Mouzourides: The economic footprint of FIBA ​​EuroBasket and why it is a unique opportunity for the hotel sector

The cumulative benefits for Limassol from the organisation of EuroBasket 2025 have been highlighted in an interview in the June edition of ‘Xenodochos’ with the President of the Cyprus Basketball Federation (CBF), Andreas Mouzourides, noting that "we are in the final stretch for the top sports event that our country has ever hosted."

Xenodochos is the Cyprus Hotel Association’s monthly online magazine.

According to Mouzourides, it is expected that the event will attract approximately 4,000-7,000 visitors from abroad, including team delegations, fans and media representatives.

As for the direct economic impact, according to the CBF President, this is estimated to exceed €12 million, without taking into account the indirect effects in sectors such as the promotion of Limassol and Cyprus as a destination, the strengthening of sports tourism, as well as increased tourist consumption in a peak period par excellence.

His full interview can be read below, translated from the original Greek.

What stage is the organisation of FIBA ​​EuroBasket 2025 at?

We are in the final stretch for the top sporting event our country has ever hosted.

The upgrade works of the "Spyros Kyprianou" stadium in Limassol have been completed and the stadium's areas have acquired their modern, renewed form.

At the same time, all operational plans have been finalised, through close cooperation with FIBA ​​Europe, the relevant government agencies and other partners. We are now entering the final preparation phase, with communication efforts and the promotion of the event intensifying inside and outside Cyprus.

EuroBasket 2025 is a historic moment for Cyprus and we are ready to respond, with professionalism and enthusiasm, to the high expectations that accompany it.

The number of visitors to Limassol has increased significantly due to FIBA ​​EuroBasket 2025. How much do you estimate the benefit to the local economy will be?

The organisation of EuroBasket 2025 is expected to have multiplier benefits for the local economy.

According to our estimates, the event is expected to attract approximately 4,000-7,000 visitors from abroad, including team delegations, fans and media representatives.

The direct economic impact is estimated to exceed €12 million, not counting the indirect effects in sectors such as the promotion of Limassol and Cyprus as a destination, the strengthening of sports tourism, as well as increased tourist consumption in a peak period par excellence.

It is an event with significant potential for the wider tourist and economic activity of the island.

The role of hoteliers

The roles of both the organisation and the hoteliers are important and interrelated. How can FIBA ​​EuroBasket 2025 contribute positively to strengthening the hotel sector and, correspondingly, how can hotels effectively support the organisation?

EuroBasket 2025 represents a unique opportunity for the hotel sector to emerge as a strategic partner in international sporting events. For our part, we have placed particular emphasis on selecting high-standard accommodations for delegations, official guests and FIBA’s needs.

At the same time, we call on hoteliers to embrace the event not as a challenge, but as an opportunity for development. To adapt their services to the needs of sports tourism, to enhance the level of hospitality and to actively collaborate with the organisers of the event.

The visitor's experience is not limited to the stadium. It continues and is completed in the hotel, in the restaurant, on a walk through the city. That's where memories are born and that's where impressions are ultimately judged.

How can the experience of hosting FIBA ​​EuroBasket 2025 be strategically leveraged to strengthen Cyprus' position as a destination for major sporting events in the future? What is needed to build a solid tradition of sports tourism?

The success of EuroBasket 2025 can and should be the springboard for Cyprus to establish itself as a destination for high-profile international sports events.

To build such a tradition and culture, cooperation is needed and more specifically political will, investments in infrastructure, organisational know-how and of course long-term strategic planning.

Sports tourism is a strategic development pillar, with the potential to further strengthen the tourist season, diversify our tourism product and attract a high-quality audience.

The Cyprus Basketball Federation, with EuroBasket, is taking a big step. The future depends on all of us.

The message to tourism professionals

Finally, what personally inspires you within this collaboration and what message would you like to send to the tourism and hospitality professionals participating in this joint effort?

I am deeply inspired by the power of sport to unite people, communities and nations. Through this great event, we have the opportunity to showcase the best of Cyprus: a welcoming, organised and ambitious country, capable of hosting international events with success and credibility.

My message to all tourism professionals is simple but essential. ‘The success of this event depends on your participation and your quality. Together we can offer an unparalleled experience and leave a legacy that will transcend the narrow boundaries of sport.’

I am confident that Cyprus will succeed.

(Sources: Xenodochos, InBusinessNews)