L' Étape Cyprus by Tour de France: A boost to Cyprus’ tourism product

More than 500 athletes and their support staff are expected to arrive in Cyprus from abroad in November to participate in the highly anticipated L’ Étape Cyprus by Tour de France.

The Cypriot edition of the L' Étape by Tour de France series – held under the strict and demanding framework of the greatest cycling event on the planet – will take place on Sunday, 12 November 2023, with the participation of semi-professional and amateur cyclists.

Going by the entries so far, and considering the anticipated increase in participating Cypriot cyclists this year, it is predicted that the hotels in the Paphos and Limassol will benefit from around 2,100 overnight stays during the event. This is a particularly significant number for the off-peak tourism season, which is proof of the importance of organising major sporting events in Cyprus; especially considering how sports tourism contributes roughly €50m to the state’s annual revenue.

Michalis Metaxas, Director of Tourism at the Deputy Ministry, has noted the importance of L' Étape Cyprus by Tour de France for the country: "The Deputy Ministry of Tourism supports once again the international cycling event L' Étape Cyprus by Tour de France, a race that contributes significantly to the positioning of Cyprus on the map of international cycling road races and the recognition of our country as a cycling destination. Sports tourism, whether it involves attending or participating in sporting events and activities, or by hosting teams and athletes for training camps, is a priority for the deputy Ministry of Tourism based on the National Tourism Strategy 2030 and cycling, in particular, is included as a priority sport for Cyprus."

Cyprus is one of 22 countries that host a L' Étape by Tour de France race and the Tour de France Director, Christian Prudhomme, said of Cyprus' choice to be included in the calendar: “At ASO, we are convinced that having a L’Étape by Tour de France event in Cyprus makes a lot of sense. First, it looks like a perfect destination for cycling enthusiasts with great routes suited to all kinds of riders and amazing landscapes and infrastructures. Second, we know that cycling is currently booming on the island and the event will offer the ultimate challenge for all local riders and will hopefully pave the way to the future participation of a Cypriot rider in the professional Tour de France.”

Organiser of L' Étape Cyprus by Tour de France, Tony Martin of Mokapot Productions, said: "As a resident of Cyprus for two decades, I have witnessed first-hand the rapid rise of sports tourism in the country. From the very first moment, we stressed to the deputy Ministry of Tourism the importance of such events and it is with great satisfaction that we received excellent support, both from the former deputy Minister, Mr Savvas Perdios, and from the incumbent Mr Kostas Koumis. Apart from the direct financial contribution generated by our race and the many other sporting events hosted in Cyprus, we must also take into account the positive image that is sent abroad by our country, as a healthy economic and social destination that can host such major events.”

The L' Étape Cyprus by Tour de France will start and finish at Aphrodite Hills in Paphos. It encompasses two routes: "The Race", 136 km long with 3,000 metres of elevation, and "The Ride", 62 km long with a 1,300 metres elevation. Several villages of the mountainous Paphos and Limassol regions will cooperate with the organisers, including Kouklia, Pachna, Platres, Dora, Omodos, Anogyra, Pissouri.

The event’s sponsors are Cyta, Cyprus Airways and KEO's Natural Mineral Water Agios Nikolaos.

Registrations have already started, with costs starting from €79, while accommodation packages are also available. For more information, visit cyprus.letapebytourdefrance.com and by email info@letapecyprus.com.