Transforming athletic events into an economic engine, Cyprus leverages its EU Council Presidency to launch a comprehensive European framework for sustainable sport tourism. Industry leaders outline aggressive steps to transform the island into a year-round athletic destination, capturing a slice of a massive sector that commands 10% of all global tourism expenditure. Here is the fast-forward breakdown.

Sport tourism as a driver for sustainable development was the focus of an international conference organised by the Cyprus Sports Organisation on June 3 and 4 at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia, in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

According to a CSO announcement, the conference, titled “Sport Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development”, brings together representatives from the fields of sport and tourism, with the aim of highlighting the prospects of sport tourism for the economy, social cohesion and regional development.

In her opening address, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Athena Michaelidou described the promotion of sport tourism as a conscious policy choice by Cyprus during its Presidency, noting that its impact extends beyond the sport sector. She said that promoting sport tourism is linked to the broader government priorities of social cohesion, health, economic development and international cooperation.

Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said that sport tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism industry, accounting for around 10% of global tourism expenditure. He also said that the sector is a key priority of the National Tourism Strategy 2035, stressing that Cyprus has the conditions needed to develop into a year-round sport tourism destination.

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos referred to the opportunities sport tourism creates for the capital, through the hosting of international sporting events and competitions that can strengthen economic activity and the city’s international profile.

A message was also delivered online by European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef.

CSO Deputy Director General Vasos Koutsiountas referred to the Council of Europe conclusions on sport tourism, pointing out that, for the first time, a comprehensive European framework is being shaped for sustainable sport tourism, with the aim of strengthening resilience, innovation and social cohesion.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)