Following your favourite world sporting events

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Following your favourite sporting events around the world

With great international travel deals, New Zealanders can look forward to attending their favourite international sporting events

Auckland, 31 March 2009 – With the cost of long-haul international air travel plummeting, and great deals on accommodation, there has never been a better time for New Zealanders to travel abroad and attend the international sporting events they had only dreamed about.

Louise Crompton, Marketing Manager for Expedia.co.nz™, operated by Expedia, Inc., the world’s leading online travel company, says: “With airlines continuing to offer fantastic deals to fill up seats and great hotel deals on offer around the globe, international travel has never been more affordable. This is good news for sports-mad Kiwi’s who have always wanted to attend a major international sporting event abroad, but always thought it too expensive.”

“Whether you’re an avid sports supporter, or simply enjoy experiencing the celebratory atmosphere of a big crowd of adoring sports fans, there is a real thrill about being part of a big international sporting event in a foreign destination,” she said.

“With international travel offering such good value right now, Expedia.co.nz makes it easy to book multi-city itineraries online, allowing you to create your very own tailor-made international sporting events tour. You can also select all flights, accommodation, car hire and activities within the convenience of one site,” Ms Crompton said.

Expedia.co.nz highlights a selection of the best international sporting events around the world in 2009, not to be missed.

UEFA Champions League (Soccer)
Rome, Italy: Final May 27th
The most prestigious competition in European football, the UEFA Champions League brings together the top teams from thirteen European nations including, Italy, Spain, England, German, France and the Netherlands. Soccer fans are renowned for their extrovert team patriotism and en masse crowd participation, making this a boisterous and high-spirited event. Spring is also a wonderful time to be in Europe and a beautiful time to visit Italy without the large tourist crowds of the summer season.

Wimbledon Grand Slam (Tennis)
London, United Kingdom: June 22nd – July 5th
Considered by many as the most prestigious of the four Grand Slam tournaments on the annual international tennis calendar, Wimbledon is an absolute must for tennis fans. The famous All England Tennis Club is one of the traditional homes of tennis, where players are still required to wear all white. Despite the global economic downturn, due to the popularity of this event, it is important to secure your tickets early. Sit back, relax and enjoy the tennis over the iconic English summer tea-time treat of strawberries and cream. Be sure also to make the most of the English mid-summer to explore the scenic countryside outside of London.

Tour de France (Cycling)
France: 4th -26th July
The annual Tour de France traverses the dramatic Alpine region of rural France. With the ability to cycle some stages, the various parts of the race provide the perfect opportunity for the novice rider right through to the professional a chance to get in on the action. And of course you can just enjoy the excitement of cheering the cyclists from the sidelines. The final stage ends on the famous Champs Elysees in Paris, and it’s a must to get amongst the crowd to see the final yellow jersey arrival.

ISA World Surfing Games (Surfing)
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica: 31st July – 9th August
Surfers are some of the best travellers, seeking the ‘perfect’ ride across the globe and everyone is bound to enjoy the sporting prowess on display at the World Surfing Games in Costa Rica this year. Final points are up for grabs for individuals to claim the title of the world’s best surfer for 2009.

Presidents Cup (Golf)
San Francisco, USA: 6th – 11th October
The Presidents Cup is an international marquee of the world’s best male golfers who compete in a series of matches between a United States team and an International Team, excluding Europe. The Presidents Cup is held every two years and this year Greg Norman as captain the international team. San Francisco, America’s most romantic destination is abundant with museums, opera, performing arts and vibrant artist communities, making it an ideal getaway for couples.

Formula 1 Grand Prix (Motorsport)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: late-October – 1st November
The final race of the F1 season will take place at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 1st November. The track is situated on a 2,550ha natural leisure island, Yas Island, and will take in the harbour front of Abu Dhabi’s east coast. Aiming to be the leading Grand Prix circuit in the world, this brand-new competition is designed to wow and delight fans with unique spectator facilities and vantage points. While in the UAE, don’t forget Dubai – the ‘Hong Kong of the Gulf’ – is just an hour down the motorway, where the shopping is second to none!

Grade 1 Japan Cup (Horse Racing)
Tokyo, Japan: 29th November
Japan is home to some of the highest prize pool horse racing in the world, with the country's most prominent race, the Grade 1 Japan Cup, run each year in Tokyo, where the winner pockets more than NZ $7 million – making it one of the richest horse races in the world. The events attract many international runners during the month-long Autumn International Fair. Speaking of which, autumn is a beautiful time to travel in Japan, being Maple Season with many of the trees turning colour. The bright colourful red, yellow, purple and brown leaves create beautiful landscapes, with the season moving slowly southward across the country.

For excellent travel deals and a great travel experience, visit www.expedia.co.nz

ENDS

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