Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus and European Union officials said on Wednesday that sports tourism has the potential to expand travel, promote wellness and support sustainability. The remarks were made during a two-day international conference in Nicosia focused on the future of sports tourism and related policy areas.
Conference focus
The conference examined sustainable sports tourism, regional and community impacts, destination marketing, public-private-community partnerships and technological innovation.
The event took place less than a month after EU sports ministers adopted conclusions from the Council of the European Union stating that sports tourism contributes to sustainable development.
Cyprus and EU priorities
Local leaders said that a structured approach to sports tourism aligns with the priorities of the Cyprus presidency of the EU.
Officials said sports tourism is linked to policy areas beyond the economy.
Scope of sports tourism
Sports tourism includes travel to major sporting events such as international tournaments, marathons and youth competitions. It also covers travel undertaken for the purpose of physical activity itself.
In a pre-recorded address to delegates, European sports commissioner Glenn Micallef said this includes walking trails, cycling routes, outdoor recreation and community sport experiences.
Micallef said promoting opportunities for physical activity can help people discover less visited regions and encourage more tourism outside peak seasons.
Cyprus tourism ambitions
Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said sports tourism can help Cyprus become a year-round destination. He said he hopes to incentivise international sporting events to come to Cyprus.
In his opening remarks, Koumis said sports tourism is a bridge connecting people and cultures.