The significant contribution of sports tourism to the tourism economy of the country is confirmed, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has said.
He was speaking to CNA on 1 May, explaining that this year there had been a record number of participants in the Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival football tournament.
In his statement to CNA, Koumis, who attended the McDonald’s Ayia Napa Youth Soccer Festival 2024, said, “Sports tourism is the market segment with the biggest growth in the global tourism economy.”
He added that “Our intention and goal as Tourism Deputy Ministry is to further strengthen sports tourism, which is again proving to be a form of tourism that can grow even more in our country and contribute significantly to the extension of the tourist season.”
In this case, he continued, “It is with great satisfaction that we see the Ayia Napa Soccer Tournament growing, with an increasing contribution to the tourism economy. At a time not among the peak periods for tourism in our country, it has caused a surge in domestic tourism and also contributes to arrivals from other countries.”
According to the Deputy Minister, “It is indicative that 66 teams from 8 foreign countries are participating in this year’s event, which is equivalent to more than a thousand children from abroad, many of whom are accompanied by their parents.”
Koumis also noted that “this confirms the great contribution of sports tourism to the tourism economy of our country.”
(Source: CNA)
