EU-Backed Initiative Sets New Standard In Inclusive Sports Tourism In Strovolos

Project Overview

Strovolos and the wider Nicosia region are poised to become a benchmark destination for accessible sports and tourism, thanks to the ambitious SPORTS4ALL project. This two-year initiative, funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supplemented by Greek and Cypriot national resources, is a cornerstone of the Interreg VI-A Greece-Cyprus Cooperation Programme, scheduled to run from December 2025 until December 2027.

Enhancing Infrastructure With Digital Innovation

Central to the project is a series of targeted enhancements to sports infrastructure within Strovolos, including the comprehensive upgrade of the Glafcos Clerides Municipal Sports Centre. The initiative will integrate cutting-edge digital applications and immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences to redefine the user experience, driving an inclusive sporting environment that accommodates everyone, including people with disabilities and visitors with reduced mobility.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

A Model Of Cross-Border Collaboration

Leading the partnership is the Region of Crete, supported by the South Crete Association of Parents and Friends of People with Disabilities “To Mellon’s”, the municipality of Strovolos, and the Nicosia Regional Tourism Board (Etap). This cross-border alliance underscores a shared commitment to promoting equal opportunities and enhancing international profiles through strategic investments in accessible sports tourism.

Driving An Inclusive Future

By leveraging innovative digital technologies and infrastructure improvements, the SPORTS4ALL project aims to elevate Strovolos’ international stature as an inclusive and forward-looking destination. As the municipality of Strovolos affirmed, the combined efforts are set to enhance the city’s global profile while ensuring that sport remains accessible to all.

Investment And Impact

With a total budget of €1,947,101.17, the project represents a significant investment in social inclusion and sustainable tourism development. This strategic initiative not only reinforces Strovolos’ commitment to community empowerment but also establishes a replicable model for future cross-border collaborations in the sports and tourism sectors.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

Breaking news