for rugby fans

It might just be one of the longest major sports events ever held.

The Tour de France and the Olympic Games games stretch over three weeks; the World Cup soccer tournament extends well over a month.

But this year's Rugby World Cup in France will run for seven weeks from September 8 to October 28.

There will be 48 matches featuring 20 national teams in France.

This will be the10th in a tournament series played every four years since 1987. I've been lucky enough to attend four of them: the opening event in New Zealand/Australia, in South Africa, in the British Isles and France, and in Australia.

While Paris will be the main stage - hosting the opener between France and the New Zealand All Blacks and the final - nine other cities will also host games.

 

During the almost six years I lived in France I visited seven of the host cities. Sorry Toulouse and St Etienne.

Here are my brief thoughts on the cities rugby fans will be descending upon.

Paris will be in the spotlight and is always a city of surprises and joy. The opening will be played at the Stade de France (top image), the largest stadium in the country.

The 80,000-seat arena will also host the two semi-finals and the third-place playoff.

Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Lille-Villeneuve d’Asq and St Etienne are also in the host line-up.

Marseille’s Orange Vélodrome is usually the home of football team Olympique Marseille. 

Be careful where you go at night in Marseille. The port city is my least favourite destination in France and in my experiience the locals the least welcoming.

In contrast, a French city that screams art and culture, is Bordeaux, with over 350 UNESCO-listed buildings in its historic centre. Wine lovers will want to explore the vineyards and visit the Cité du Vin wine museum on the banks of the Garonne. Dine at quirky La Tupina if you get the chance.

Toulouse, called  the ‘Ville Rose’ (Pink City) is known for its aerospace industry and is rugby heartland. Try the local sausages.  

Lyon is the gourmet capital of France, a delightful city with narrow streets and secret passageways, hidden staircases and stylish courtyards. Head to one of its ‘bouchons’ (traditional restaurants) for a casual gastronomic experience.

Lille's Pierre-Mauroy stadium in the suburb of Villeneuve d’Asq is an unlikely venue - football is king in the his region of France. Visit LaM (the Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Art and Art Brut) set in large park full of sculptures.

Nice, surprisingly chosen ahead of rugby-crazy Toulon, is home to many of the highlights of the Côte d’Azur. Visit the local markets and walk the Promenade des Anglais.

In Nantes, the Beaujoire stadium is best known for its football team than rugby. Visit the ‘Machines de l’Ile’ site: former shipyards where you can climb aboard a giant carousel of extraordinary sea creatures. And have a seafood meal at La Cigale - one of my personal favourite restaurants.

St Etienne is another city much better know for football than rugby. It is the gateway to the Auvergne, with its gentle sloping mountains, dormant volcanoes and beautiful countryside.

See https://www.france.fr/fr and https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/matches

Bonza jumps on the Matildas' bandwagon - but leaves it too late

There is nothing like jumping on a bandwagon to seek some publicity.

And it is even more obvious when you time your stunt just a day too late.

In celebration of the Matildas' World Cup semi-final appearance, Australia's newest airline Bonza has promised to name its next aircraft 'Matilda'.

The airline with an eye for bogan appeal also has four aircraft named Shazza, Bazza, Sheila and Malc.

The fifth plane, due to arrive next year after the airline's Gold Coast base launch, will have Matilda painted on its side.

“Like the rest of the nation, our team of legends have been gripped by Matilda Mania thanks to their sportsmanship, mateship with one another and their pride in wearing the green and gold," says Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

"As an airline that is solely focussed on Australia, it seemed fitting to name our next aircraft Matilda.

“From all of us here at Bonza, congratulations and well done to the Matildas for what you've achieved on and off the pitch.”

All a bit cheeky when you consider that Qantas is an "official partner " of the Matildas and actually spends money to support the team.

Border aims to hit a six with maiden wine release

Former Australian cricket captain Allan Border has joined a growing number of sportsmen endorsing collectible wines.

Border joins the likes of golfer Ernie Else and another former cricket star in Ricky Ponting in playing  the wine game.

Border’s shiraz - to be known as Maiden Tonne - has been released by Sanguine Estate Winery in limited numbers via an online ballot.

Only 2,000 bottles will be released of what is the first entry into wine for Border and the first collaboration for Sanguine.

The wine is named for Border’s maiden Test century in 1979 against Pakistan at the MCG.

“I am proud of the Maiden Tonne Shiraz,” Border said in a media statement.

“This is not just a wine that I have put my name to. I have been actively involved in the entire process, from picking the grapes right through to the blending and final tasting.

“I would really like to thank Mark [Hunter, Sanguine winemaker] who allowed me to come up with a wine that I can genuinely say is unique and very special to me.”

Sanguine Estate is owned and run by the Hunter family in Heathcote, Victoria.

