articles | 30 January 2013

Sports tourism generated 20 million euros in 2011

The total numbers of visitors to Cyprus from abroad for sports tourism recorded an increase of 19% compared to 2010, generating approximately 20 million euros in revenues, according to a survey on sports tourism in Cyprus for the year 2011 presented Tuesday by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation

Particularly, in 2011 the number of visitors stood at 12.879 compared to 10.784 in 2010 and 9.347 in 2009.

The survey covered the sports of football, Swimming & Water-Sports, Cycling and Track & Field Events, (marathon, road racing, triathlon). A total of 78 3,4 and 5 star hotels, A’ class tourist apartments , Sports Organizations / Federations and Facilities, Travel Agencies and sports organizers took part in the survey.

The largest share of sports visitors related to football (5,918 visitors or 46%), followed in second position by swimming (3,226 visitors or 25%) and then cycling (2,212 visitors or 17%).

The average number of nights stayed at a total level for all sports was 10,7 nights, with the total number of nights stayed reaching130,000.

Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol were the three cities with the highest number of sports visitors. Particularly, Paphos attracted 3.425 visitors or 27%, Larnaca 2.704 visitors or 21% and Limassol 2.682 visitors or 21%.

In terms of nights stayed, Pafos holds the highest share (27%), with Larnaka in second position (with 24% share) and Limasol in third position (with 22%).

Famagusta, Larnaka and Nicosia are preferred primarily for football and Paphos for swimming.

The majority of sports visitors was recorded for the months of February and March 2011, holding a share of 39% of the total, as in 2010.

Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom were the main sources of sports visitors during 2011, with these three countries accounting for 33% of the total sports visitors.

Τhe economic benefit to Cyprus arising from sports tourism from the sports on which the survey has focused on stands at around 20 million euros.

 

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