International conference on sports tourism held in Nicosia

The Cyprus Sports Organization hosted an international conference titled 'Sports tourism as a driver for sustainable development' on June 3-4, 2026, at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia. The event took place during the Cyprus Presidency to address the links between sports, tourism, regional development, innovation, and social cohesion. Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Athena Michaelidou noted that the conference follows the May 12, 2026, EU Council conclusions on the sector. This was the first time the EU approached sports tourism in a structured, comprehensive manner. The conference was attended by various officials, including KOA Vice President Kalli Hadjiiosif, board members Stavros Michaelidis and Konstantina Pafiti, Deputy General Manager Vasos Koutsiountas, and legal advisor Sotiris Sampson. Tourism Deputy Minister Costas Koumis highlighted that sports tourism accounts for approximately 10% of global tourism expenditure. The gathering aimed to shift the focus from mere event hosting to a cross-cutting policy area involving governments and industry stakeholders.