The wine will cost $150 per bottles and there will be a limit of two bottles per person. See https://maidentonne.com.au.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is flat out

With just over a month until the Bugger Human Rights World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the quaintly named Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy is in full cry.

It reported ticket sales for the 2022 tournament are approaching 3 million as the countdown continues to the World Cup tournament, which will kick off at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

During a press conference in Doha this week, organisers announced a further 30,000 rooms had been made available to World Cup visitors - something they might have thought about when they planned for the event.

Qatar will stage 64 matches at eight "state-of-the-art" stadiums during the event.

Accommodation is apparently available from the Qatar Accommodation Agency and rooms can be booked from $80 per person, per night based on two-person occupancy.

Accommodation options include hotels, apartments, cruise ships and fan villages.

"We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best ever edition of the FIFA World Cup," said the impossibly positive FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"And as you look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training pitches, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome."

Except maybe members of the LBGTQI+ community and the many slaves (sorry, guest workers), who died during stadium construction.

"The world [meaning FIFA and its many sponsors] is excited. Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the field."

So the man is a fortune teller.

Eng. Yasir Al Jamal, director general for that Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: "After more than a decade of hard work and close collaboration with stakeholders across the country, Qatar stands ready to host a memorable edition of the FIFA World Cup. 

"The compact nature of our tournament means visitors will never be far from the action - always close to a stadium or entertainment activation. We look forward to hosting a tournament that will live long in the memory for fans from across the globe."

Further information about Qatar's additional cultural and entertainment fan destinations can be found at www.qatar2022.qa/en/live-it-all-in-qatar.

Forget Tokyo. Florida wants the Olympics. Now.

We may be less than a month into the New Year, but already he have a brilliant candidate for the award of Tin-Eared, Deluded Opportunist of 2021.

And, no surprise here, the nominee is an American politician - from the Republican Party.

Meet Jimmy Patronis, who enjoys the title of Chief Financial Officer in the US state of Florida.

Patronis is lobbying the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach into moving the upcoming Olympics to his state should they be canceled in Tokyo.

He pointed out how successfully Florida had recently hosted a UFC fight card. 

The Games were postponed from Tokyo in 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak but are due to go ahead in Tokyo in six months' time. 

 
“There is still time to deploy a site selection team to Florida to meet with statewide and local officials on holding the Olympics in the Sunshine State,” Patronis told the IOC. “I would welcome the opportunity to pitch Florida and help you make the right contacts to get this done.”

Patronis said that Florida’s “ample hotel capacity and well-maintained transportation network” could allow it to successfully hold the Games, and that there are “12 major universities that have existing sporting facilities.”

It usually takes a city up to eight years to prepare to host an Olympic Games and there is also the unfortunate matter of Covid-19 to consider. Something Patronis appears to have forgotten. 

The United States leads the rest of the world in both confirmed cases and deaths from the virus and Florida has had the third-most cases among any state in the country. There have been 25,000 deaths so far in the state as the US death toll soars above 420,000.

Florida, with a huge retired population,so much so that locals joke that gangs include "the Bloodclots and the Cripples". It has repeatedly been a hot spot for the virus, and locals have resented being asked to wear masks to prevent the virus spreading. 

Florida is also where the "Paramedic of the Year" was this week accused of stealing Covid vaccines.  

Victor Matheson, a leading sports economist, said holding the Games in Florida would be “mind-bogglingly stupid” and "batshit crazy". 

“The idea that just because Florida has a lot of hotels that they could organize an entire Olympics event within six months is absolutely crazy,” Matheson told the Huffington Post.

“Let’s be honest here: If Tokyo is not safe enough due to Covid-19 to host the event, there’s no way in a million years Florida is safe enough to host the event,” he said. 

“It simply means that Tokyo actually cares about whether they want a mass superspreader event in their city while Florida doesn’t.”

Patronis said in his letter that Florida has successfully allowed sports to take place during the pandemic.

Patronis is a former restaurateur and politician. He was previously a member of the Florida House of Representatives representing the 6th district, which includes Panama City (the one in the US, not the one in Panama) and other parts of southern Bay County, from 2006 to 2014

This mouth-breathing, inward thinker - who probably chants "USA, USA" in his sleep - seems not be aware that the US has already hosted the Summer Olympic Games four times, the most of any country. Los Angeles is again expected to host in 2028. 

Andrew Zimbalist, another leading sports economist, did not hold back. 

“This is an idiotic, delusional, uninformed, ignorant Florida politician trying to put his name out there,” Zimbalist said. “And whether or not he himself believes this can be done, I don’t know. It’s got no chance. It’s just stupid.”

The Tokyo Olympic Games are scheduled to begin July 23 but maybe Patronis can convince the IOC to make them an annual event held at Disney World with free ice creams all round.