The research was conducted by Yiota Skitini - a travel agent and graduate of the MA International Tourism, Hospitality & Events programme at UClan Cyprus University, under the supervision of Dr Christos Anagnostopoulos - the university’s Assistant Professor of Sports Business Management, Deputy Head of School.

The purpose of the research paper ‘The future of Larnaca City and Region in Terms of Sport Tourism Development’ was to collect information, statistics and views on existing sports tourism on the island, and to evaluate the landscape and the potential for future development of the sector.

Larnaca’s role as a sports tourism destination is a significant one on the island, and the region has played host to a multitude of national, European and international tournaments in a variety of different sports, including – among others – high calibre events for football, swimming, tennis, diving, volleyball, skeet, archery, running, kitesurfing, cycling and martial arts.

The factors that make the region a preferred sporting destination include the favourable, year-round weather conditions (including sea temperature) and the ongoing development of state-of-the-art facilities, from stadiums and courts, to multi-sports indoor and outdoor venues that can accommodate both larger games and spectator numbers.

And with the city offering accommodation for all tastes and budgets, as well as much to see and do, the study has found that athletes tend to combine their sporting event with an extended break in the region.

The study concludes that within the context of the broader action plan of the National Tourism Strategy 2030, the investment and promotion of sports will constitute a significant segment of the island’s tourism product.