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Cyprus Set To Host FIBA EuroBasket 2025 In Limassol

Cyprus Makes A Landmark Debut

Cyprus is poised to enter the international basketball arena as Limassol prepares to host the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 from August 28 to September 4. This historic event will take place at the state-of-the-art Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre, marking the island nation’s inaugural participation in the tournament and positioning it as a center for global sports excellence.

Economic And Tourism Boost

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Costas Koumis, highlighted the event as a prime opportunity to enhance Cyprus’ profile as both a tourist destination and a premier venue for international competitions. With preparations underway to welcome a five-digit number of foreign visitors, the tournament promises to inject significant revenue into the local economy, with projected economic impacts estimated between €13–17 million. This influx of visitors will invigorate local businesses and demonstrate Cyprus’ commitment to leveraging sports tourism for long-term growth.

Global Audience And International Exposure

The tournament is set to capture the attention of a global audience, with broadcast coverage expected to reach, and potentially exceed, the 300 million viewers from EuroBasket 2022. In addition, a vibrant social media presence will further amplify the event’s impact. The participation of elite national teams and the debut appearance of the Cyprus national basketball team underscore the significance of this competition on both a European and international scale.

Robust Security And World-Class Preparations

Ensuring a safe and secure environment is paramount. Authorities have implemented advanced security measures including drones, sniffer dogs, and enhanced police presence. Comprehensive security drills at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre have been conducted to fine-tune logistics, crowd management, and emergency response protocols, reaffirming Cyprus’ readiness to host a high-caliber sporting event.

Cultural Integration And International Partnerships

Beyond the game, the event is designed to celebrate Cypriot culture. A dedicated Fan Zone at the city’s Old Port will offer entertainment and live game screenings, while foreign journalists are invited to experience traditional Cypriot life with a guided tour of Lefkara, featuring local customs and culinary delights. This strategic blend of sport and culture is further bolstered by the support of esteemed sponsors such as Allianz, EKO, and the Bank of Cyprus, underscoring the event’s robust international partnerships.

A Turning Point For Cypriot Basketball

As the Cyprus Basketball Federation completes arena renovations ahead of schedule, the upcoming tournament is being hailed as a turning point that will firmly establish Cyprus on the international basketball map. With continued efforts by government officials and sports administrators, EuroBasket 2025 is set to deliver both prestigious exposure and tangible economic benefits, marking a new chapter for sports tourism and international engagement in Cyprus.

Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.

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