Deputy Minister of Tourism, Kostas Koumis, stated that sports tourism offers multiplicative benefits. He made this remark while attending the first Petroline International Water Polo Tournament, held this weekend in Larnaca.

Deputy Minister Koumis expressed satisfaction with the organization of the international tournament. "Water polo is an Olympic sport since the early 20th century but is not widely developed in our country, despite aligning well with what we offer as a destination," he noted.

He continued, explaining that the lack of development in Cyprus "is due to the fact that for years we did not have the necessary infrastructure for such sports, and even today, these facilities are lacking and have weaknesses."

What personally resonates with him, he mentioned, "is that it once again proves that sports can generate multiplicative benefits for tourism. In this case, tourism emerges from a country that has never been significantly recognized as a tourist destination, despite our many connections, referring to Greece."

Referring to Larnaca, Mr. Koumis stated, "It is now a fact that the city of Larnaca is continuously upgrading and has hosted several events of international scope in recent years, enjoying corresponding benefits as a city and as a destination."

He also expressed "warm congratulations to the organizers and especially to the volunteers, without whom the event would not have been possible."