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Tag: local economy

  • EuroBasket 2025: Cyprus Set for Historic Tournament Hosting

    EuroBasket 2025: Cyprus Set for Historic Tournament Hosting

    EuroBasket 2025 presents an exciting opportunity for Cyprus to shine on the international stage, as the tournament will take place at Limassol’s Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre from August 28 to September 4. This marks the first time the island will host such a prestigious basketball event, with Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis expressing great enthusiasm for the occasion.

    Koumis stated that the event is a “first-class opportunity” to showcase Cyprus not just as a tourist destination, but also as a capable venue for international sporting events. He conveyed his satisfaction at Cyprus being chosen to host EuroBasket 2025, emphasising its potential to attract millions of viewers worldwide.

    Local organisers anticipate a significant influx of visitors, estimating that a five-digit number of foreign tourists will arrive for the tournament. This surge is expected to provide a substantial boost to local tourism and businesses alike. The broadcast coverage of the event is projected to reach, or possibly exceed, the 300 million viewers who tuned into EuroBasket 2022, further enhancing the island’s visibility.

    With the participation of five elite national teams and over 80 athletes competing at the highest levels of European and international basketball, the event promises to be a spectacle. Koumis noted the significance of having the Cyprus national basketball team compete for the first time in EuroBasket, marking a proud moment for the country.

    Eurobasket 2025: Festivities and Fan Engagement in Limassol

    As the opening match approaches, Limassol is already embracing the EuroBasket atmosphere. The city will feature a Fan Zone at the Old Port throughout the competition, where visitors can engage in entertainment activities and watch live screenings of the games. This initiative aims to create a vibrant community spirit and draw in basketball fans from near and far.

    Additionally, foreign journalists covering EuroBasket 2025 will have the chance to explore Lefkara on September 1, experiencing Cypriot traditions and tasting local delicacies. Koumis highlighted that sports tourism is a priority for the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which actively supports EuroBasket 2025 and other sporting events scheduled for Cyprus in the coming months.

    Ensuring Safety and Security

    Organisers are prioritising safety measures for the event, implementing strategies that include drones, sniffer dogs, and an increased police presence. Security rehearsals have already been conducted at the Spyros Kyprianou Sports Centre to test logistics, crowd management, and emergency procedures, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.

    Economic Boost and International Exposure

    Beyond safety, EuroBasket 2025 is anticipated to yield substantial economic benefits for Cyprus, with estimates suggesting an impact of €13–17 million. The influx of thousands of visitors is expected to invigorate local businesses, while the tournament will provide Cyprus with invaluable international exposure.

    The Cyprus Basketball Federation views EuroBasket as a pivotal moment that places the island firmly on the international basketball map. Federation president Andreas Mouzourides expressed pride in the completed arena renovations, which were finished ahead of schedule, allowing organisers to focus on presenting the best image abroad.

    Mark Klerides, president of the organising committee, underscored the importance of sponsors such as Allianz, EKO, and the Bank of Cyprus, along with ticketing partner more.com, in making this event a reality. Their support has been crucial in preparing for what is set to be a landmark occasion for both Cyprus and the sport of basketball.

  • Polis to See Major Developments Worth €100 Million in 2024

    Polis to See Major Developments Worth €100 Million in 2024

    major developments — Polis Chrysochous mayor Yiotis Papachristofi recently announced that the town will witness major developments valued at a minimum of €100 million next year. This ambitious plan includes a series of transformative projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and boosting local economic growth.

    Major developments: Key Projects on the Horizon

    Among the key initiatives outlined by Mayor Papachristofi are the expansion of the Latchi port and the construction of a new sewerage system. Additionally, there will be renovations to both the centres of Polis Chrysochous and the nearby village of Prodromi, as well as improvements to local archaeological sites. These developments are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the area and create a more appealing environment for residents and visitors alike.

    Preparation for Change

    The mayor emphasised that the municipality has engaged in “intensive preparation work in previous years” to set the stage for these projects. He believes that the collective efforts will soon position Polis Chrysochous at the forefront of development across the island. “With larger projects like the new road connecting Polis Chrysochous and Paphos, the area will be at the epicentre of the island’s development,” Papachristofi stated.

    Aiming to Retain Young Residents

    One of the mayor’s primary goals is to counter the trend of young people leaving the area for better opportunities elsewhere in Cyprus or abroad. He noted, “Our goal is for Polis Chrysochous and the surrounding area to have a proper image with quality infrastructure, so that we can attract people and develop in terms of tourism.” By improving local amenities and creating jobs, the municipality aims to build a vibrant community where young residents can thrive.

    Broader Economic Impact

    The planned developments are not just about aesthetics; they are intended to have a far-reaching impact on various sectors. Papachristofi remarked that these initiatives “will help all sectors,” including tourism, agriculture, and livestock. By fostering a better environment for tourism, local farmers and livestock producers will also benefit as they will have enhanced opportunities to sell their products.

    Road Construction Tender Announced

    Earlier this month, the government issued a new tender for the first phase of the road connecting Paphos and Polis Chrysochous. This initial phase will link the village of Ayia Marinouda, located just outside Paphos, with the village of Stroumbi, situated roughly halfway between the two endpoints. The total distance for this segment is approximately 15.5 kilometres.

    Details on Road Specifications and Funding

    The proposed road will initially feature two lanes of traffic along with a crawler lane where necessary. The government has stated that while the road will not be a dual carriageway at the outset, there is potential for future expansion. The estimated cost for this phase of construction is around €90.2 million, excluding value added tax, with a projected completion timeline of 30 months.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

    Mayor Papachristofi acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly following the previous cancellation of a contract with the Greek construction company Intrakat last year. If a new bidder is selected, construction will resume from where it left off, making it imperative to find a suitable contractor to ensure timely progress on the road project.

    Community Engagement and Support

    The mayor is keen to engage the community throughout this development process, seeking input and support from local residents. He believes that fostering a sense of ownership among community members will be vital for the success of these initiatives. “We want to ensure that these developments reflect the needs and desires of our residents,” he added.

    Looking Forward

    As Polis Chrysochous prepares for these significant changes, the mayor’s vision of a revitalised town with improved infrastructure and economic opportunities is becoming clearer. The forthcoming projects are expected not only to enhance the local landscape but also to improve the quality of life for residents and attract visitors to the area. With strategic planning and community involvement, the town aims to emerge as a thriving hub within Cyprus.