SPORTS TOURISM to Cyprus has generated around €14 million from January 2009 until April this year, the head of the Cyprus Sports Federation (KOA) announced yesterday.

According to Nicos Kartakoullis, in 2009, Cyprus hosted a number of sporting events – such as the 13th Games of the Small States of Europe – as well as athletes and visiting fans. This resulted in an income of between €13 million and €15 million. <BLOG_BREAK>

“For the KOA, sports tourism is important for two reasons: firstly because it supports the tourism industry and secondly because it contributes to further developing Cyprus sports, through the various exchanges,” said Kartakoullis.

He added that Cyprus had two competitive advantages in efforts to attract sports tourism: it has very good sporting substructures and favourable weather conditions.

“Cyprus is among the priorities of foreign athletes when it comes to preparing for outdoor sports, such as swimming, cycling and football,” said Kartakoullis.

“With better coordination from all involved bodies, Cyprus will be able to upgrade its tourist product when it comes to sports, as the sector has the best services to offer.”

As published on April 29, 2010 by Cyprus Mail