CYPRUS MARATHON EVOLVES INTO TUI CYPRUS MARATHON - TUI THE NEW MAJOR SPONSOR OF THE PAPHOS MARATHON
The Paphos Region Tourism Development and Promotion Company welcomes this very important development where TUI, one of the world's leading tourism groups, recognizes the destination Paphos as a destination with a perspective in sports tourism and joins forces with the Cyprus Marathon which now bears the brand name TUI Cyprus Marathon.
This collaboration marks a new era for the most historic long-distance race on the island. With the support of TUI, the international image and appeal of the race is strengthened, access is facilitated through tourist packages and the strategies of the two companies and the destination are aligned in investing even more actively in sports tourism.
Paphos Tourism Authority (ETAP) is celebrating the fact that tour operators who were previously mainly providing sun and sea travel packages are now investing in specialized forms of tourism. This development is expected to contribute even more to the reduction of seasonality, while an increase in foreign participants is undoubtedly expected in the coming years. Magnus Hüttenberend, Head of Sponsorships at TUI Group, said: “This agreement demonstrates our commitment to our strategic regions, such as Cyprus. This is not just a sponsorship, but a dynamic partnership that connects people through sport, promotes sustainable tourism and highlights destinations with cultural and natural wealth. We consciously invest in local events, with the aim of highlighting them on a global level. The TUI Cyprus Marathon in Paphos is a project with soul, which together with the ‘Running in Cyprus’ team and the valuable support of volunteers and partners, we will develop further.” Stavros Kakourides, Race Director of the TUI Cyprus Marathon, added: “The partnership with TUI is of strategic importance and recognition of our work all these years. The race is evolving into an international life experience and with the help of TUI, we can raise the bar even further.” SUN RUN FUN The TUI Cyprus Marathon takes place every March in Paphos, following a unique route from the birthplace of Aphrodite to the Medieval Castle of Paphos. Since 1999, it has welcomed runners from more than 80 countries. The 2026 event will take place on March 7 and 8 and will include: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km Race and the 5km Sunset Run.
As part of the partnership, TUI will offer exclusive travel packages for participation through its app and online platforms, facilitating the participation of runners from all over the world.
With this important announcement, the TUI Cyprus Marathon strengthens its international footprint, highlights Cyprus as a global sports tourism center and strengthens Paphos as an all-year tourist destination
