Sports Tourism in Cyprus - Case Study Example

SPORT ORIENTED CYPRUS; A FOCUSED BUSINESS PROPOSAL Student’s name Code & Course Professor’s name University City Date Sport Oriented Cyprus; a Focused Business Proposal Contents 1.0 Sport Tourism in Cyprus 3 Analysis 4 2.1 Event Proposal 5 2.2The purpose 5 2.3 The scope 5 2.4 Theme 5 2.5 Venue 5 2.6 Audience 6 2.7 Timing 6 2.8 Mission statement 6 2.9 Aims 6 2.10 Project partners 6 2.11 Marketing and promotion 6 3.0 Planning Phase 9 3.1 Map 10 3.2 Checklists 10 3.3 Transportation 10 3.4Accommodations 11 3.5 Special Events 11 3.6 Competition Equipment 11 3.7 Emergency 11 3.8 Special Services 12 1.0 Sport Tourism in Cyprus Given its natural aesthetic appeal and its position intersecting three continents, tourism in Cyprus has indeed been successful and aided the economic position of the country for a long time (Saveriades 2014, pg 249). Tourism has created employment for the locals thus improving economic growth and development in the country. The current economic status of the country can without argument be attributed to tourism. Recent developments have however seen the rise of competition from neighboring countries that have the same if not more tourism attractions to offer thus threatening the survival of tourism in Cyprus. Cyprus is additionally suffering from seasonality and dependence on tour operators to market their destination. The tourism product has furthermore become monotonous given that any developments made are directed towards the same product. The need to diversify and explore other ranges in tourism has thus become gruesomely important (Whittington 2014, pgs 379- 396). Sport tourism might be a concept that has been introduced recently in the tourism market but it is characterized by fierce competition given its potential for development. Through a SWOT analysis, the Cyprus Tourism Organization has been able to identify the strengths of the country which include it advantageous position due its sport infrastructure that is of high quality, its excellent weather conditions and the presence of tourism facilities that are quality and elaborate (Farmaki 2015, pgs 178- 190). The investment into sport tourism in the country has shown that there is real potential for the country to substantially benefit from sport tourism. The disadvantages that Cyprus faces include the cost of tickets and the cost of staying in the country. The absence of flights from the northern countries is also a disadvantage that needs to be addressed Analysis 2.0 Support from Cyprus Tourism Organization Contribution from all the stakeholders in Cyprus is needed to ensure progressive development of sport tourism in the country. The Cyprus Tourism Organization however has the greatest responsibility to take initiative and ensure that effective measures are provided for an unforgettable sport tourism experience. The objective of the Cyprus Tourism Organization is to organize and promote tourism in Cyprus by fully utilizing the existing resources and possibilities. In order to achieve this objective, the Cyprus Tourism Organization shall be responsible for; i. Making ground plans that are sound and implementing them to achieve the development of tourism in the country. It shall be additionally responsible for creating proposals and submitting them to undergo alterations that are legal and administrative adding up to the development of the tourism industry. ii. Securing economic leverage to financially benefit Cyprus as a country through working tirelessly to ensure the attraction of foreign persons and visitors to the country and creating an experience in liaison with other stakeholders in the public and private sector that will ensure their long stay. iii. Identifying then defining and developing the areas in the country that makes tourist attractions starting from the most famous then ascending to the rest. The planning scheme of the region and the town in general should be taken into account and all possible steps taken towards their development. iv. The practicing and implementing of all methods and other ways to promote its objectives. In the past year, the Cyprus Tourism Organization and the Cyprus Sport Organization have liaised to promote and develop sport tourism through hosting athletes and sport groups visiting Cyprus for training (Zuelow, 2015). They have additionally funded federations to compete for international competitions in Cyprus. The major sport activities currently in Cyprus include running, swimming, football and cycling (Saveriades 2014, pg 241). 2.1 Event Proposal Given the advantages that sport tourism could provide to Cyprus and the disadvantages that need to be acted upon, the following is a business proposal for a sport tourism event in Cyprus that could benefit the whole country in terms of tourism and thus make Cyprus the ultimate tourism destination. 2.2The purpose The purpose of the event will be to promote Cyprus as a sport tourism destination 2.3 The scope The activities covered during the event will include biking, running and swimming. Tourists will additionally be able to leisurely walk and sightsee the terrain given its aesthetic beauty. 2.4 Theme The theme for the event will be Cyprus for Cycling. The theme was discussed as the most favorable given the popularity of Cyprus as region for cycling. 2.5 Venue The routes for the event will be from Paflos Castle then along the Kouklia-Kourion route. The Kouklia-Kourion route is famous for cycling expeditions and has beautiful scenery along the route. The cyclists additionally get a beautiful view of the mountain surrounding the region. 2.6 Audience The audience will involve tourists from different destinations, the people of Cyprus and various stakeholders in the event. The marketing team will put particular focus to tourists who visit for sport to entice them to attend the event. 2.7 Timing The event will take place from the first to seventh of July 2016. Most of the activities will take place during the day. The visitors will additionally have a day to themselves to explore Cyprus. There will also be cocktail parties and dinners in the evening for anyone interested. 2.8 Mission statement To provide the best Cyprus tour experience in the world 2.9 Aims To provide the best global tourism sport experience To make Cyprus the leading destination for sport tourism 2.10 Project partners The project partners will include the Cyprus Tourism Organization, the Cyprus Sport Organization, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, private stakeholders such as hoteliers and tourism agents and the local people themselves. 