Cyprus can become a top sports' tourism destination, says Basketball Federation

Hosting a group in the final phase of EuroBasket 2025 in August is an historic opportunity for Cyprus to emerge as a top international sports tourism destination, President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation, Andreas Mouzouridis has said.

According to the Federation's website, Mouzouridis said that the success of this prospect, however, depends on the adoption of a well-thought-out and comprehensive strategy that will be based on close cooperation between the public and private sectors and will aim at creating long-term advantages for the country.

He emphasised that sports tourism constitutes a dynamic sector, which combines the love for sports with the uniqueness of the travel experience, while the benefits arising from its development are multifaceted.

On an economic level, Mouzouridis noted, hosting major sporting events, such as EuroBasket, attracts visitors from all over the world, who directly boost the local economy through their stay in hotels, dining in restaurants, using transportation, and participating in recreational activities. At the same time, the international promotion of Cyprus through such events enhances its image as a high-level destination, contributing to the long-term increase in tourist demand.

The President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation emphasised that organising a successful event requires significant investments in sports infrastructure, which will not only meet the needs of the tournament but also provide long-term benefits to the local community and economy. Equally important is leveraging Cyprus' excellent climate, making the country an ideal destination for sports activities year-round.

Mouzouridis highlighted that ensuring the success of this endeavour requires a collective effort from all involved parties. The Ministry of Finance can play a central role by securing funding for necessary infrastructure and providing incentives for private investments while the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, by more strategically integrating sports tourism into its planning, can promote Cyprus as an ideal destination for sporting events.

At the same time, the Cyprus Sports Organisation could focus on upgrading existing sports facilities to meet international standards, he added.

Concluding, he said the private sector, through cooperation with hoteliers, travel agents, and other tourism professionals, can significantly contribute to creating comprehensive experiences for visitors.

(Source: CNA)