A Powerful First Half: Move Sports Drives International Sports Tourism in 2025
From major youth tournaments to customised sports tours and corporate events, Move Sports delivered a vibrant first semester in 2025, contributing significantly to sports tourism in Portugal with over 12,000 hotel nights generated.
Introduction
The first half of 2025 has proven to be a landmark period for Move Sports, showcasing not only our capacity to organise world-class events but also our contribution to the development of youth sport and tourism in Portugal. From international tournaments across four sports to multiple bespoke tours and corporate experiences, the results speak for themselves: thousands of athletes welcomed, hundreds of matches played, and over 12,000 hotel nights generated.
Dove Men+Care Portugal Rugby Youth Festival: A Global Gathering of Rugby Talent
On 12 and 13 April, the 17th edition of the Dove Men+Care Portugal Rugby Youth Festival took place at the Estádio Universitário de Lisboa. This iconic international youth rugby tournament welcomed 120 teams from 12 countries, bringing together a record-breaking 3,200 participants and 35,000 visitors.
With 348 matches and 159 hours of rugby over just two days, the event was powered by 40 referees and supported by a dedicated staff team of 205. More than a competition, the festival generated a massive 8,140 hotel nights, boosting the local economy and reaffirming Lisbon's role as a European hub for youth rugby.
Lisbon Basketball Youth Cup: Growing Year After Year
Held on 21 and 22 June, the 5th edition of the Lisbon Basketball Youth Cup brought together 265 participants from 19 teams representing 5 countries. Taking place in top-notch facilities, this youth basketball tournament saw 47 gamesplayed over 47 hours of sport, supported by 14 referees and 12 staff members.
The event produced 330 hotel nights, contributing to Lisbon's status as a prime destination for international basketball development.
Portugal Volleyball Festival: Youth Volleyball on the Rise
The 2nd edition of the Portugal Volleyball Festival was held on 28 and 29 June and showcased the strength of youth volleyball across borders. With 187 participants, 17 teams, and representation from 3 countries, this event featured 36 games and 36 hours of volleyball, overseen by 12 referees and 10 staff members.
The tournament also contributed 268 hotel nights, reinforcing its growing relevance in the international volleyball calendar. This year's edition even attracted the interest of a team from Canada, highlighting the event’s increasing appeal on a global scale.
Portugal Summer Football Cup: Sunday League Goes International
Also taking place on 28 and 29 June, the 4th edition of the Portugal Summer Football Cup attracted 450 players across 34 teams from 7 different countries. Focused on amateur adult football, the event featured 99 matches over 75 hours of sport, with the support of 12 referees and 30 staff.
It generated a total of 882 hotel nights, combining passion for football with cultural exchange in a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
Custom Sports Tours Across Four Disciplines
In addition to the tournaments, the first half of 2025 saw Move Sports deliver several tailored sports tours in rugby, football, basketball, and field hockey. These tours welcomed teams and schools from Belgium, Qatar, the United States, France, Zimbabwe, Wales, Scotland, England, and Latvia.
Across these experiences, athletes enjoyed training sessions, competitive matches, leisure activities and cultural excursions. Together, the tours accounted for approximately 750 participants and 2,715 hotel nights.
Corporate Events with an International Reach
Move Sports also organised 3 corporate sports events in this period. One of these gatherings welcomed staff from Spain, Poland, France, and Belgium, reflecting the international scope of our corporate offering.
These events were designed to foster team spirit through sports and outdoor activities, and also contributed to the local tourism economy.
A Semester of Impact
Altogether, between tournaments, sports tours and corporate events, Move Sports delivered:
Almost 5,000 athletes and participants
530 matches and over 350 hours of sport (not counting friendly fixtures and sports activities from tours and corporate events)
123 referees and 272 staff members engaged
A total of 12,335 hotel nights
These results reinforce our commitment to quality, safety, and meaningful experiences. At Move Sports, sport is more than competition. It’s a tool for growth, community, and global connection.
Note: All figures refer to activities organised and managed by Move Sports between January and June 2025.