2.11 Marketing and promotion The event will be promoted through television and print media and most especially through the social media where tourist platforms exist. The following is a proposed sample of the print advertisement that will be available. Experience the tour of your life in Cyprus! The Cyprus Cycling Tour, coming this July. The atmosphere will calm you and the delights of Cyprus are worth your while. You will get to taste or cuisines, visit our beaches and enjoy swimming and sailing. Then the grandest of them all… The cycling tour will reel your senses, the competition spirit! The obstacles will be fun, and the prize will drive you senseless. Come one, come all. Let’s go Cyprus!!! 2.12 Possible sponsorship Most of the sponsorship will come from the government and other stakeholders interested in the event. With a fund set aside for tourism events through the Cyprus Tourism Organization, the country stands a stable chance of planning with a decent budget for a great event and seeing the returns. Additional funding will be acquired from the activities paid for by the participants. 2.13 Risk management issues The anticipated risks are such as injuries, financial risks and the possibility of hostility between the host country and the visitors. The plans to cater for these risks include double checking the event’s activities and routes to ensure minimum risk and having emergency teams on standby. The event managers will reserve separate funds to cater for unforeseen expenditure and there will be public relation personnel deployed to the ground and security to ensure peace among all participants. A team will be created before hand to discuss the risks anticipated and how they will be managed. Given the sensitivity of the event, most of the risks will be treated as high priority thus the resources provided to mitigate them will be maximum. 2.14 The Social, Environmental and Economic Impact Sport tourism provides a platform to fortify national legacy, identity, and community character as local people unite to uphold their culture (Vrasti 2013, pg 64). Sport tourism gives foreign people and visitors a way to know the culture and practices of the host country. Sport tourism can bring about the restoration and safeguarding of literary traditions. Sport tourism brings about economic gain, employment and trade Aside from its positive side, sports tourism also brings about negative impacts such as: i. The erosion of the traditional communities due to attraction to profit from sport tourism which affects the economical balance of the local community (Vrasti 2013, pg 90). ii. The communities lose their identity and their cultural heritage iii. Modifications to cultural experiences to contain tourism notions and make the country more interesting but deceiving them at the same time. iv. Sport tourism may bring about exhibitive behavior from some individuals v. Sport tourism can bring about animosity between hosts and tourists. vi. Mountain bikers can damage plants and soil vii. Campers, those participating in hiking and boating activities tend to dump rubbish in parks and streams. 3.0 Planning Phase The Planning committee will consist of the following: The event coordinator will oversee the planning and implementation of the whole event. All plans will be passed through him including approvals and changes needed. The operations manager will assist the event coordinator through ensuring that all the operations run smoothly. The other sector heads will see to their departments with every head required to produce their best. 3.1 Map 3.2 Checklists The following checklists will be used to ensure all systems and requirements are in place 3.3 Transportation i. Transportation to be provided by airlines, railways, bus companies and car comanies ii. Provision of maps of the highway and local region iii. Shuttle service and can services iv. RV, trailer rental agencies v. Local tour companies vi. Travel agencies vii. Services from valets and parking attendants viii. Areas for parking ix. Stickers and cards that stand out as parking passes x. Kiosks and trailers with attendants for assistance 3.4Accommodations i. These will be provided by hotels, and other hospitality establishment within the region ii. Centers that have media services iii. Centers with business services iv. Rooms to house the staff v. Television circuits such as CCTV in the roooms vi. Nanny and babysitting services vii. Recreation facilities within the region with maps showing diection viii. Banquet location and spaces 3.5 Special Events a. Days for individual time during the event b. Ceremonies for the start and the close of the event c. Groups of volunteers, facilitators and interpreters d. Feasts such as receptions, cocktails and banquets e. Social interaction occasions 3.6 Competition Equipment i. Public address system ii. Communications systems such as radios and phones and beepers• Score/record keeping iii. Stopwatches, countdown machines and watches for timing iv. Lighting equipment v. Ropes or temporary fences for controlling he crowd vi. Sanitation services (port-a-potties) vii. Signs viii. Portable blocks and buildings 3.7 Emergency a. Security personnel, fencing and training for the event b. Stations for first aid and emergency medical care c. Ambulance services d. Alternative plans in case of weather changes e. Tenting services f. Official services g. Signage h. Insurance 3.8 Special Services a. Janitorial b. Site maintenance c. Collection and removal of garbage and litter d. Laundry and washing services e. Seamstress and tailoring services f. Couriers Reference List Farmaki, A, 2015, ‘Politics and sustainable tourism: The case of Cyprus’, Tourism Management vol 47, 178-190. Saveriades, A, ‘Strategic Planning in National Tourism Organisations: The Case of Cyprus’, European Tourism Planning and Organisation Systems: The EU Member States Vol 61, 279. Sharpley, R., and Telfer, D. eds, 2014, ‘Tourism and development: concepts and issues’, Vol. 63. Channel View Publications, 2014. Shipway, R., et al.2016, ‘Understanding cycle tourism experiences at the Tour Down Under’, Journal of Sport & Tourism, 1-19. Vrasti, W, 2013, Volunteer tourism in the global south: Giving back in neoliberal times. Routledge. Whittington, A, 2014, ‘Family Vacation 2050: Socially and Technologically-Driven Scenarios of the Future of Family Travel, Recreation and Tourism’, Tourism Recreation Research vol39, no. 3, 379-396. Zuelow, E, 2015, A History of Modern Tourism. Palgrave Macmillan. Read More