Whatever the 2019 OPAP Limassol Marathon is eight calendar months away, however, the summer period is particularly important in attracting runners, especially from abroad. Those who register within the summer will have a 40% discount on the participation fee (€ 36 instead of € 60 the marathon route). Apart from the biggest sporting event in Cyprus, the OPAP Limassol Marathon is the organization that contributes more than any other to the promotion of sports tourism, a sector that directly brings to the place more than 32,000 tourists annually and indirectly a few tens of thousands more. According to CTO data, marathon and endurance road events attract about 3,000 athletes from abroad each year. Of these, more than half correspond to the OPAP Limassol Marathon.
"Promotion of Cyprus"
"Through a three-year plan that started in 2016 and -entering the third year- has already brought measurable results, we are promoting the event in Great Britain, promoting Cyprus as an ideal destination that combines excellent infrastructure, sunshine, warm hospitality and good food, along with a world-class fennel "Explains Mr. Andreas Spyrou, Business Development Manager of the OPAP Limassol Marathon. Mr. Spyrou underlines that "through this rather costly campaign, Cyprus has won, as a runner may not eventually run to Limassol, but will meet and maybe visit Cyprus at any other time." & Nbsp;
Δεκα χιλιαδες διανυκτερευσεις
In the last three years, the number of runners from abroad participating in the largest sports event in Cyprus has tripled and the goal is to multiply. The OPAP Limassol Marathon is not limited to the traditional tourist market of Great Britain, but through the internet and various synergies and collaborations, targeted promotion takes place in Central and Northern Europe, Balkans, Russia, Greece and the Middle East.
It is estimated that Limassol benefits from more than ten thousand nights during the OPAP Limassol Marathon. Most runners coming from abroad bring their families with them, choosing to combine the race with a short getaway to sunny Cyprus, at a time when winter conditions are still prevalent in mainland Europe. & Nbsp;
" Boost to dozens of businesses "
«OPAP Limassol Marathon is the largest sporting event for Cyprus but also the most important in the effort to attract sports tourism in our city "explains Ms. Maria Stylianou Michailidou, director of the Tourism Development Company & amp; Limassol Promotion, which is the co-organizer of the race, together with , Emporiko & amp; Chamber of Industry and the Municipality of Limassol. & Nbsp;
"This is a event which significantly enhances the tourist flow to our city and gives impetus to dozens of businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels and restaurants, while promoting our city internationally and gives the opportunity to hundreds of athletes to know it and - why not - to extend their visit to enjoy it more or to return to Cyprus as tourists at another time "points out Ms. Stylianou Michailidou. & nbsp;
Through the promotion campaign of OPAP Limassol Marathon , not only the city of Limassol is promoted, but also the province and mountainous areas, such as Platres, Omodos and the other wine villages, since the goal is to highlight both the competitive and the tourist aspect , offering the visitor options beyond the race.
OPAP Marathon Limassol will be held for the 13th consecutive year on March 23-24. Information and registration at www.limassolmarathon.com. & Nbsp;